Pretoria name changed approved

The state agency responsible for names of towns and cities approved plans today to rename the capital Pretoria as Tshwane, dismissing criticism by mainly white South Africans that it would undermine their cultural traditions.

Tommy Ntsewa, chairman of the National Geographical Names Council, said there was no evidence that anyone would be affected by the registration of the “new geographical feature,” which will appear on maps and street signs once the government has approved the recommendation, which is expected to be a formality.