Minister Marais appoints experts to assist with name changes | Western Cape Government

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Minister Marais appoints experts to assist with name changes

27 September 2019

On 27 September 2019, Western Cape Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, officially inaugurated the Western Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (WCPGNC) at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in Cape Town.

Brent Walters, Head of DCAS, welcomed the new members before their induction meeting at Head Office and reflected on the official purpose of the Committee.  He stressed the value of social inclusion and reconciliation. “Names are at the core of our identity and can divide or unite people”, he said while wishing them fruitful collaborations.

Minister Marais affirmed the crucial process of building a sense of belonging in the province and in the country. “There is no doubt in my mind that you will discharge your legal mandate as prescribed in the South African Geographical Names Act with the integrity, respect and dignity it requires”, she said.

The Committee will be advising Minister Marais on changes and standardisation of geographical names in the province for the next 3 years until August 2022. Their expertise ranges from indigenous knowledge systems to legal and corporate governance and includes heritage management, planning and development.

Siphiwo Mavumengwana from Worcester was appointed by the Minister to chair the following members: Bongani Mgijima (Strand), Marius Balley (Kuilsriver), Sylvester Figland (George), Melanie Wepener (Malmesbury) and Vuyiseka Myakala from Beaufort West.

Minister Marais and DCAS look forward to working with the WCPGNC to create a socially inclusive, creative, active and connected Western Cape, Better Together.

Media Enquiries: 

Dr Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877 / 076 093 4913
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za