After sporting its name since October 1850, a name change is on the cards for Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, led by MEC Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Geographic Names Committee (KZN PGNC), is currently urging residents of the Alfred Duma (Ladysmith) Municipality, encompassing 12 Traditional Authorities, to actively engage in the renaming process of their town.
The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture states that the initiative to officially alter the name of Ladysmith Town is a response to a community request for this change.
“Community members can choose between two names that have been suggested so far, Ladysmith and uMnambithi; or any other name that may be suggested by the public,” said the Department.
However, to participate, the Department emphasised that people, aged 18 and above, are eligible to vote, requiring their original identity document or a certified copy, along with proof of their residential address for record purposes.
Geographical names, as explained by the Department, encompass both natural and man-made features on Earth, whether inhabited or uninhabited. Furthermore, MEC Mahlaba underlined the significance of local involvement, stating that indigenous inhabitants possess valuable insights into the history behind each geographical name.
“People especially indigenous habitants of the area are living archives of each area as they would know the background behind each name of a geographical area be it it’s a mountain, river or town”, said Dr Mahlaba.
MEC Mahlaba also urged communities to exercise their rights under The South African Geographical Names Council Act, 1998 (Act 118 of 1998), cautioning against using derogatory names and avoiding duplication with existing names, which could impact the approval of proposed changes.
However, applicants are advised to anticipate a waiting period of at least three months, according to MEC Mahlaba.
Residents are encouraged to submit their preferred name change proposals between 27 November 2023 and 1 December 2023, at the Ladysmith Town Hall and Traditional Authority Courts under the Alfred Duma (Ladysmith) Municipality from 9 am to 4 pm.
What are your thoughts on the potential name change? Do you feel it is a worthwhile endeavour? Share your views in the comment section below.
7 Responses
I know and accept this is an emotive issue. It is also a very expensive process. Our government including the municipalities are almost bankrupt. Is this the best use of funds? I would support this if I knew there were no homeless or hungry people in The community and that all girls had the feminine hygiene products they need to attend school.
Long awaited 1850 , Its about time we return to UMnambithi on the world map. Ladysmith didnt even negotiate a clinic? Social house , or anything or a children home for the people of thus town. Nothing she did Nothing strap it ,she was just here to save her skin. Its not racially its just facts .
Ye it must be changed. It is not only worth an exercise, but is is part ofdecolonialising the diaspora.
Ladysmith has money for name change but not money to prevent water shedding. Rather use the money to build more schools, houses and clinics for the community. What will a name change do to grow the community? Nothing as it will only be on paper.
What about calling it Jacob-Zumaville?
More money being wasted, there are many better and more urgent projects.
What about Lady Mandela Town?