The Provincial Geographical Names Committee (NWPGNC) has received an application to change the name of the Magliesberg Mountain range to Thaba Tsa Mogale. The notice only surfaced last week with a closing date for comments and submissions on 14 June.
According to the notice, the proposed name change is to honour Kgosi Mogale of Bapo Ba Mogale and “to correct the wrongly spelt name”. The notice states that it is important to respect everyone and do justice where it is due. “This change of name will preserve the history and heritage of the people of Bapong and will also restore the dignity of the Royal family in particular.”
Upon an enquiry to the NWPGNC, Kormorant learned that the advertisement was only circulated in Bapong. The administrator of the NWPGNC Stompie Duncan Legae said it had received an application for a change of name of Magaliesberg to Thaba Tsa Mogale. “Literally translated to Mogale’s Mountains and not Magalies Mountains. This is a correction of a chief’s name that was corrupted. The pamphlets were designed to make people aware of this initiative and to hear their points of view. The communication section of the Provincial Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation assisted us in the design of the pamphlet.”
He said that when an application for name changes is received, it is advertised in the concentrated area. When asked about the rest of the areas along the 120km stretch of the mountain range, Legae said that it was a “valid point” and referred Kormorant to the applicant Lola Projects.
Jonkie Modikoane of Lola Projects confirmed it was only circulated in Bapong and said they would communicate with the NWPGNC about Kormorant’s concerns.
Belinda Cooper of the Magaliesberg Biosphere said that the Biosphere had registered with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation as an interested and affected party to the process involved in this proposed name change. They have requested further clarification on the proposed name change, budget allocation and source of funds. “We have enquired about the process being followed with regards to public participation for the proposed name change, reference to the legislative requirements around this and intergovernmental arrangements since the mountain range extends well over 100km across North West and Gauteng provinces,” Cooper said.
“The historical record shows that there were several clans and groups of people occupying the region, and different parts of the mountains, pre-colonization. The Bapo occupied sections of the mountain range around Majakaneng. Various branches of the BaKwena occupied several areas (hence Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, named after one of the BaKwena ba Mmatau Chiefs. The BaFokeng also have a significant claim in the region. The misspelling of the naming of the mountain after Kgosi Mogale as “Magaliesberg” in the mid-1800s needs clarification. Other early names include Macalisberg, Cashan, and Dithaba Diloka.”
Legae said the concerns would be discussed during the next NWPGNC meeting. “A way forward will then be put to all for further deliberations. We thank you for your advice.”