Geographical committee to engage communities on naming, renaming processes

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The Gauteng Geographical Names Committee (GGNC) is expected to ascend at the Vereeniging City Hall in Sedibeng for its last quarterly meeting of the financial year from Tuesday.

According to the provincial Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture spokesperson Nomazwe Ntlokwana, the three-day meeting will include evaluating the adjudication of applications received.

“The Committee will use the first day of their scheduled 3-day meeting on the 6th, to engage and educate local communities and stakeholders on the processes of naming and renaming of geographical features and objects.

“The education process is necessary to avoid delays caused by correct procedures not being followed by applicants.

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“The remaining days will be used to reflect and discuss the Committee’s Operational Plans for the new 2024/5 financial year; and the adjudication of applications received, among others,” she stated.

Ntlokwana added that the GGNC, which is constituted by the South African Geographical Names Council, provides support and advises local authorities on matters regarding the names of geographical features in the province such as streets, buildings, parks and more. 

In 2022, the GGNC received the application for the renaming of Gillooly’s Interchange to George Bizos Interchange.

The application on renaming of Gillooly’s Interchange in the City of Ekurhuleni to George Bizos Interchange is one of numerous applications submitted to the GGNC which are still in the process of consultation for approval.

Other roads proposed for name changes include the R23(Benoni Road) renaming to Oupa Lukhele and R23 (Heidelberg Road) to Amina Cachalia.

George Bizos was a Greek-South African Human Rights Lawyer who campaigned against apartheid in South Africa. He was noted for representing the former late president of South Africa Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela during the Rivonia Trial in 1960.