An angry city manager Dr Michael Sutcliffe on Wednesday had harsh words for the media and refused to answer questions over how much a municipal name change will cost ratepayers.
Instead, Sutcliffe labelled the media’s preoccupation with the renaming as "crazy", and said there were no concrete plans for eThekwini to be replaced by the name, Kwa-Khangela.
‘eThekwini refers to the shape of Durban bay comparing it to a bull’s testicles’
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also refused to speculate on the financial implications.
"At the moment it’s frustrating me that the media are continuing with this before there is any indication of what name we want to pursue," Sutcliffe said.
"It has to go through the process first and when it gets to Exco or council you have a fair indication that it may be adopted."
His position on the Kwa-Khangela change, however, comes a day after Mayor Obed Mlaba threw his weight behind and ANC proposal to move away from the name eThekwini, which was causing some "embarrassment".
Mlaba on Tuesday said he was uncomfortable at explaining to people and international dignitaries that eThekwini refers to the shape of Durban bay comparing it to a bull’s testicles.
‘KwaKhangela is a name of significant military and historic importance to Durban and the region’
Derivatives of eThekwini also refer to a bull with one testicle, but historians and language experts frequently differ on the precise translation.
In fact Mlaba said he was so embarrassed by questions relating to eThekwini’s meaning that he often tried to sidestep the issue.
"You are not proud to unpack what it means," he said.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has previously been lambasted for its comments on the renaming process, has also refused to speculate on the cost implications to businesses.
CEO Professor Bonke Dumisa referred all media queries to chamber president Themba Ngcobo, who declined to speak on the issue.
"We would only like to confirm anything when there is something definite and there is a firm view that the matter is finalised. We cannot respond to speculation," Ngcobo said.
Council said earlier it would not pay for private sector signage and stationery changes.
Historically speaking, Kwa-Khangela is perhaps one of the most appropriate, and non offensive names suggested thus far.
Consensus is that Zulu King Shaka maintained a military garrison near the present Congella area, and variations aside, KwaKhangela is a name of significant military and historic importance to Durban and the region.