As part of the EFF\u2019s bid to rid the country of colonial and apartheid era statues, the party wants 40 towns in the Western Cape to be renamed.<\/p>\n
Netwerk24 reported that in addition to the 40 name changes, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will also endeavour to change the country\u2019s name.<\/p>\n
Bernard Joseph, Western Cape chairperson for the EFF, said on Thursday: “EFF will do an extensive research project and the list will definitely be expanded.\u201d<\/p>\n
According Melikhaeya Xego, provincial secretary for the EFF, the party will also continuing its battle to get rid of the colonial and apartheid era statues .<\/p>\n
“We are even going to track down and destroy the smallest statues of Queen Victoria that’s being hidden in churches.”<\/p>\n
“It is unacceptable that there are streets in the smallest hamlets with the name of Jan van Riebeeck or PW Botha.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph said black South Africans, including coloureds and Indians, have long suffered enough under the oppression of colonialism and apartheid.<\/p>\n
“Black South Africans are reminded of the oppression every day by names and statues that cannot be changed or removed. It’s like a rape victim that has to look their rapist in the eyes every day,” Joseph said.<\/p>\n
“We are going to put pressure on the national government to change South Africa’s name to Azania.”<\/p>\n
Asked why the party focused on name changes rather than on the upcoming municipal elections, he said that it was all part of the party’s election strategy.<\/p>\n
“The party will soon meet with communities and voters to announce election plans. The name changes will also be presented to them.<\/p>\n
“The EFF believes that changes like these should be an inclusive decision that everyone should participate in.”<\/p>\n
He said no transformation has so far taken place under the DA in the Western Cape.<\/p>\n
Now is the EFF’s task to make transformation happen, Joseph said.<\/p>\n
Responding to the EFF\u2019s plan, Anroux Marais, the Western Cape minister of cultural affairs and sport, said: “It [the name change] is not only impractical , but also hopelessly unaffordable.”<\/p>\n
“Service delivery will have to be curtailed if the EFF\u2019s plan were to be implemented, because municipalities will have to pay for the name change.”<\/p>\n