Lüderitz name change: public meeting to end confusion

A public meeting at the Turnhalle in Lüderitz tomorrow night is hoped to give “Buchters”, as the locals refer to themselves, the final answer to the reigning confusion of the name change saga which has haunted the town since August. Many hope the Mayor, who has consulted her superiors, the regional council, government and other stakeholders, will put the matter to rest tomorrow night. 

At the start of August, President Hifikepunye Pohamba announced a number of name changes of regions, constituencies and towns. His announcment that Lüderitz would be known as !Nami≠nûs in future caused an uproar in the town.

Confusion immediately settled in about whether it was only the constituency that would henceforth be known as !Nami≠nûs, or the town itself. 

Some Buchters believe the matter is already settled. As was reported, the name change of the town itself was never gazetted and only the constituency’s name change was gazetted. So for many, whatever the outcome of the public meeting tomorrow night, they believe that for now, Lüderitz remains Lüderitz. 

However, Mayor Susan Ndjaleka, who attended a public protest meeting in August, will appear tomorrow night at the Turnhalle and “Buchters” are holding their breath as to what she will say. 

The meeting takes place at 18h00 at the Turnhalle.