Among them were Graaff-Reinet and East London, the latter of which has been renamed Kugompo City. Aberdeen also changed to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to KwaMseki, and Bishop Limba to KwaNoheleni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The changes followed recommendations from the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Ministry, the renamings form part of efforts to transform South Africa\u2019s naming landscape, promote social cohesion, and recognise diverse heritage by moving away from colonial-era names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, in Graaff-Reinet, the move has been met with strong resistance from longtime residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local attorney Derek Light, acting on behalf of the Graaff-Reinet Economic Development Forum, has formally challenged the government gazette notice that confirmed the name change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The notice, published last week, is the final step in a contentious process that began when the proposal surfaced in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Light argued that the notice is legally defective. \u201cThe Minister\u2019s notice is defective. It fails to inform the public that they have 30 days to object and also where they can object,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis process has to be procedurally fair, and this standard was not met. This year, the town is 240 years old. The vast majority of people living here do not want a name change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe origin of the name has become opaque and is no longer offensive to anybody,\u201d Light added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graaff-Reinet was established in 1786 and named after Dutch governor Cornelis Jacob van der Graaff and his wife, Cornelia Reinet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposed new name honours Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, a political activist and founder of the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), who was born in the town in 1924.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An overwhelming number of residents didn\u2019t want the name change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sign-town-name-e1770384989141-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile Sobukwe\u2019s legacy is widely respected, opponents of the change argue that recognition does not require erasing the town\u2019s existing name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chair of the Graaff-Reinet Ratepayers Association, Liz Buisman, said residents are mobilising to oppose the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are determined, and we are rallying,\u201d Buisman said, adding that scores of objections are being compiled and submitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The town is set to host a major Heritage Society Conference in December, and organisers have already taken a stance against the name change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe had a meeting on Monday, and it was decided that this will not be called the Robert Sobukwe Heritage Society Conference. It will be called the Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society Conference,\u201d Buisman said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile Sobukwe\u2019s legacy is widely respected, opponents of the change argue that recognition does not require erasing the town\u2019s existing name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chair of the Graaff-Reinet Ratepayers Association, Liz Buisman, said residents are mobilising to oppose the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are determined, and we are rallying,\u201d Buisman said, adding that scores of objections are being compiled and submitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The town is set to host a major Heritage Society Conference in December, and organisers have already taken a stance against the name change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe had a meeting on Monday, and it was decided that this will not be called the Robert Sobukwe Heritage Society Conference. It will be called the Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society Conference,\u201d Buisman said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n