More than 10 000 votes for the Free State's name

7 April 2015

Within 48 hours after AfriForum launched their SMS campaign: "Retain the Free State's name", more than 2 000 people pledged their support for the retention of the province's name.

"Thus far, more than 10 000 people showed their support for the retention of the Free State's name. We were aware that the proposed name change is a serious matter for residents, and are thrilled about the support," CW Els, Provincial Coordinator for AfriForum in the Free State, said.

"Everyone who wants the Free State's name to stay, should SMS "Free State" to 32687. An SMS costs R1. We need wide support to make it clear that Free State residents will not passively accept name changes." 

Preliminary research by Johan Nortjé, a researcher at AfriForum, indicates that 12,7 % of Free State residents use Afrikaans as language of instruction.

"If the Free State Provincial Government would go ahead with the name change, it will send the message that they do not take the voice of minorities into consideration," Nortjé said. 

Nortjé found in his research that the link to the website of the South African Geographical Names Council, which is part of the website of the Department of Arts and Culture, http://sagns.dac.gov.za/, has been out of order for more than six months, which obstructs the transparency of the name change process. 

Statement issued by CW Els, Provincial Coordinator: Free State, AfriForum and Esmarie Prinsloo, Head: Media Relations, AfriForum, April 7 2015

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