The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, of lacking transparency during the process of changing names of geographical areas in the Eastern Cape.
In a statement issued by DA MP Samantha Graham-Maré, she alleges that McKenzie misled the people of the Eastern Cape when, a year and a half ago, he told the media that he was not approving the name changes for Graaff-Reinet and that there were bigger issues that needed attention.
As previously reported by Nova News, McKenzie approved 21 geographical name changes and name registrations in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, following recommendations from the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC).
McKenzie has now signed off on the change of 21 names, including Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, East London to KuGompo City, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to KwaMseki Bishop Limba, and Nieu-Bethesda to Kwa Noheleni.
Graham-Maré notes that whilst the DA “recognises the importance of restoring historical dignity and acknowledging the contribution of liberation figures such as Sobukwe and Bishop Limba, South Africa’s past demands honest reflection, and naming can play a role in that process.”
However, she argues that the name changes process should “be accompanied by lawful process, meaningful consultation, and transparent decision-making. The DA is deeply concerned about how the latest round of geographical name changes has been handled,” she stated.
In the statement, Graham-Maré alleges that in 2024 McKenzie had previously rejected the application as there was “insufficient evidence that the public’s concerns had been considered.”
The DA now poses the question: “What has changed since then?”
The statement further alleges that many parties report feeling sidelined by the name change process, and only learning about the decisions once they were already made.
The statement further noted: “Public participation cannot be reduced to a procedural formality. Genuine consultation requires openness about proposals, clarity on motivations, transparency around submissions received, and evidence that community input meaningfully influenced outcomes.”
Graham-Maré argued that these name changes carry operational and economic consequences. “Small businesses must rebrand, tourism operators must adjust marketing material, and critical systems such as emergency services, postal networks, mapping platforms, and property records all require updates,” Graham-Maré added.
“Despite this, there is no evidence of implementation cost projections, timelines, or support measures. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. Transformation should strengthen social cohesion, not create uncertainty or resentment. Historical recognition must be matched by responsible governance.”
In a statement issued by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture last week, the department stated that McKenzie’s approval of the 21 name changes reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to transforming South Africa’s naming landscape, promoting social cohesion, and recognising the country’s diverse heritage.
The statement noted that these name changes represent an effort to build a “socially cohesive society grounded in the values of human dignity,” adding that “the standardisation and renaming of towns, cities and geographical features also contribute to symbolic reparations.”
The statement concluded by stating: “It is worth noting that these names are currently in the process of being officially published in the Government Gazette. The Department will share the full list of the twenty-one (21) approved names as soon as they are published in the Gazette.”
Nova News attempted to reach McKenzie’s office for comment; however, there was no response at the time of publication.
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