Change the name Benoni to Benjamin
Change the name Benoni to Benjamin
The Issue
To all relevant stakeholders and constituencies. I Asanda Jakavula former Chairperson of Lifeline Ekurhuleni, Chairperson of Ncedanani Foundation, author of 'The Victor's Eye' and pastor of Gate Of Heaven Bethel Church International based in Benoni would like to engage you on a project that has the potential of changing our beloved town Benoni.
Benoni’s inauspicious beginnings were in 1881 when then surveyor-general Johan Rissik found it difficult to assign title deeds to all unclaimed state property. He named a piece of land in the area, Government Farm Benoni (son of my sorrow), after the Hebrew name given by Rachel to her son in the biblical Book of Genesis. Out frustration John Rissik spoke and released a curse upon Benoni which means son of my sorrow. The name Benoni has a negative connotation which has become true in our town when we look at the crime, drugs and prostitution.
After Rachel named her son Benoni, the father Jacob changed it to Benjamin understanding the negative connotation attached to the name Jacob. Like Johan, Rachel was frustrated and in pain when she name her son Benoni which is a lesson on its own never to speak while we are in pain or frustrated.
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21)
We are the sum total of the words that we either have spoken or were spoken upon our lives. A town that was once known for good things; gold mining, WOMAD Festival (the World of Music, Arts and Dance), horse racing, Pilot training for world war 2 and many other interesting facts has sadly declined to be the slum of this nation.
We believe this is the spiritual consequence of the name and if we can change the name Benoni to son of my right hand which is a symbol of strength, this town will return to its former glory. With this petition we call upon all current residents of Benoni and previous residents who love this town to sign this petition and let us work on rebuilding ancient ruins and usher this town into a new season of hope, gladness and prosperity.
Yours Faithfully,
Asanda Jakavula
asandaj@certalent.co.za
0105410556/0749506678
57
The Issue
To all relevant stakeholders and constituencies. I Asanda Jakavula former Chairperson of Lifeline Ekurhuleni, Chairperson of Ncedanani Foundation, author of 'The Victor's Eye' and pastor of Gate Of Heaven Bethel Church International based in Benoni would like to engage you on a project that has the potential of changing our beloved town Benoni.
Benoni’s inauspicious beginnings were in 1881 when then surveyor-general Johan Rissik found it difficult to assign title deeds to all unclaimed state property. He named a piece of land in the area, Government Farm Benoni (son of my sorrow), after the Hebrew name given by Rachel to her son in the biblical Book of Genesis. Out frustration John Rissik spoke and released a curse upon Benoni which means son of my sorrow. The name Benoni has a negative connotation which has become true in our town when we look at the crime, drugs and prostitution.
After Rachel named her son Benoni, the father Jacob changed it to Benjamin understanding the negative connotation attached to the name Jacob. Like Johan, Rachel was frustrated and in pain when she name her son Benoni which is a lesson on its own never to speak while we are in pain or frustrated.
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21)
We are the sum total of the words that we either have spoken or were spoken upon our lives. A town that was once known for good things; gold mining, WOMAD Festival (the World of Music, Arts and Dance), horse racing, Pilot training for world war 2 and many other interesting facts has sadly declined to be the slum of this nation.
We believe this is the spiritual consequence of the name and if we can change the name Benoni to son of my right hand which is a symbol of strength, this town will return to its former glory. With this petition we call upon all current residents of Benoni and previous residents who love this town to sign this petition and let us work on rebuilding ancient ruins and usher this town into a new season of hope, gladness and prosperity.
Yours Faithfully,
Asanda Jakavula
asandaj@certalent.co.za
0105410556/0749506678
57
The Decision Makers
Petition created on 12 September 2020