Tertia (Weitsz) Butcher, Australia:
Just read posts on changing the names of Graaff-Reinet and surrounding towns. Ludicrous! And yes, have to agree to one comment on Facebook that it would take thousands out of the economy. I was born and bred in Graaff-Reinet and am now married to an Aussie. For the past 12 years we have escorted tour groups from Australia to the Cape with Graaff-Reinet always a 2 to 3-night stay with our clients spending in the region of R5 000 per day because of our strong dollar, that is on an average R50 000 for our group per day.
We focus on the history of my hometown and the origin of its name. What do I now tell the Aussies if the name does change? I need to remain positive.
As for Nieu Bethesda... we always visit that village. What do I now tell the people of the origin of its name?
My mother, Elize Weitsz, was a nurse at Midland Hospital and Helen Martins, our now famous "Owl Lady", died in her arms while nurse Weitsz prayed for her. The Aussies loved this connection but with the name change I have no wish to return.
Aberdeen... I lived at Tierberg for ten years and Aberdeen was my hometown. Naming it Camdeboo... no objection from me. I actually like it as it is nonpolitical, gender and race neutral and actually very fitting.
