The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape has launched a campaign to mobilise formal objections to several newly gazetted geographical name changes, arguing that communities were not properly consulted and that government priorities are misplaced.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed that a number of approved name changes have now been published in the Government Gazette, triggering a one-month formal objection period during which members of the public may submit representations.

The changes include East London to KuGompo City, Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to Bishop Limba, and Barkly East to Ekhephini.

DA claims communities were misled

DA spokesperson for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Eastern Cape, Leander Kruger, said the party believes Minister Gayton McKenzie misled residents about the future of some of the name changes.

Kruger claims the minister previously indicated that the Graaff-Reinet name change would not be approved because other priorities needed attention, yet later signed off on the change along with several others.

The DA says it is seeking clarity from provincial and national naming committees on how proposals it believes were previously rejected have now progressed to the gazetting stage.

Organising formal objections

With the objection phase now open, the DA says it will assist residents in submitting legally compliant objections within the prescribed timeframe. According to the party, it will distribute template objection letters and make online forms available for those unable to visit in person.

“All completed objections will be submitted to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture within the prescribed one-month objection period,” Kruger said, urging as many residents as possible to participate.

Concerns over consultation and priorities

While the DA says it supports reconciliation and nation-building, it argues that name changes should not be “forced or poorly consulted”. The party maintains that meaningful dialogue and community support are essential when decisions affect the identity and heritage of towns.

It also questioned whether government resources should instead be focused on pressing service delivery challenges. The DA pointed to issues such as failing infrastructure, unemployment and unreliable basic services in towns affected by the changes, including East London, Barkly East, Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen and Adendorp.

“Decisions that affect the names, identities, and heritage of our towns and communities cannot be taken without the consent of the people who live there,” the party said.

Government’s position

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has said the approvals form part of a broader national process aimed at transforming South Africa’s naming landscape. The department says the work supports social cohesion, recognises diverse heritage and helps address colonial and apartheid-era naming legacies.

According to the department, the South African Geographical Names Council’s role includes standardising place names and ensuring they reflect indigenous languages, cultural heritage and natural heritage. The renaming of towns and other features is also described as contributing to symbolic reparations and restoring dignity.

With the names now gazetted, the focus shifts to the public participation process, where objections and comments submitted during the official window will be considered before the changes are fully implemented.