Issued by: North West Communication Service
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CHANGE OF NAME OF CAPITAL OF NORTH WEST PROVINCE
Premier Molefe supports the change in the name of the Capital City of the North West Province from Mmabatho to Mafikeng.
It should be noted the change of name was a subject of discussion in the North West Cabinet, and an in principle agreement was reached in favour of the need to change the name to Mafikeng.
It was, however, left to the local government to drive the process through public canvassing to ensure the move had a popular support among the residents in the affected areas.
Other factors to be taken into account are the fact Mafikeng has a place in the history of South Africa, and in the interest of South Africa history, it becomes imperative that all historical landmarks and reference points be conserved for the benefit of future generations.
It is a pity some individuals in the province harbour personal passions about recent establishments that do not represent popular appreciation by the entire community.
The Premier is satisfied with the measures taken by local government to ensure the public was given a chance to express their views on the matter.
26 November 1996