REPLY:
Standardisation of geographical names is an administrative process that starts at local and provincial level and is finalised at the national sphere of government, where the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) makes recommendations for my approval or rejection. At the moment the matter is still the subject of public participation and discussion at local and provincial levels of government, and it is not possible to predict the final recommendations and the date it will be escalated to the national level of government for my consideration;
2. My department is not aware of any petition as none has been brought to our attention.
3. There will be no statement to make on the matter until the application is officially submitted through the SAGNC for my consideration.