Shortly after a highly politicized removal of the statue of Cecil John Rhodes at the University of Cape Town and demands for the removal of the Paul Kruger statue on Church Square, Front National learned with immense concern of the unilateral change of the name of a historical building in Simon’s Town.
The historical Belmont House on the town’s historical mile was named after the Boer War Battle of Belmont and is regarded not only as a South African historical heritage site, but as an International one due to its ties to Britain and the Royal Navy. The house is occupied by Rear Admiral Bravo Mhlana.
Mhlana unilaterally decided to have the name of the house sanded off from the two sandstone pillars and a new sign saying “Chris Hani House” fitted. Hani, former SACP secretary general, had no ties at all with the navy. Apart from the damage done by the painting of sandstone structures, the Navy confirmed that Mhlana never consulted with his generals or admirals in this matter and that conservation authorities were not informed. No legal process was followed. In fact, a press release stated that the admiral will still decide whether the name change will be official and will then consider following the proper processes as demanded by law.
Front National seriously object to this course of action. Rear Admiral Mhlana committed a criminal felony under the Heritage Conservation Legislation and it is therefore demanded that the South African Navy suspend the admiral pending investigation and reinstate the name of Belmont House until such time as proper processes have been followed.
MEDIA RELEASE
Front Nasionaal Suid-Afrika
DEPARTMENT: INFORMATION
South Africa Today – South Africa News
