EASTERN CAPE – Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie is facing mounting criticism after failing to respond substantively to more than 38,000 objections submitted against proposed Eastern Cape geographical name changes.
According to Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Samantha Graham-Maré, 38,544 objections were submitted to the Minister’s office two months ago on behalf of affected residents.
The objections relate to proposed renaming processes involving Graaff-Reinet, Adendorp, Aberdeen, Barkly East and East London.
Graham-Maré said the only response received from the Minister’s office to date has been an acknowledgement of receipt, with no further communication or decision communicated to affected communities.
The DA argues that the objections were submitted within the prescribed 30-day objection period following the gazetting of the proposed name changes.
However, the party claims that a material omission in the Gazette may have affected the legality of the process.
“This is a material fact that was omitted from the Gazette. This error of omission rendered the Gazette unlawful and unconstitutional, in our opinion,” Graham-Maré said.
While the South African Geographical Names Council Act requires the Minister to respond to objections with a decision and reasons, it does not prescribe a specific timeframe for doing so.
“However, according to the Promotion of Access to Justice Act, anyone who is adversely affected by an administrative decision should receive a response within 90 days, failing which it is presumed that the decision was taken without good reason,” she said.
The DA has written to Minister McKenzie requesting that he review the process, provide clear timelines and communicate the outcome to all 38,544 individuals who submitted objections.
“He must account for his decision or reconsider it. Residents of these five areas should not be left in limbo indefinitely while he ignores his legal obligations,” Graham-Maré said.
The party further says the process has contributed to divisions within affected communities and shifted focus away from service delivery priorities.
“This process has divided communities and changed our focus from creating unity, jobs and economic growth,” she said.
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