Thousands object to name changes — ‘but petitions don’t count’

Tens of thousands of objections have been lodged against plans to rename five Eastern Cape towns — but the South African Geographical Names Council says petitions and signature campaigns do not constitute formal objections. Sport, arts and culture ministerGayton McKenziemust now consider submissions received during the official consultation period. The new names includeEast London to KuGompo City,Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to Bishop Limba, and Barkly East to Ekhephini.

The names became official when they weregazetted on February 6as part of 21 geographical name changes across SA, drawing criticism from political parties, civic organisations and residents who argued the process lacked adequate consultation and would impose financial costs on municipalities and businesses. Under the South African Geographical Names Council Act, the minister must consider objections submitted during the 30-day consultation period, which closed last Friday, before making a final decision. The DA said it had submitted 38,544 objections to McKenzie’s office.

DA Buffalo City Metro constituency leader Leander Kruger said Robert Sobukwe Town accounted for 21,918 objections, KuGompo City (8,628), Xamdeboo (3,688), Bishop Limba (2,814) and Ekhephini (1,496). “The DA made objection letters available for residents to complete, alongside online objection forms,” Kruger said. Forced, poorly consulted name changes do not unite people He said McKenzie’s office had confirmed receipt of the submissions.

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“The minister is now required to respond to every complaint or objection individually, outlining his decision and the reasons for it. “The Eastern Cape has the highest unemployment rate in the country, and thousands live below the breadline in abject poverty, yet the ANC government is willing to spend millions on changing names,” Kruger said.

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