MAKHADO - The South African Geographical Names Council has mandated the Makhado Municipality to consult the communities for the renaming of the Hendrik Verwoerd Tunnels.

During an informal discussion with journalists in Thohoyandou, after the awarding of the Dimbanyika awards last Thursday, the chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council, Adv Tommy Ntsewa, said it is upon the shoulders of communities to rename their towns, villages and tunnels. Instead of dividing the communities, the renaming of towns “must unify us more than before,” he said. Ntsewa said the council will double its efforts in ensuring that the South African map reflects the continent in which the country is through the affirmation of indigenous names.

Ntsewa said his Council is collaborating with provincial administrations in ensuring that provincial committees are established in order to assist communities who want to rename their villages, towns and other geographical features properly. Ntsewa led the proceedings during the changing of the name of Louis Trichardt to Makhado on June 6, 2003.

“People must know that there have been no winners or losers in the changing of names of towns and democracy has been the winner,” Ntsewa said.

People in the Nzhelele area said the new name of the Verwoerd Tunnels should be the Mphephu Tunnel.