The supreme court of appeals' judgment on Louis Trichardt's name change is a travesty of justice because it missed a transformation opportunity.

The supreme court of appeals' judgment on Louis Trichardt's name change is a travesty of justice because it missed a transformation opportunity.

The court's decision entrenches the racial divide, and it will regroup racists.

Consultation might not have been carried out to the court's satisfaction, but it was carried out. The problem is, the law does not stipulate what constitutes acceptable consultation. The ruling has opened a can of worms and it will not be surprising if other towns also try to change back to their old names. Before the ruling it was difficult because of the cost factor.

Louis Trichardt has one of the most dangerous pockets of white separatists and white supremacists. These people are naturally opposed to transformation. This was the town that destroyed Makhado's statue, painted a black child and painted road signs with the colours of the old South African flag.

Proponents of change in the town must unite and fight racism and tribalism. The name Makhado must not be abandoned because, historically, it best suits the town. In fact, in the short time the town was called Makhado, it served change, unity and marketability ideally.

The process to return to Makhado must start afresh because the majority of the people in the area support it. But this time, consult properly.

Tambani Matumba Louis Trichardt