MAKHADO - The Makhado Municipality this week made an official statement on the judgment pronounced last week by Judge MK Legodi on the court case concerning the name change of the town from Louis Trichardt to Makhado.

The Judge of the Pretoria High Court dismissed the Chairpersons Association’s application to set aside the name change of the town to Makhado.

The statement of the Municipality, dated September 13, commends judge Legodi for “a progressive judgement ... on behalf of all residents of Makhado Municipality” and regretted the actions of “certain forces of darkness”.

“The mere fact that the pronouncement of the judgement has coincided with the unveiling of the statue of King Makhado is a clear indication that King Makhado was the King amongst the Kings,” reads the statement.

Mr Peter Magwala, the municipality’s Director: Corporate Services, says that the judgement itself is a confirmation of their initial view that the town and the municipality belongs to all who live in it.

“It is, however, regrettable that those certain forces of darkness wanted to use the name change issue to divide and maintain the status quo. It is a fact that all communities in this part of the region have lived together side by side in peace and harmony even before emperialism (sic), colonialism and apartheid. We therefore will like to appeal to all communities to ensure that we continue to live in peace and harmony like before. It is our submission that we must distance ourselves from all the forces which are determined to divide us as a nation, community and a people,” states the media release.

The judgement, as pronounced by the Honourable Judge MK Legodi, is said to have given a clear message that the process of transformation in the country is irreversible.

“We also take pride that the judgement itself has indicated that the judiciary system is also part of transformation. There is no doubt that the judgement has reconfirmed our view that the people of this municipality have loudly and clearly pronounced themselves on the name of their beloved town,” said Mr Magwala.

The Makhado Municipality reminded every resident of the municipality that the South African Constitution is democratic enough to an extent that it gives anybody the right to appeal in case he or she is not satisfied by the decision of any court of Law.