Advocate Takes Campaign Against Eastern Cape Renamings to Minister Gayton McKenzie

The contentious issue of geographic name changes in the Eastern Cape has taken a new turn, as Advocate Jock McConnachie, leader of the "Keep Grahamstown Grahamstown (KKG)" campaign, sets his sights on engaging with Gayton McKenzie, the newly appointed Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. The crux of McConnachie’s argument hinges on what he has termed a "fast track" approach to renaming, a methodology he asserts is marked by insufficient consultation and other procedural deficiencies.

The conversion of Grahamstown to Makhanda, which was filed in 2019 by then Minister Nathi Mthethwa, sparked considerable debate and legal scrutiny. Although the name change survived judicial review, McConnachie remains undeterred in his quest, proposing a pause on all further name amendments in the province.

The Eastern Cape has seen a spree of name alterations in recent years, impacting numerous towns, cities, and all three of its airports, positioning the province at the forefront of a nationwide surge in renaming initiatives purported to reflect its social and political metamorphosis.

The underpinning rationale for these name changes, as explained by former Minister Mthethwa, cites a comprehensive process involving public discussion and the contributions of various sectors, stretching over two decades. The changes are promoted as efforts at 'transformation of cultural heritage' and advancing 'restorative justice'.

Contrarily, critics like McConnachie and AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs Alana Bailey have vocalized their apprehensions. Bailey has expressed unease about the administrative expenditures and the overall impact of such changes, suggesting that the supporters of the process might not be fully aware of its breadth and implications.

Furthermore, Bailey had highlighted remarks by the Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Sibulele Ngongo, who in a budget speech seemed to frame the vast number of name changes as a point of regional pride, which compounded AfriForum’s concern on the endeavor being handled imprudently.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture provides information on the name-changing procedures through its website, acknowledging the significance of altering place names where necessary, such as with offensive monikers or to correct spelling errors.

As McConnachie prepares his representation to Minister McKenzie, the debate emphasizes the ongoing struggle between heritage preservation and transformative justice within the South African socio-political landscape. With the renaming act established as both lawful and under scrutiny, the path forward remains complex and contested, delineating the enduring challenge of reconciling history with progression.