Tshehla community leads charge to rename iconic De Hoop Dam
GA-TSHEHLA
The proposed name change of De Hoop Dam has ignited strong sentiments among the Tshehla community, who argue that any renaming must reflect the historical and heritage significance of the Batau Baga Tshehla.
At the heart of their concern is the belief that their contributions and legacy should not be erased in favour of an alternative narrative.
One of the beneficiaries, Thoba Tshehla, from the Tshehla Trust, has sharply raised concerns regarding the potential renaming, particularly contesting the historical accuracy of associating the right bank heritage site of the De Hoop Dam, with Kgoši Mampuru II.
He acknowledges that Kgoši Mampuru II was indeed well received by Babina Tau baga Tshehla when he was being pursued for assassinating his brother, King Sekhukhune.
However, he argues that this hospitality does not justify naming the site after Mampuru, as he was merely a fugitive guest rather than a permanent resident or ruler of the area.
“We must not lose context, Mampuru, being a fugitive on the run, was given temporary shelter, royal courtesy, and exclusive bathing privileges on the Tubatse River. However, the notion that his brief stay outweighs the long-standing history and heritage of Babina Tau baga Tshehla is both provocative and offensive,” says Tshehla.
He further emphasizes that recognizing Mampuru’s passage without acknowledging the hosts who extended hospitality to him is a historical oversight.
Historically, Mampuru was welcomed by Babina Tau before proceeding to Mgomezulu, also spelled Mokometsane, Kwenametsane, where he later found refuge among the Mgomezulu clan. His final settlement was with King Nyabela of the Ndzundza Mabhogo dynasty, where he continued to evade capture from both the enraged Bapedi of the Marota polity and the Boers of the Transvaal Republic following the assassination of King Sekhukhune on 13 August 1882.
In response to these concerns, Kgokong Nchabeleng of Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), clarified that the De Hoop Dam Resource Management Plan (RMP) and all related activities, will continue under the current name until an official government gazette publishes a new name, following a comprehensive public participation process.
Nchabeleng further explains that the name De Hoop originates from the farm De Hoop, which was purchased by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for the construction of the dam.
He assures the public that no immediate changes would impact the implementation of the RMP or ongoing projects at the dam.
Despite this clarification, Thoba Tshehla and his community remain adamant that any proposed renaming must not be imposed upon them without due recognition of their history.
They have submitted formal representations to the Geographic Name Change Committee, asserting that any name disregarding or undermining their heritage will only result in further delays, compounding the decade-long frustrations and administrative paralysis surrounding the project.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are urged to engage in inclusive dialogue, ensuring that any decision on renaming De Hoop Dam reflects the historical, cultural, and social intricacies of all affected communities.
