East London is set to be renamed KuGompo City, while the historic town of Graaff-Reinet is expected to become Robert Sobukwe Town, after Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie approved 21 geographical name changes across South Africa.
South African Geographical Names Council chair Johnny Mohlala confirmed the approvals to the Daily Dispatch, noting that the changes are not yet final and still need to be gazetted, a process expected in the coming weeks. Department spokesperson Zimasa Velaphi told The Herald that a comprehensive statement would soon clarify the full scope of the changes.
In the Eastern Cape, proposed renaming has often faced strong public opposition. The East London renaming follows a legally required public consultation process led by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, with meetings held in Qonce, Mdantsane, and nearby coastal areas in March and April 2025. An earlier proposal was rejected because another town already carried the name KuGompo, a problem now addressed by adding “City”.
Previous efforts to rename Graaff-Reinet were rejected in 2024 due to community resistance and a stated “lack of information”, but the province made it clear the issue was not closed. Founded in 1786, Graaff-Reinet is South Africa’s fourth oldest town and was named after Cornelis Jacob van de Graaff and his wife Reinet. The proposed new name honours Robert Sobukwe, an anti-apartheid leader and founding member of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).
The latest approvals form part of a wider national trend. McKenzie revealed that 104 applications for name changes were submitted in the past financial year and in 2025 to date. KwaZulu-Natal accounted for the majority, followed by the Eastern Cape and Limpopo. Since 1994, more than 1,500 geographical features have been officially renamed.
Supporters argue renaming helps address South Africa’s colonial and apartheid legacy, while critics say the process is often politically driven, costly, and does not always reflect community views. Most recently, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini called for KwaZulu-Natal to be renamed KwaZulu, stating that the name “Natal” was imposed during colonisation.
WATCH REACTIONS – CREDIT:
Mixed reactions to geographical name changes in SA – Sisipho Ngcumbe reports – SABC News
