East London, Graaff-Reinet among 21 towns set for new names

Twenty-one name changes are on the cards for towns and cities in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has approved the geographical name changes following recommendations from the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNA).

The Department says the move supports social cohesion and addresses naming legacies linked to colonialism and apartheid.

East London will become KuGompo City, while Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape will be renamed Robert Sobukwe Town.

"All names were taken through a public consultation process," says SAGNC chairperson Johnny Mohlala.

Mohlala says the decision is not based on a majority of public views in favour or against, but rather on the minister having applied his mind to all relevant factors.

"If the minister is not satisfied with the public participation process, surely I don't think the minister will approve."

The council’s mandate includes correcting historical imbalances and ensuring indigenous languages and cultural heritage are recognised in public spaces.

The government says this aligns with the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations.

The approved names are currently being processed for publication in the Government Gazette. The full list will be made public once the gazetting process is complete.

Since 1994, South Africa has approved and gazetted more than 1,500 name changes covering towns, rivers, roads and other landmarks.

KwaZulu-Natal has seen the most changes, followed by the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

To listen to Mohlala, use the audio player below: