by Lindiwe from Gqeberha asks Santa about a Santa PNG image, learns about Algoa Bay, and hears about her city’s real name change history
Dear Santa, my name is Lindiwe and I am nine years old. I live in Gqeberha, South Africa, where my gogo says our city’s name changed not too long ago, and some people still call it by its older name out of habit.
Dear Lindiwe, your gogo is entirely right, and I have made sure to keep my own maps carefully updated.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, what is Santa pnp? My cousin mentioned needing a digital image of you for a school project, and I was not sure what the term meant exactly.
That likely refers to a PNG image file, Lindiwe, a common digital picture format with a transparent background, useful for projects like your cousin’s. The elves in the technology department handle exactly that sort of request.
My second question is about our bay. My teacher says Algoa Bay shapes much of our city’s coastline. Is that true?
It is, Lindiwe. Algoa Bay stretches along Gqeberha’s coastline, an important part of the region’s history as a port. Flying along that warm, historic coastline each Christmas Eve is a genuinely beautiful part of my South African route.
My third question is about our city’s name. My teacher says it officially changed a few years ago. Is that true?
It is true, Lindiwe. The city was officially renamed Gqeberha in 2021, honoring the region’s indigenous heritage and history. I always try to keep my own records carefully updated with such meaningful changes.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Lindiwe Mahlangu
Gqeberha, South Africa
P.S. Do you ever get confused by name changes?
Rarely, Lindiwe. The elves keep excellent records.
