The Azania Movement has condemned the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) campaign opposing the renaming of Eastern Cape towns, calling it a “politically organised resistance” against transforming South Africa’s historical landscape.
The DA recently submitted 38,544 objection signatures to Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie. The campaign, according to the Azania Movement, was coordinated by DA representatives Leander Kruger, Samantha Graham-Maré, and Marina van Zyl.
Objections include 21,918 against renaming Graaff-Reinet, 8,628 against East London, 3,688 for Aberdeen, 2,814 for Adendorp, and 1,496 for Barkly East. Azania Movement spokesperson Thapelo Mofokeng said the campaign reflects discomfort with recognising African heritage and liberation history.
“What the Democratic Alliance is presenting as a democratic process is, in reality, a politically organised resistance against the transformation of South Africa’s historical landscape,” Mofokeng said. He added that preserving colonial-era names demonstrates a “deeper discomfort with recognising African heritage, languages and liberation history.”
The Azania Movement sees renaming as a form of historical correction, honouring African leaders and indigenous heritage. “When the Democratic Alliance mobilises a national campaign to block such transformation, South Africans must ask why the party is so determined to preserve colonial naming systems,” Mofokeng said.
The movement warned that maintaining colonial symbols under the guise of democracy amounts to “soft colonialism,” preserving colonial cultural structures. Azania Movement president Nolubabalo Mcinga stressed the importance of civic consciousness.
“Civic consciousness means a people must know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going as a nation,” Mcinga said. “When citizens are informed and conscious, they cannot be bullied into protecting symbols that erased their identity.”
The debate continues as the government assesses the objections submitted to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
