The renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town is facing a legal challenge, with residents and opposition parties contesting the process and decision. Attorney Derek Light, representing the Graaff-Reinet Economic Development Forum, claims the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie’s gazette notice is defective, failing to inform the public of their right to object within 30 days and where to submit objections.
“The Minister’s notice is defective. It fails to inform the public that they have 30 days to object and also where they can object” Light said. “The process has to be procedurally fair, and this standard was not met.” The forum is prepared to take the matter to court if necessary.
The town, founded in 1786, is set to honour PAC founder Robert Sobukwe, born there in 1924. His family has approved the name change. Light stressed the objection isn’t personal. “We all recognise Robert Sobukwe as iconic. This is not an attack on him or his family.”
Research found 83.6% of surveyed residents oppose the change. Ratepayers Association chair Liz Buisman said “We are determined, and we are rallying.” PAC spokesperson Apa Poee defended the move as a “revolutionary correction of history” arguing “Graaff-Reinet is not an innocent name. Such names were never subjected to consultation with the indigenous African majority. They were imposed by force.”
The DA and Freedom Front Plus are supporting the residents, with DA representative Leander Kruger saying they’ll help residents object, and FF Plus leader Corne Mulder declaring “Graaff-Reinet will always be Graaff-Reinet.” With objections and legal threats mounting, the dispute is far from over.
