!Nami≠nûs vs Lüderitz

According to recent newspaper reports, confusion led to a misunderstanding of the alleged renaming of Lüderitz to !Nami≠nûs. It is reported that Law Reform and Development Commission chairperson Sacky Shanghala told the Namibian Press Agency (Nampa) last week that the angry response by residents from the coastal town was a “storm in a teacup”. 

Shangala reportedly explained that it was only the Lüderitz constituency that has been renamed to !Nami≠nûs. Apparently the town will retain its name. He added that it would be outside of the parameters of power for the President to rename the town itself. 

Furthermore, the recently issued government gazette underscored Shangala’s comments, confirming that the constituency was renamed and not the town itself.

But the confusion does not end there. Other reports insist that several legal steps will be taken to ensure that  Lüderitz will, after all, be renamed to !Nami≠nûs.

Further reports also quoted the Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Charles Namoloh as insisting that the town name has been changed despite the comments made by Shangala. The issue remains foggy and clarity illusive.