Five South African towns now have new names!

Five South African towns, mainly in the Eastern Cape, have had name changes recently. Check out the new names here…

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has announced FIVE new name changes for towns in South Africa.

The changes, which according to the BusinessTech website were gazetted on Friday, 26 August, impact four towns and villages in the Eastern Cape province and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

also read: Just in: Cape Town voted 11th best city in the world

Meanwhile, SEVEN other areas (all in the Eastern Cape) have had new names officially registered in terms of the South African Geographical Names Council Act.

“There was a need for the name changes as this is part of a government programme to transform South Africa’s heritage landscape. The names of places we live in reflect the identity and cultural heritage of the people of South Africa,” said minister Nathi Mthetwa.

LIST OF NEW NAMES:

In February 2021, Nathi Mthethwa announced a number of name changes in the Eastern Cape which he said at the time were for transformation purposes.

ALSO READ | It’s alive! South Africa to get stunning new biophilic building

Some of the more notable changes included:

• Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha
• Uitenhage to Kariega
• King Williamstown to Qonce
• East London Airport to King Phalo Airport
• Port Elizabeth Airport to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport

By: Garrin Lambley

ALSO READ | Ten spots in South Africa for incredible Instagram pics

ALSO READ | ‘Do it yourself’? Self-service passports for South Africa

ALSO READ | Two new cities for South Africa? Here’s what you need to know

ALSO READ | South Africa to introduce digital eVisa system in 2022