The debate around the possible renaming of PW Botha Boulevard in George has resurfaced ahead of the next ordinary council meeting on 29 January, where a formal motion submitted by the GOOD Party is set to be tabled.
Speaking during a visit to George this week, Democratic Alliance (DA) federal leader John Steenhuisen said the decision should rest with local residents rather than political parties.
“The people who matter are the people of George – they must decide,” Steenhuisen said.
DA: Decision Belongs to Residents
According to the George Herald, Steenhuisen was in George ahead of this week’s by-elections and was speaking to media after engaging with members of the farming community in Pacaltsdorp.
Asked whether the DA supports or opposes the proposed name change, Steenhuisen said political parties should not dictate the outcome.
“It is not up to political parties. It is up to the residents of George to decide their street names,” he said.
He added that any renaming process must comply with legislation and include public participation.
“History has many different aspects, and many people view it differently. That is precisely why this process must involve public consultation, so that everyone’s opinions can be gathered.”
Diverging Political Views
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has taken a firm stance against renaming initiatives.
Regional leader Derick Petersen said the party would not support any name changes, echoing the position of national leader Gayton McKenzie.
“The PA’s policy is what our leader says, and as such we will not support any name changes,” Petersen said.
READ | Gayton McKenzie’s PA win George by-elections, ANC embarrassed
In contrast, the South African Communist Party (SACP) has expressed full support for removing what it calls “derogatory and offensive historical symbols” linked to apartheid.
District secretary Sizakele Ronoti said the continued presence of apartheid-era names emboldens racist attitudes and causes ongoing pain for affected communities.
“Their continued existence in this day and age is one of the reasons racists are so emboldened today,” Ronoti said.
She added that streets should instead honour local figures who resisted apartheid, naming Mieta Leholo and Nothobile Sampo, founder of Eden FM, as examples.
Not the First Attempt
This is the third attempt to rename PW Botha Boulevard.
In 2016, the Concerned Local Residents group (PBI) submitted a motion, followed by a 2017 application by the Abeeda Harris Foundation to rename the street after a young girl killed during apartheid-era unrest. Neither initiative progressed through municipal processes.
GOOD Party’s Motion
In a statement issued last week, the GOOD Party confirmed that the motion was submitted under Rule 19 of the George Municipality Rules of Order and will be moved by Councillor Chantelle Kyd.
GOOD argues that retaining the name of former apartheid-era president PW Botha on public infrastructure contradicts South Africa’s constitutional values of human dignity, equality and non-racialism.
“Public naming is not a value-neutral act,” said Kyd.
“The names we choose reflect the values we elevate as a society.”
The party has deliberately not proposed an alternative name, saying communities should decide through an inclusive consultation process.
What the Motion Calls For
The motion urges the George Municipal Council to:
- Acknowledge that honouring PW Botha is inconsistent with constitutional values
- Initiate an official renaming process in line with municipal and national regulations
- Ensure inclusive public participation, particularly involving historically excluded communities
- Invite name proposals that reflect democratic values and shared heritage
GOOD has called for transparency throughout the process, including a public report on community input and clear reasons for any final decision.
“This is an opportunity for George to move forward,” Kyd said.
“By addressing symbols of our past, we commit to a more inclusive and united future.”
