We welcomed the statement of the Minister of Arts and Culture to concede that the name of Makhado Town must remain Louis Trichardt. From the onset the process of consultation was flawed.

We support the name change only if it is done democratically and all guidelines are followed to the latter. After this setback, we need a cool-off period to come to our senses before we embark on any other processes.

In the course of addressing the Council, the mayor announced the committee to start the process of renaming the town streets, based on the previous councils resolutions, of which the resolution has lapsed since whoever was the mayor failed to implement it.

The Council first needs to develop a policy, with all inputs from the affected stakeholders.
As COPE, we don’t support the mayor‘s action, as it is influenced by anger and frustration and it is partisan.

COPE will engage the COGHSTA MEC to intervene.

- Councillor Edward Malima, COPE (Louis Trichardt)