The controversial renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town is being challenged in the High Court, with civil rights organisation AfriForum arguing that the decision fails to adequately consider the town’s historical and cultural significance.
As previously reported, AfriForum filed its application in the High Court in Pretoria in May after its legal objection to the name change went unanswered.
The organisation had written to Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie on 16 February, shortly after the decision was published in the Government Gazette on 6 February.
AfriForum’s legal challenge raises several concerns about the process followed to change the town’s name.
According to the organisation, the Eastern Cape’s policy on place names states that renaming places of historical significance should only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
AfriForum’s head of cultural affairs, Alana Bailey, previously said the organisation believes there are no such circumstances in the case of Graaff-Reinet, which has a history spanning about 240 years.
The organisation has also argued that the name change does not sufficiently take into account the town’s historical and cultural heritage.
AfriForum said research it conducted found that most residents were opposed to the proposed change.
Concerns have also been raised about the possible impact of the name change on the town’s cultural identity, tourism industry and local economy.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has confirmed that it is a party to the legal proceedings and intends to oppose AfriForum’s application.
The latest development comes after McKenzie defended geographical name changes in the Eastern Cape in response to parliamentary questions from ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip.
According to Netwerk24, McKenzie said the renaming of towns and geographical areas forms part of transforming South Africa’s heritage landscape and recognising communities whose histories have previously been marginalised.
He said completed name-change processes were conducted within the framework of the South African Geographical Names Council Act.
Netwerk24 reported that McKenzie declined to discuss the merits of the Graaff-Reinet case while it remains before the High Court, saying issues relating to the process and consultation would be addressed through the court proceedings.
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