SOURCE: https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/majority-against-sas-name-change-9784216


Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, set a cat among the pigeons when he suggested South Africa’s name be changed to Azania. He said the name is just a geographical reference and should be changed just as other apartheid and colonial era names were changed.
He was supported by African People’s Convention’s president, Themba Godi, who said South Africa should have followed the model of Namibia and Zimbabwe, which after gaining liberation changed from colonial names South West Africa and Rhodesia respectively.

Azania is the indigenous name applied to South Africa in the time of apartheid by some supporters of majority rule for the country. It originates from the Greek word probably based on Arabic Zanj, speaking about a black African.

Capetonians Against Name-Change

When the Cape Argus took to Twitter and the streets, the majority of Capetonians did not support name changing. In a Twitter poll, 62% of respondents tweeted that the name should not be changed, while 25% questioned why it should be changed. The majority of the Cape Argus’s Facebook community were also against it.

Sean O’Poole, 27, from Muizenberg, said he doesn’t support the change as it is expensive. “It can take millions or even billions of rand to change the name, I don’t see the point. The money could be spent on things that are needed. Try to change inequality in the country instead.”

Daniel Mitz, 70, from Bonteheuwel, said the name should be changed to Azania as it is more African.

“I would like to be identified as Azanian as it is personal. Yes, it will take time for people to get used to it but eventually they will. The name suits us and there is great history behind the name. Where did South Africa come from? All nations know where their name comes from.”

Nonzwakazi Pukawi, 32, from Delft, said: “We grew up being called South Africans, even if is a colonial name it doesn’t have to be changed. Yes, we do need some changes but I don’t believe this is one of them. In the townships, people have been on waiting lists for houses for years, why not take that money and build houses or give us better education systems. Even if we give our opinions and the majority votes ‘No’, I doubt they will listen to us.”

Malwande Blayi, 28, from Philippi, said “No”, because it was too late; “it should have been done after liberation”. He doesn’t see the point now, although Azania sounds cool and there is history behind the name.

Sebrena Elliott, 22, from Greenhaven, and her colleague Cheswerey Williams, 28, did not support the change. They believe the country is what it is because of its history. Taking away the name would mean taking away the history. Maps would also have to be changed.

The should change it to Mzansi

it should be changed to Xenophobia

popsy2:
it should be changed to Xenophobia

whateva

Rubbish

-People need jobs
-Some of our roads need maintenance
-Our military needs budget
-Our borders needs to be guarded to keep vultures away
-Our education system must be fixed


the name thing? Is that the most pressing issue at this moment?

bigtt76:
The should change it to Mzansi

Mzansi means SOUTH so with that name it will still be a "geographical reference".

Oooh really?

JaceBlaze:
Mzansi means SOUTH so with that name it will still be a "geographical reference".

JaceBlaze:
-People need jobs
-Some of our roads need maintenance
-Our military needs budget
-Our borders needs to be guarded to keep vultures away
-Our education system must be fixed


the name thing? Is that the most pressing issue at this moment?

These are concrete issues that the government should face

JaceBlaze:
-People need jobs
-Some of our roads need maintenance
-Our military needs budget
-Our borders needs to be guarded to keep vultures away
-Our education system must be fixed


the name thing? Is that the most pressing issue at this moment?

That name South Africa is a misnormer: It should be a regional name! just the likes of North , West, East Africa.

SpartanKing:
That name South Africa is a misnormer: It should be a regional name! just the likes of North , West, East Africa.

It will remain South Africa...

JaceBlaze:
It will remain South Africa...

Does name-change count for anything? Is it not like pouring an old wine into a new bottle? And, will this wine taste any different?

SpartanKing:
Does name-change count for anything? Is it not like pouring an old wine into a new bottle? And, will this wine taste any different?

Your analogy is perfect.It's a waste of time and money cos people will still call it by its former name regardless of what the new proposed name will be...

JaceBlaze:
Your analogy is perfect.It's a waste of time and money cos people will still call it by its former name regardless of what the new proposed name will be...

Man, you're still up: it's passed midnight, SA time. You can't get some sleep or what? Is there a nationwide blackout?

SpartanKing:
Man, you're still up: it's passed midnight, SA time. You can't get some sleep or what? Is there a nationwide blackout?

I just finished watching some movie.No,there's no nationwide blackout.

JaceBlaze:
I just finished watching some movie.No,there's no nationwide blackout.

It's midnight Nigerian time: I'm about to retire to bed?

Lol following in the footsteps of Kingdom of eSwatini.

It's totally unnecessary!

JaceBlaze:
Your analogy is perfect.It's a waste of time and money cos people will still call it by its former name regardless of what the new proposed name will be...

Hi JaceBlaze, haven't chatted with you in FOREVER. Glad o sa phela.

soilsista:
Lol following in the footsteps of Kingdom of eSwatini.

It's totally unnecessary!

Don't think there was any public consultation over there coz you know that king be-a-dictator.

TMKsouth:


Hi JaceBlaze, haven't chatted with you in FOREVER. Glad o sa phela.

Ke sa pusha good to see you too.