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The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly opposes the proposed name changes for East London, King William's Town, Berlin and the East London Airport.

It is proposed that East London be renamed KuGompo, and that the name of the EL Airport be changed to King Phalo.

The suggested name change for King William's Town is Qonce, and the proposal for Berlin is Ntabozuko.

Renaming these Buffalo City Metro towns and the airport will not increase tourism, boost investment, improve service delivery, create employment or eradicate the problems residents face on a daily basis.

Instead of spending millions on new signage, the money should be used to improve the lives of the people of the Buffalo City Metro.

Residents have been given 21 days to oppose or comment on the renaming of the three towns and the airport. The deadline for submissions to the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture is 21 September.

The DA is currently circulating a petition that we will be submitting to the Department before the petitions deadline on 17 September.

We will not stand idly by and watch how millions of rands are wasted on frivolous name changes - money that can rather be used to improve the lives of residents.

Issued by The DA