Update
GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, of misleading the public over proposed geographical name changes in the Eastern Cape, including the renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town.
According to the DA, McKenzie indicated about 18 months ago that he would not approve the Graaff-Reinet name change, stating at the time that more pressing national issues required attention.
However, the minister has since signed off on 21 name changes across the province.
These include the renaming of East London to KuGompo City, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to KwaMseki Bishop Limba, and Nieu-Bethesda to Kwa Noheleni.
DA Dr Beyers Naudé Constituency Leader and Member of Parliament, Samantha Graham-Maré, said while the party supports the recognition of liberation figures and the restoration of historical dignity, the process followed in approving the changes is deeply concerning.
“South Africa’s history requires honest reflection, and naming can play an important role in that process,” Graham-Maré said.
“However, this must be done through lawful procedures, meaningful public consultation, and transparent decision-making.”
The DA has questioned what has changed since 2024, when McKenzie reportedly rejected the applications, citing insufficient evidence that public concerns had been adequately considered.
Although government has indicated that public consultations were held, the DA claims feedback from residents, business organisations and community stakeholders suggests many felt excluded or were only informed once decisions had effectively been finalised.
Graham-Maré warned that public participation should not be treated as a procedural formality.
“Genuine consultation requires transparency about proposals, clarity on motivations, and proof that community input influenced the outcome,” she said.
The party has also raised concerns about comments made by South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) chairperson Johnny Mohlala, who reportedly told communities that objections were premature until the names are formally gazetted.
The DA argues that this stance undermines democratic accountability and may conflict with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
Beyond public consultation, the DA highlighted the practical and economic implications of name changes.
These include rebranding costs for businesses, updates to tourism marketing, and changes required to emergency services, postal systems, mapping platforms and property records.
“There is no publicly available information on implementation costs, timelines or support measures,” Graham-Maré said.
“This lack of transparency is unacceptable.”
DA MPL Leander Kruger has written to Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Sibulele Ngongo, the Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee and the SAGNC, requesting full consultation records, decision criteria, cost estimates and implementation timelines.
He has also called for renewed engagement with affected communities and business sectors, and for documented evidence of changes since 2024 that would justify the reversal of the earlier decision.
The DA said it would continue to pursue the matter through legal channels and would assist residents wishing to lodge formal objections once the changes are gazetted.
“Residents of Graaff-Reinet, and communities across the Eastern Cape, deserve clear answers, a transparent process and respect for their democratic rights,” Graham-Maré said.
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