/ 12 May 2006

Pallo Jordan: Pretoria to remain Pretoria for now

Pretoria will keep its name for the time being, Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan said on Thursday.

South African Broadcasting Corporation radio news quoted him on Friday as saying a number of considerations would have to be weighed up before any decision was taken on changing the name of the capital city to Tshwane.

Jordan said the move would have a international implications.

”We always have to consider the fact that Pretoria is not merely a metropolis in South Africa,” Jordan told the national broadcaster.

”It is also the capital city of the country, so it has international implications as well. So, one must weigh up all these [factors] before one makes up one’s mind.”

Jordan added: ”I have been in consultation with the provincial government on the matter and they have expressed their view but in due course we’ll be making a final decision.” – Sapa