The introduction of a new bill could expedite the process pertaining to geographical name changes in South Africa.
This is according to Johnny Mohlala, the Deputy Chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC), in a recent interview.
NAME CHANGES MOVING AT ‘SLOW PACE’
The SAGNC was established under the South African Geographical Names Council Act 118 of 1998. Falling under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, it advises the government on how the country names and renames its locations and geographical features.
As of writing, over 1 500 names across Mzansi have been changed to reflect its diverse heritage. These include cities like East London and Graaff-Reinet, streets, airports and even rivers.
However, Mohlala believes that the renaming process is not moving as quickly as it should. Speaking to SAnews.gov.za, he said:
Well, my view is that we are moving at a very slow pace; considering that since the Act was passed in 1998, we are only at some 1 500 names, and I can tell you that there are still a number of names that still need to be standardised. So, the question would then be, if we don’t move very quickly now, this may take longer than it’s actually supposed to be.
NEW BILL
Back in March, Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, approved the publication in the Government Gazette of a notice inviting public comments on the Draft South African Geographical Names Council Amendment Bill, 2026 (AKA the “Draft Bill”).
Seeking to amend the 1998 Act, the Draft Bill will strengthen the governance of the SAGNC, boost their administrative efficiency and essentially streamline the process of implementing name changes.
The consultation process, which involves public participation, is also properly defined in the bill, explained Mohala:
Over the years, there has never been a definition of what constitutes consultation. Now the thing being that we’ve been through court, and it was through judgements that were given by [the] court that we have come to an understanding of what satisfies the court as sufficient consultation.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Changing geographical names is a lengthy process. It starts with someone filling out an application form. After it goes through the Provincial Geographical Names Committee, the application is then served to the SAGNC for assessment.
The SAGNC determines if the application meets the requirements set out in the standard operating procedure. If satisfied, a recommendation for a name change is sent to the Minister. Whether the name is gazetted or not is at the Minister’s discretion.
After gazetting, members of the public are invited to forward their objections to the name change, typically within a 30-day period.
“Even after the objection process has been finalised, one can still go to court and ask the court to arrive at a particular determination,” said Mohala.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT NAME CHANGES?
While the goal of these name changes is to redress our country’s historical injustices, many South Africans view this practice negatively.
Aside from the emotional attachment, critics argue that name changes are purely politically motivated. What’s more, they believe that it detrimentally impacts Mzansi’s economy, causing a trickle-down effect on local communities.
Others, however, believe it’s a much-needed transformative process, one that allows us to cut ties with South Africa’s dark past.
With more name changes looming on the horizon, do you think these are for the better or for the worse? Let us know in the comments below.
