The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape notes that the proposed name changes affecting our communities in the province have now officially been gazetted (6 February 2026). This gazetting marks the start of the formal objection phase, during which members of the public have a limited opportunity to make their voices heard.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie misled the people of the Eastern Cape when, a year and a half ago, he told the media that he was not approving the name changes for Graaff-Reinet and that there were bigger issues that needed attention.
Despite this he signed off on the name changes of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe, East London to KuGompo City, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to Bishop Limba and Barly East to Ekhephini.
We await responses from the Provincial and National Name Changes Committee regarding how these rejected name changes have now seemingly been allowed to be processed. The DA will be actively assisting residents to object in the correct and legally compliant manner.
We will be providing individual objection letters for residents to complete and will also make online objection forms available for those who are unable to visit us in person.
All completed objections will be submitted to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture within the prescribed one-month objection period. It is critical that as many objections as possible are lodged within this timeframe.
The DA supports reconciliation and nation-building in South Africa. However, we do not believe that forced or poorly consulted name changes achieve this goal. True reconciliation is built through unity, dialogue, and respect for communities – not through decisions imposed without meaningful public participation or historical links.
We further believe that government priorities should be focused on changing lives through improved service delivery.
Communities in East London, Barkly East, Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen, Adendorp and across the province are facing serious challenges, including failing infrastructure, unemployment, and unreliable basic services. These urgent issues deserve the full attention and resources of government.
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 DA is committed to ensuring that residents are not ignored and that their objections are formally recorded and considered.
We call on all affected residents to participate in this objection process and to stand with the DA in demanding accountable governance, proper consultation and a government focused on delivering real improvements to people’s lives.