"This is not a process to make individuals happy. This is democratic process, where the majority rules."
Mayor Zamuxolo Peter was speaking on the thorny subject of Grahamstown's proposed name change.
About 50 Makana residents participated in a workshop on Grahamstown's proposed name-change on Saturday.
"This is not a process to make individuals happy. This is democratic process, where the majority rules."
Mayor Zamuxolo Peter was speaking on the thorny subject of Grahamstown's proposed name change.
About 50 Makana residents participated in a workshop on Grahamstown's proposed name-change on Saturday.
Held at Hill Street Public Library, the event was hosted by the Fingo Festival and chaired by Khaya Thonjeni.
As well as residents from all walks of life, it was attended by councillors, historians and the Mayor himself.
The last public event in the current process will be held at Extension 9 Hall on Saturday.
Peter said the process had been democratic. There had been an opportunity for everyone to speak with public consultations, the Grahamstown 200 years project and the Fingo Festival.
"This process must be concluded very soon and by the time we conclude it not everyone will be happy," he said. "This is not a process to make individuals happy – this is democratic process where the majority rules."
Social historian Dr Nomalanga Mkhize also weighed in on the subject. "After black people forth in the war of resistance, they wanted symbols of transformation," she said.
She explained the Settler heritage as embodied in the name Grahamstown was one that symbolised conquest and personal family histories.
"We cannot use the term 'Settler' because that word is offensive – but here in Grahamstown, it is everywhere. Historic dispossession is a fact," Mkhize said.
Councillor Julia Wells, who leads the name-change task team, said that the main groundwork on the matter had been done.
She said the nature of democracy was that people should be involved in the process. "This issue is difficult for some people because it is painful and it reveals wounds. Some people chose to watch soccer rather than participating in this process," she said.
Wells also suggested the name-change process was linked to reclaiming dignity.
Thandazile Madinda suggested that the workshop should also go to the community.
He controversially suggested that municipal officials even needed psychotherapy, because they were still suffering from "the syndrome of apartheid diseases".
He suggested that local artists be invited to participate in the process.
Simthembile Mamani, said there was no place-name that didn't have meaning and a political background. "Here in Grahamstown there are lot of statues – but we don't see Makana's one," he said.
Zongezile Matshoba, said that the name would change inevitably. He said it was important to unite.
"We want to see a united community that will work together on building this city," he said.
Xolile Madinda thanked everyone who participated on the workshop, saying it had brought peace among residents.
"Those who were here will decide for those who were not here," said Madinda. No one at the workshop was against changing of Grahamstown's name.
The process is scheduled to be concluded by the end of March.
