DA sê hy neem standpunt in teen Deneysville-naamveranderings

DENEYSVILLE - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Metsimaholo Local Municipality is deeply concerned about the proposed name changes of Deneysville and the Gawie de Beer Game Reserve. The DA’s Dr Igor Scheurkogel said in a statement the Free State Department of Sports, Arts and Culture initiated these proposed changes without any public participation and failed to consider the community’s rich history. Scheurkogel said on 11 September 2024, the community of Deneysville was informed that the Free State Department of Sports, Arts and Culture intended to change the names of these significant landmarks. However, the notification letter from the Free State Provincial Geographical Names Committee revealed that the deadline for objections and inputs had already passed on 5 September—just six days before the community was informed. This violated the requirement that affected residents should be given at least 14 days to submit their objections or inputs. He said consequently, the community of Deneysville was denied the opportunity to protect their heritage. Scheurkogel said the DA has joined forces with the local community to support a petition against these changes, which will be submitted to the Free State Legislature’s Petitions Committee.

PHOTO: (DA Metsimaholo)