Here are the South African towns that could soon have new names

Here are the South African towns that could soon have new namesSouth Africa is on the brink of another wave of geographical renaming, with several well known Eastern Cape towns set to take on new identities. According to BusinessTech, the change forms part of a batch of geographical name updates approved by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, following recommendations by the South African Geographical Names Council. The proposed renaming of East London follows a series of public consultations held in 2025 across Qonce, Mdantsane and surrounding communities. The move aims to better reflect South Africa’s liberation history and indigenous heritage. The broader initiative seeks to address colonial era place names and align South Africa’s map with its democratic and cultural identity.