The Makhado Mayor gave into pressure to include a member of the DA in the name-change committee, but the DA protested strongly to the way the DA member was appointed.

"As a Democratic Alliance caucus, we appointed a councillor whom we want to serve on the name change committee. But the mayor appointed another DA councillor. We are of the opinion that she does not have the powers to decide on behalf of and contrary to the DA’s decision," states the DA. The councillor who had been appointed by the DA caucus to serve on the committee is Cllr Brian du Plooy and the mayor chose Cllr Jerry Mahwai.

Makhado Municipality’s official spokesperson, Mr Peter Magwala, said on Monday that all members of the committee are chosen by the mayor by virtue of the powers given to her by council, according to a resolution of council. The council’s resolution was adopted on April 12 at a special council meeting. The meeting resulted in chaos and the singing of war songs.

The Chairpersons Association objected to the way the meeting was handled and consequently sent letters to the President of South Africa, the minister of Arts and Culture, the Human Rights Commission and the Makhado mayor and Speaker.

The controversial name-change committee has held three meetings and a workshop. The two most recent meetings were held last week on July 2 and 5.

Mr Magwala said that the committee had developed and adopted an action plan which would guide the whole process.

"In accordance with this action plan, members of the committee will interact with a lot of stakeholders to inform them about the process of renaming and how it is going to unfold." He said that he would make the action plan available to the Zoutpansberger but nothing had been received at the time of going to press.

When asked why the Chairpersons Association was not represented on the committee, Magwala said that the committee was composed of councillors.

"This committee is going to consult sufficiently with all stakeholders; it does not necessarily require them to be part of the committee. Just imagine how big the committee would be if all stakeholders were part of the committee," Magwala said. The initial committee comprised two traditional leaders, six ANC councillors, one UDM councillor and one ACDP councillor.

Concerning the freedom or not of the Democratic Alliance to appoint their own representatives on other portfolio committees, Magwala said: "If legislation says that the party may submit their names, that will be done. So sometimes parties will have the opportunity to submit their own names. But in this instance of the name committee, it was stated that the mayor is vested with the power and authority."