Name, history and politics collide on PW Botha Boulevard

"The people who matter are the people of George - they must decide.

- Michelle Pienaar

So said the DA's federal leader, John Steenhuisen, on Monday when he was asked about the possible name change of PW Botha Boulevard in George's industrial area.

The Good Party formally submitted a motion calling for the street to be renamed, set to be tabled at the next George ordinary council meeting on 29 January.

Steenhuisen visited various areas in George ahead of this week's by-elections. George Herald met him at his first stop, where he engaged with members of the farming fraternity in Pacaltsdorp. The discussions with him, involving representatives from various media houses, covered a range of issues, including the proposed renaming of PW Botha Boulevard.

Asked if the DA would like to see a name change or not, Steenhuisen said it is not up to the political parties. “It is up to the residents of George to decide their street names,” said Steenhuisen. “I do not think it is a matter for national government to intervene - local people must decide on the names. History has many different aspects, and many people view it differently. That is precisely why this particular process involves a public process, so that everybody's opinions can be gathered.

“Any street name change should follow the regulations set out by the geographical name change council's act. It has to provide for public participation.”

Political opinions