LOUIS TRICHARDT - The provincial government's proposed removal of the name of Louis Trichardt would be a devastating blow for efforts to establish a culture of reconciliation and mutual respect in the province. The way in which the changing of names is handled, could send a very strong negative message to international investors about the provincial government's ability to manage the province in a responsible, trustworthy manner and to rule in an acceptable balanced, just and benevolent way.

This was the consensus opinion in the reaction of concerned residents of the town Louis Trichardt, reaching this newspaper during the past week.

The well established historical image of the Voortrekker Louis Trichardt, as a peace loving, wise, benevolent and just mediator in his time, together with his particular emphasis on education, learning and international free market trade, is considered by observers as an important consideration to elevate this particular name above petty political and one sided cultural considerations.

To respect these facts of history is, in fact, considered to be a vital ingredient in any effort to establish the desperately needed mutual trust and understanding on which a sound new African heritage and international standing could be built.

Well-respected local historian Pieter de Vaal, who made an intensive study of amongst others, the written diary of the Voortrekker leader Louis Trichardt, confirmed that Louis Trichardt was not a political figure, but showed a profound respect for all the people that he met. He and his companions as a result were left in peace and in fact were allocated land by the then Venda king, on which they could stay interference free. On his whole journey to the present Maputo in Mozambique, to establish trade links and a much needed export outlet for the inland produce of the area, Louis Trichardt was never attacked or interfered with, although he travelled through the populated territory of many different peoples.

Mr De Vaal says the town was called after this first Voortrekker, who temporarily stayed here.

"He obviously had no political agenda or greed. He in fact assisted the black inhabitants whom he found here and befriended them. They valued his advice and frequently approached him to mediate in disputes. His people were never attacked by hostile elements such as happened in Natal at the time. He was a strongly positive man who never looked for trouble with others. This is a character trait that ought to be emulated by all who respect order and a civilised way of life. I find it difficult to understand why any informed and well intentioned person would consider dishonouring such a name," he said.

Louis Trichardt arrived here in 1837 and continued his journey in August 1838.

When the present town was later established, it was decided to honour his memory and the values which he represented. During his short stay he established the very first school building north of the Vaal River. The site is at present part of the historic tourist attractions in the vicinity of the town that was named after him. He also conducted meaningful agricultural experiments.

Members of organised trade and industry and agriculture who were approached for comment said: "The provincial leaders have in fact now a once in-a-life-time opportunity to make a gesture of goodwill to the people who planned and established this thriving town and thereby to finally break the destructive spiral of mistrust, hatred, spite and violence resulting from ill advised political meddling."

White residents in informal consultations, agreed that a way should be found to honour the Venda cultural history of the area, without negating the values and cultural heritage brought to the region by pioneers such as Louis Trichardt.

"It would be a measure of the real worth and integrity of the government to see if they are willing and able to make this important compromise."

It was pointed out that the illustrious Venda name of Makhado, has already recently been honoured in a fitting way by naming the larger municipality that incorporates the town of Louis Trichardt after this man who was known in his time as The Lion of the North.

In the mean time confusion reigns about the prescribed consultation process to be conducted before the Makhado Municipal Council could come up with a decision about the name of the town.

The Mayor, Councillor Tlakula, who instructed ward councillors on short notice to hold meetings the very first weekend in February to "consult the community", first announced the proposed changing of the name at the end of January.

There were immediate objections about the unrealistic time frame. The opposition DA, who control Ward 1, which encompass the major part of the town Louis Trichardt, refused to be part of the process, which they rejected as an undemocratic one-sided political sham. An investigation showed that very few people in Louis Trichardt even know when and where public meetings regarding the name change are taking place. This despite the ANC's Chief Whip in the Makhado Municipal Council, councillor Moses Tseli's announcement this week that the public hearings are progressing well. He expressed satisfaction with the turn out at these meetings and was particularly well pleased about the reaction of traditional leaders. He said the meetings are continuing and three names have been short listed as the most popular suggestions so far. They are Songozwi, Hlanganani and Makhado. He said although Makhado is very well favoured, it would mean that the Municipality's name would have to be changed again and that is not very likely. Songozwi and Hlanganani therefore seems to be the most likely names favoured for the town.

"As soon as the committee has decided on the matter, the proposal will be brought to Council for a final decision, which will then be forwarded to the Provincial Legislator," he said.

In Pietersburg the provincial leader of the New National Party, Mr Schalk van Schalkwyk said the changing of names should enhance reconciliation amongst different culture groups. The hasty way in which town names are being fiddled with is bound to produce large-scale division. He called on premier Ramatlhodi to handle the whole issue with care, sensitivity and according to the prescribes of the appropriate laws.