12/08/2026
Name changes in the Eastern Cape are unnecessary, divisive and politically motivated
Mr Piet Mey
12-08-2026
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is strongly opposed to the proposed name changes of towns and geographical sites in the Eastern Cape.
The latest document issued by the Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee confirms that the Committee will proceed with the process of changing the names of, among others, Lady Grey to Inkosi Makhobeni, Sterkspruit to Inkosi Mpangazi and Herschel to Inkosi Lihlongo.
The Freedom Front Plus’s policy on name changes is clear: We condemn all unnecessary, costly and politically driven name changes that divide communities, waste taxpayers’ money, and attempt to erase existing history and identity.
State capacity and public funds should rather be used to tackle urgent service delivery problems, infrastructure, unemployment and poverty.
A place name is more than just a signpost along the road. It forms part of a community’s history, heritage and identity. When local residents strongly object, government cannot simply proceed as if their voices are of no consequence.
The Freedom Front Plus believes that communities’ right to consultation and preserving their heritage ought to be respected.
In addition, the timing and handling of this process raise serious concern. Attempts to change existing town names shortly before an election create the impression that political interests and vote-catching are more important than service delivery.
Residents are frequently invited to attend public participation processes and make submissions, but when they dare object to proposed changes, they feel that their input falls on deaf ears. It is unacceptable.
The Freedom Front Plus stands for a government that respects communities, truly listens to them and puts their actual priorities first.
The party will oppose these name changes and continue to defend residents’ right to consultation, and preserving their history and identity.
https://www.vfplus.org.za/media-releases/name-changes-in-the-eastern-cape-are-unnecessary-divisive-and-politically-motivated/
