Pretoria, the Capital of South Africa, Will Become Tshwane

The African National Congress (ANC, in power since 1994) has long wanted to adopt the term African Tshwane, as the current name of the city honors the Afrikaner hero Andries Pretorius, who crushed ten thousand Zulus in 1838.

The name change was virtually act in 2005, before the authorities will stop in the name of national unity, to the strong protest of some of the white population. The term refers to Tshwane already a large urban community of 2.5 million which includes Pretoria, its suburbs and other localities in the area. It is readily used by the government to designate the capital.

"When we say we want to change the name of the city of Tshwane and replace street names with the names of heroes of our struggle []] anti-apartheid], they talk about what it costs. We will spend the money so be sure that our history is correctly reported, "said Mayor (ANC). "As leaders of this city, we will ensure that all spaces and symbols of this city are transformed," said he, announcing a number of changes in street names.

The main streets bearing the names of Afrikaner heroes and dignitaries of the apartheid regime are concerned, but also Church Street , the main artery of the city: "Church Street is the longest street in the zone, and must be treated as a priority because of its importance and its exposure, "added the mayor.

Mr. Ramokgopa regrets that the current Boulevard Nelson Mandela in Pretoria - one axis of the city paying tribute to a personality of the "New South Africa" - is so short. "In fact, it is disrespectful to Nelson Mandela," Judge said.