AfriForum to oppose Tshwane street names appeal

The civil rights group, AfriForum, will oppose the Tshwane metro’s application for leave to appeal an order instructing it to restore Pretoria’s old street names.

“AfriForum is convinced that the order by the [High Court in Pretoria]... to re-instate the old names was granted on good grounds and that there is no legal basis for the municipality’s appeal against the order,” it said in a statement.  

“AfriForum will oppose the application... Should it be granted, AfriForum will make sure that the interests of Pretoria residents are represented in whatever court may hear such an appeal.” 

On April 19, Judge Bill Prinsloo ordered the Tshwane metro to stop removing old street names pending the conclusion of an adjudication process. He also ordered the municipality to put back the street names it had removed.

AfriForum brought the application for the court interdict.

Tshwane spokesman Blessing Manale said the metro had submitted the relevant documentation and was waiting for a court date.  

It would apply for leave to appeal to a full Bench of the High Court in Pretoria, or the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.  

“We are taking this to the end, even if it means going to the Constitutional Court,” Manale said.