Sakhile Mokoena

Sakhile Mokoena

Mpumalanga province is determined to find a new name for its capital, Nelspruit.

Residents have been asked to suggest a new name for the city and the neighbouring White River.

Mbombela local municipality, which administers the city and other smaller towns, has invited the public to come up with new names to replace the old ones that are seen as outdated and boring.

The suggested names have not been made public yet.

"We published 67 names in the media two weeks ago where we invited the public and all relevant stakeholders to express their views or raise objections where appropriate, regarding the proposed name changes," said Jabu Mahlangu, the MEC for culture, sport and recreation.

He said after all the processes have been completed he will forward all comments and the proposed name changes to the minister of arts and culture for further consideration and approval.

So far Mpumalanga has successfully changed Lydenburg to Mashishing, a move that was disapproved by opposition parties.

The public can submit their suggestions to the municipality which will then forward them to the Mpumalanga Geographical Names Committee.

The change will affect villages, settlements, streets, buildings, mountains, rivers and streams.

When the announcement was made about the intention to change the name of Nelspruit, one of the suggested names was eMlegeni but it did not receive any support from the public.

This name is reportedly taken from some hills next to the city.