Pretoria – Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Lebogang Motlhaping, says he is concerned about the pace at which geographical name changes are being implemented in the province.
“It is a process which needs to be expedited as a matter of urgency,” he said.
Speaking at the Northern Cape Provincial Dialogue on the Transformation of the Heritage Sector with focuses on statues, symbols and names of places, MEC Motlhaping said it was important that they reach consensus on how to deal with issues pertaining to statues and geographical name changes.
“We must realise that name changes are important for us as South Africans to reclaim our heritage and cultural identity, as well as honouring our heroes and heroines who fought for the liberation of this country which we are all enjoying today.
“We need to unite around this matter and in so doing have a better vision for South Africa, however this will not be possible if we do not work together.
“What we must never forget is that citizen participation has an important role to play in bringing about transformation, all that is what this session is all about as well,” he said.
MEC Motlhaping added that people need to use relevant platforms to express their views and concerns.
He said the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) states that public monuments and memorials are part of the national estate and are therefore protected by law.
“As government we therefore condemn in the strongest possible terms the removal or destruction of public monuments or memorials,” he said.
MEC Motlhaping said a key element in the NHRA Act is that no structure older than 60 years may be altered without a permit from the appropriate heritage authority.
“If the act is amended after been reviewed we need to ensure that it does not favour the heritage of one grouping over another. It should be an act that represents the will of the people and all of those who live South Africa,” he said.
Political parties, business sector, local government, media, NGO's and civil society attended the session.
The purpose of the meeting was to chart a way forward on what needs to be done with all colonial statues in the province.
At the national transformation stakeholder session held in April 2015, a decision was taken that all provinces must engage with the relevant stakeholders in their respective provinces and provide a detailed and comprehensive report to the Minister for Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa. – SAnews.gov.za
