ANC to discuss North West name change

If the ANC has its way, the North West province will in future be known by a different name, such as Moses Kotane.

ANC North West chairperson Supra Mahumapelo told SABC television news this week that the party was contemplating a name change for the province because North West was “just a direction”.

He suggested struggle stalwart Moses Kotane’s name as an alternative name for the province.

There is already a local municipality in the province by that name, near Rustenburg.

Provincial spokesperson Kenny Morolong said the provincial executive committee will discuss the possible name change at its meeting tomorrow.

He didn’t want to comment further.

City Press understands from insiders that there has been discussion within the ANC in the province about the issue.

An insider said it was very difficult to market the province as a tourism destination because of its name.

“Google North West, then Mpumalanga or Gauteng. The North West name is very hard to brand, unlike Limpopo, Mpumalanga or Gauteng,” the source said.

People often opt to call the province by its Afrikaans name “Noordwes” or its Sotho name “Bokone Bophirima”.

Should the ANC agree on the name change, the SA Geographical Names Council would have to make a representation to the provincial legislature.

Public participation could start some time after June, the source said.