The City of Tshwane has defended a proposal to rename Wonderboom National Airport in honour of the Ndebele people who originally inhabited the area, saying the move would help restore dignity to communities displaced under apartheid.
The City of Tshwane has defended a proposal to rename Wonderboom National Airport in honour of the Ndebele people who were historically displaced from the area, describing it as an important step towards restoring dignity to the original inhabitants of the land.
Joel Masilela, chairperson of the Section 79 Committee on Economic Development and Spatial Planning, rejected criticism from opposition parties, which have argued that the renaming process would be an unnecessary use of public funds.
Masilela said the initiative aims to recognise the history of black communities that lived in the area long before colonial settlement. He also said the city remains committed to ensuring the airport becomes internationally recognised and financially sustainable.
The proposal has been approved for public consultation. According to MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Sarah Mabotsa, the application was first submitted by Jan Mthimkhulu Mahlangu in April 2018 and resubmitted in 2024. It is being considered under the City's Geographical Names Policy, which was approved in 2023.
