The ACDP stands for reconcilliation and nation building. Our national
symbols, such as our flag and the national anthem are symbols of this
reconcilliation, because they recognise the old as well as the new.
"Nkosi Sikelele" is sung alongside "Uit die blou van onse hemel". This
symbolises respect and taking hands in a mutual endeavour to build this
nation together.
This attempt by the ANC to change the names of the streets in our inner
city has in our opinion the potential to divide the people in the city
and stir up unnecessary emotions.
Having said that, we do agree that names such as Hendrik Verwoerd and
Hans Strydom should be considered for change - and maybe some others
that are not on the list, that could be offensive. At the same time, we
cannot see why Church Street, Zambezi Drive, van der Walt Street, etc.
have to be considered for new names.
The ACDP also believes that this is an attempt by the ANC to gain
favour from the electorate and to try to take their attention away from
the real issues, such as
** poor service delivery,
** shocking customer service - all over the city - in the townships as well as in the suburbs,
** continuing growth in arrear debts, and many more.
Our plea, therefor is that the mayor and her team refocus their
collective energy and our finances on Service Delivery, in the first
instance. Leave the shows until the main job is done.
The ACDP thus proposes that we refer the report back; that the list of
names be reviewed and shortened. Then it can be tabled again and only
those names that have to be changed considered.