Dispute over renaming of Ngwelezana hall

THE newly revamped Ngwelezana Community Hall was in the spotlight this week, with residents demanding it be renamed after the late Rev Hosea Alexander Sandanezwe ka-Andreya Fakude.

According to a group who descended on the Zululand Observer offices in Empangeni, the City of uMhlathuze had made a commitment to rename the hall after the former Mayor of Ngwelezana, Rev Fakude.

They said this was confirmed during the many Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings held in the area.

However, this was disputed by City Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane.
‘All we did was to note the community inputs during the IDP meetings, when this matter was raised.

‘We are not responsible for the renaming of institutions,’ said Ncalane.

‘There is department working on the renaming of structures and institutions.

People must visit that department and make their inputs there.’
Ward 28 Councillor Madlinyoka Ntanzi said he was aware if the issue, saying there were certain procedures that needed to be followed before the decision was taken.

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Background
While thankful for the hall upgrade, those calling for the renaming to honour Rev Fakude, gave the historical context.

‘We are also grateful for the wonderful work done by our municipality to expand the capacity of the hall and turn it into a state-of-the-art facility.

‘There is a history linking Fakude with this community hall. It was during his tenure as the Mayor of Ngwelezana, that this township was voted as the best in the country by the then apartheid government.

‘For that effort, the then national cabinet led by Pik Botha came to Ngwelezana to witness the method Fakude was using to keep the township peaceful.

Money
‘He was then rewarded with R400 000 as a gift for his good work, and he requested it be used for the erection of a community hall, as there was none in the township.

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