Hoërskool DF Malan plans name change to be more inclusive

[doubletrouble]

This whole inclusiveness thing is farcical. Who decides what is included in the inclusivity criteria and what determines if this is needed?

Why the name? Why not the school uniform or it’s colours? What about the sports offered?

There are infinite lines that we could draw up to divide or exclude people. By changing the name are you not excluding those who felt some connection to the school and it’s history?

I heard they are changing the name, the badge and the school slogan so perhaps the uniform will change too.

But as you guys say it's only a name. What is more important is the culture of the school, what they teach kids, if they prepare them for adulthood and the already shrinking job market. I think those are more important than the name of the school.

 

[doubletrouble]

They can name it whatever they want to name it, how exactly does it foster inclusivity?

It doesn't. But to be honest.. I was from around there but didn't attend the school. I know of a few POC who didn't want to go to the school because of the name or the connotation of the name. I also personally know POC who did attend the school and the school was fine for them.

But since I was in school the demographic of the area surrounding the school has changed quite a bit. Boston is no longer a predominantly afrikaans or afrikaner neighbourhood. I suspect the school also now caters to a more diverse group of kids. Not sure, haven't been there in while.

 

[Vrotappel]

It doesn't. But to be honest.. I was from around there but didn't attend the school. I know of a few POC who didn't want to go to the school because of the name or the connotation of the name. I also personally know POC who did attend the school and the school was fine for them.

But since I was in school the demographic of the area surrounding the school has changed quite a bit. Boston is no longer a predominantly afrikaans or afrikaner neighbourhood. I suspect the school also now caters to a more diverse group of kids. Not sure, haven't been there in while.

Pretty sure that the name itself means nothing for 99% plus of the population (except Afrikaans sounding).

 

[JuliusSeizure]

Perhaps simply getting rid of white people's history? Again, who knows?

There are far better people who can be used to represent white people's history in SA.

 

[TheMightyQuinn]

There are far better people who can be used to represent white people's history in SA.

Oh really...?? Name a few...let's see.

 

[doubletrouble]

Pretty sure that the name itself means nothing for 99% plus of the population (except Afrikaans sounding).

If the name meant nothing to 99% of the country then this name change would have been a non issue and not even make the news?

 

[Vrotappel]

If the name meant nothing to 99% of the country then this name change would have been a non issue and not even make the news?

Woke stuff makes the news.

 

[Spacerat]

Just call it DFM.

 

[Creag]

Winnie Madikazela, Stompie Mainer, Mandela sounds fine by me

 

[itareanlnotani]

How about Corrupt Former Terrorist High - that should fit a whole slew of ANC candidate names for the High School.

 

[Corelli]

To be honest I support this. Many people dont know DF Malan like I got to know him.

1. Apartheid came from the Nazis about racial superiority. DF Malan was Adolf Hitler's biggest fan.
2. At the runup to WW2 he supported the Nazis and the Ayran race fully. He was pretty much the devil himself.
3. When WW2 ended he sent a contingent to try and move thousands or tens of thousands of Nazi orphaned child (only those of Ayran races) to South Africa. He wanted to build up the 2nd coming of the Nazis.
4. Eventually he adopted a girl (Actually she had a brother), but he chose to split them up. Imagine your country got wiped out, both your parents dead, and the only person you had left in the world as a kid is your little sister. He brought them both here and split them up. Her brother never really got over it, it scarred him for life.

And you want to know how I know all this, because my grandparents knew him but hated him, and my mom was in school with the boy he didnt adopt. They were college friends too.

So in all honestly, this is one school I wouldve loved they change the name first. Because pretty honestly the guy was a Nazi Smuck, and we shouldnt be celebrating him in any way.

And yes based on Mein Kampf and the supremacy of races, he created apartheid (yip he was the founder). Before this we were all happy under Jan Smuts.

 

[Corelli]

Its like calling a school Adolf Eichmann High, and wonder why no want wants that on their Matric certificate.

DF Malan as a school is a great school. The principal, the teachers, the staff and the pupil.

But it needs to change. Remember CT Airport used to be called DF Malan airport, and its way better now that the name changed.

I doubt it will be any struggle hero but a more generic name.

 

[Corelli]

I am curious though, quoting the article,



the consultation process indicated where, 'traditionally', the school is most valued, but wish to break this tradition. How did the consultation reach this point, did they source their consultation or is this consultation done through the school's governing body which I doubt?

I am certain that wholesale name changes will happen, irrespectively, but how is inclusivity conducted, by leaning towards the public interest as a whole?

Pinelands took a proper approach. They still hold their tradition, but symbolically opened up neutrally.

I would say, DF Malan can change their name, but they shouldn't overhaul their identity. The moment you open up to these changes then more changes are to be requested.

We are a diverse country, and by what is deemed inclusive may alienate others. There needs to be union by cultural and traditional recognition, as much as we need to address spatial gaps, we cannot displace trust.

Anyway, some years ago with 6 signatures,

Sign the Petition

Change the name of DF Malan high school named after one of the architects of apartheid.

www.change.org

I am eagerly waiting on the new suggested names.

The school has a pretty good logo,

He wasnt one of the architects. He was the main architect and a Nazi supporter.

Cape Town International is now doing better than when it was called DF Malan International.

We had some good guys, and some really evil guys. This guy was the worst we ever had, other than Doctor Death.

Its a good idea to change the name. SA would have been better off if not for him.

 

[Tokolotshe]

There are far better people who can be used to represent white people's history in SA.

I agree. Helen!

 

[zophas]

Name it anything you like just make sure white people can't pronounce it properly. Then tell everyone how dumb white people are.

 

[TheChamp]

Name it anything you like just make sure white people can't pronounce it properly. Then tell everyone how dumb white people are.

You can do it, just your victimhood getting in the way, lose that and you'll be fine.

 

[rambo919]

They should go for "Malanin"

 

[TheMightyQuinn]

You can do it, just your victimhood getting in the way, lose that and you'll be fine.

I thought POC were the eternal victims...and have to be continuously coddled and appeased and apologized to and reparations be made to?

 

[rambo919]

You can do it, just your victimhood getting in the way, lose that and you'll be fine.

You might think it's profound but everyone else will be.... no just no I'll stick to the real names.

 

[doubletrouble]

It's funny that the people who complain the loudest about this are the same people who take their kids out of the school as soon as POC start joining.

Down the road from DFM is a great english school called Settlers High. The learner demographic is now 98% POC. They also wanted to change the name a few years back but stopped it due to the backlash received from ex learners and the community as a whole... people who had nothing to do with the school in the present day.

What was also funny was seeing 98% POC signing the opening line of the school song on a weekly basis:
"The settlers came in days gone by to this our land so dear; to fight and die that you and I may live and prosper here. The way was hard but they were brave their purpose firm and sure. O may the heritage they gave, in Settlers High endure..."
they have since changed the lyrics in 2019