The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, of misleading the people of the Eastern Cape over the controversial renaming of towns, following his approval of 21 geographical name changes across the province.
According to the DA, the decision contradicts assurances given by the minister roughly 18 months ago, when he told the media he would not approve the renaming of Graaff-Reinet, citing more pressing national priorities. Despite those assurances, McKenzie has now signed off on a wide-ranging set of changes, 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.
Recognition Supported, Process Questioned
The DA says it recognises the importance of restoring historical dignity and honouring liberation figures such as Robert Sobukwe and Bishop Limba, acknowledging that naming can play a meaningful role in confronting South Africa’s past.
However, the party insists that transformation must be accompanied by lawful processes, meaningful public consultation, and transparent decision-making. It argues that these principles were not adequately followed in the latest round of name changes.
In 2024, McKenzie indicated that he had rejected the initial application because there was insufficient evidence that public concerns had been properly considered. The DA now questions what has materially changed since then to justify reversing that decision.
Concerns Over Public Consultation
While government has stated that public consultations were conducted, the DA reports that feedback from residents, business organisations, and community stakeholders tells a different story. Many affected parties have reportedly said they felt sidelined, inadequately consulted, or only informed once key decisions had already been taken.
The party argues that public participation cannot be treated as a box-ticking exercise. It says genuine consultation requires transparency around proposals, clarity on motivations, openness about submissions received, and proof that community input influenced the final outcomes.
The DA has also raised concern about comments by the chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council, Johnny Mohlala, who has reportedly told communities that objections are premature until the names are gazetted. According to the DA, this stance undermines democratic accountability and conflicts with the principles of procedural fairness outlined in the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
Economic and Operational Impact
Beyond the symbolic implications, the DA warns that the name changes carry real operational and economic consequences. Small businesses may be forced to rebrand, tourism operators to adjust marketing material, and critical systems such as emergency services, postal networks, mapping platforms, and property records to be updated.
Despite these impacts, the party says there is no publicly available evidence of cost estimates, implementation timelines, or support measures for affected communities and businesses. This lack of transparency, it argues, risks creating uncertainty and resentment rather than fostering social cohesion.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
DA MPL Leander Kruger has written to the Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Sibulele Ngongo, the Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee, and the SAGNC, requesting full consultation records and clarity on the criteria used to approve the changes.
The DA is also calling for the release of cost projections and implementation timelines, as well as the reopening of meaningful engagement with affected communities and business sectors. It says there must be clear, documented evidence showing what has changed since 2024 to justify the approval of the new names.
Next Steps
The DA says it will continue to pursue the matter through lawful channels to ensure transparency, accountability, and genuine community participation. It has committed to assisting residents who wish to lodge formal objections once the name changes are officially gazetted, ensuring submissions are made within the prescribed period.
According to the party, communities across the Eastern Cape, including Graaff-Reinet, deserve clear answers, documented consultation outcomes, and a decision-making process that respects both historical recognition and democratic rights.
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