A proposed new bill aims to accelerate the process of changing geographical names in South Africa, a move that could have significant implications for the country’s cultural landscape. According to Johnny Mohlala, Deputy Chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC), the current process is moving at a glacial pace.
The SAGNC, established under the South African Geographical Names Council Act 118 of 1998, plays a crucial role in advising the government on the naming and renaming of locations and geographical features. The council operates under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. To date, over 1,500 names have been changed across the country to reflect its diverse heritage, including cities like East London and Graaff-Reinet, streets, airports, and rivers.
Streamlining the Name Change Process
However, Mohlala believes that the renaming process is not progressing as quickly as it should. In an interview with SAnews.gov.za, he expressed his concerns, stating:
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.
A New Bill on the Horizon
In March, Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, approved the publication of a notice inviting public comments on the Draft South African Geographical Names Council Amendment Bill, 2026. This draft bill seeks to amend the 1998 Act, with the aim of strengthening the governance of the SAGNC, boosting administrative efficiency, and streamlining the process of implementing name changes.
The consultation process, which involves public participation, is also clearly defined in the bill. Mohlala explained:
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.
Understanding the Name Change Process
Changing geographical names is a complex and lengthy process. It begins with the submission of an application form, which is then reviewed by the Provincial Geographical Names Committee. The application is subsequently served to the SAGNC for assessment. If the application meets the requirements, a recommendation for a name change is sent to the Minister, who has the discretion to gazette the new name.
After gazetting, the public is invited to submit objections to the name change, typically within a 30-day period. Mohlala noted that even after the objection process has been finalized, individuals can still appeal to the court to review the decision.
The goal of these name changes is to address historical injustices, but opinions on the matter are divided. While some view it as a necessary step towards transformation, others are critical, arguing that it is politically motivated and has a negative impact on the economy.
