Question NW2942 to the Minister of Arts and Culture
02 November 2018 - NW2942
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
1) Whether, with reference to a media statement issued on 08 May 2018 by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu Centenary Celebrations that the name of the Vanderkloof Dam in the Northern Cape is to be changed to the Nelson Mandela Dam, there are any plans to officially put such name change into effect; if so, by what date will this take place; (2) Whether his department has taken note of the petitions against such name change by the residents of the Renosterberg Local Municipality within which the dam falls, if not, why not, (3) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
REPLY:
- The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) statement on 08 May 2018 was a pronouncement on the process that had been initiated by the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation as part of the Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu Centenary Program.
Standardisation of geographical names is an administrative process that starts at local and provincial level and is finalised at the national sphere of government, where the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) makes recommendations for my approval or rejection. At the moment the matter is still the subject of public participation and discussion at local and provincial levels of government, and it is not possible to predict the final recommendations and the date it will be escalated to the national level of government for my consideration;
2. My department is not aware of any petition as none has been brought to our attention.
3. There will be no statement to make on the matter until the application is officially submitted through the SAGNC for my consideration.