Lynn Harding
I refer to Priya Reddy’s letter “City logo strategy” (Cape Times, September 2) and thank the City for instructing a spokesperson to reply to this debate.
I was also delighted to see that Ian Swindale has taken up the cudgels and has had an article published on the subject.
Sadly, it looks as though politics is rearing its ugly head in all this, which was definitely not my intention, although I would heartily welcome a DA councillor getting involved.
However, this is a democracy and we are all entitled to our opinions, so all strength to your arm, Ian.
I hope that more concerned citizens (and permanent residents) will add their voices to the debate.
To return to Priya Reddy’s letter, I’m afraid that, for all the “wordiness” of her reply, she entirely misses the point.
There are several factors she mentions that I would take issue with if we had the time, but the one, overreaching feature of this whole argument still stands out, loud and proud: The logo.
Whatever the explanation is for the “casino chip”, that is all it remains – a casino chip, saying nothing of Cape Town.
The old logo remains what it is – a clear, concise and perfect illustration of Cape Town. Priya, that is the entire point of this argument.
A logo surely is supposed to immediately tell the reader what it represents?
Well, to every single eye that falls upon it, the old logo says “Table Mountain – Cape Town – South Africa”, does it not?
With the colours of the South African flag flying behind Table Mountain, it perfectly depicts our city and no one, both here and abroad, could fail to recognise that.
Why on earth make something so simple and perfect so complicated and such hard work?
Who can see repeated images of Table Mountain in the concentric rings of the new logo, or see a protea or road bikes riding the Argus?
I certainly can’t and I’m not blind or stupid. Unfortunately, what has happened here is what so often happens in other areas of life.
Whatever the good intentions of City management were to begin with, other factors have come into play and have complicated the original intention.
I understand that running an enormous city and surrounds like Cape Town is hugely complex and I admire all the efforts that are made on our behalf.
However, Priya’s reply shows exactly how complicated this single issue has become – I think unnecessarily so.
I would not dream of questioning the inner workings of City management – it all sounds terribly convoluted and I would venture in at my peril!
As ratepayers it is our money that has been, and will be, spent on this project and as citizens of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, we have a right to be involved in choosing a logo that depicts our city – and that is precisely my point. The logo.
Forget the long explanations and get back to the basic issue. It’s what the eye sees that tells the story.
If anything should be changed, Priya, then maybe it should be the wording supporting the logo, “The City that works for you”.
What about “The City that belongs to everyone” or “An all-inclusive City” or “Working together for All” – I leave that to you.
However, my original contention still stands – the old logo was perfect so please don’t change it.