Sources close to Doctor Mike Sutcliffe have suggested that Umdloti and its streets are next on the list of names to be changed by the ANC controlled eThekwini Municipality and that even DA councillors may be in agreement with some of the proposed new street names for Umdloti.
Sutcliffe argues that Umdloti is an important tourist destination and a jewel in eThekwini’s crown. However, in marketing terms, brand “Umdloti” is confusing and has little recall value because neither the residents nor the visitors can pronounce the word “Umdloti” properly and most have difficulty remembering how it is spelt. Furthermore many isiZulu speakers revere the name “Umdloti” because it refers to a sacred herb or wild tobacco that grows in the area and they are insulted by the appalling manner in which many local umhlungu and most tourists defile the name with their crude pronunciations of it. A more user friendly name is therefore required.
We at www.umdloti.org were quite surprised and dismayed to learn of this because we love Umdloti and have spent a lot of time and money promoting Umdloti over the internet. However, on further investigation we have discovered that many influential Umdloti residents appear to be quite happy with the proposed changes by the Municipality. This is what people seem to be thinking:
Richard Siedle, chair of the Umdloti Ratepayers Association understands the Municipality’s reasoning and is thought, privately, to quite like one of the proposed new names. He has long been concerned about substance abuse in our village and the hidden meanings behind the name “Umdloti” suggest it is a dope town, which of course it is not………NOT
Many patrons and most staff at the Bush Tavern had heard about the street name changes but were surprised that Umdloti’s name could change as well and think it should be retained.
DA councillor Geoff Pullen likes the political correctness of the proposed new street names for Umdloti.
The well known Bonnin family, pioneers in this area, are resigned to the fact that Umdloti’s name may change and are reportedly delighted with one of the proposed new names.
The Deeb family seem to have similar views to the Bonnins.
Niel Slatter, director of Melting Ice (the owners of Umdloti Centre plus Umdloti Resort and Conference Centre) also more or less agrees with the Deeb and Bonnin families and only differs on the choice of Umdloti’s new name.
Wade Holland, chair of Umdloti Conservancy could not be contacted for comment.
ANC ward councillor Kenneth Ndzimbomvu was also unavailable for comment
Many Bellamont Road residents were pleased and/or proud of their new street name.
Well known local, Ray Coates, thinks this whole name change saga is a complete joke.
The proposed street name changes are:
North Beach Road to Ndzimbomvu Embankment
Main Road to Joe Slovo Highway
Bellamont Road to Nelson Mandela Drive
First Avenue to Ruth First Avenue
South Beach Road to D A Pullen Promenade
Newsel Road to nKosi Albert Luthuli Road
Sixth Avenue to Rajbansi Lane
Margaret Bacon Avenue will remain the same to promote women’s rights and gender equality in Umdloti.
Suggested alternatives for Umdloti Beach are:
Zuma Sands
Slatterton
Siedle Strand
Bonnin Bay
Holland-at-Sea
Deeb Beach
Mangosuthu sur mer
If you would like your views on the proposed name changes recorded on www.umdloti.org send e-mail to mailto:comments@umdloti.org
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