Applications for new name changes in South Africa have surged in recent years.
Indeed, many towns, cities, streets and other geographical landmarks have come under the spotlight as a result of proposals to change their names.
A vast number of these appellations are tied to South Africa’s past. These are especially with regard to colonialism and the apartheid regime.
Encompassing the previous financial year and the current 2025 period, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has received a little over 100 applications for name changes across the country.
NEW NAME CHANGES: 104 APPLICATIONS AND COUNTING
Per BusinessTech, a total of 104 applications for new name changes were submitted to the department during this time period.
Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed this figure during a recent parliamentary question-and-answer session. He was responding to a question posed by Thapelo Mogale of the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Of the total amount, 53 applications were submitted during the 2024/25 financial year. The remaining 51 applications were submitted during the 2025/26 financial year, which began on 1 April 2025.
WHICH PROVINCE SUBMITTED THE MOST PROPOSALS?
Out of the 53 applications received by the department during the 2024/25 financial year, 46 were submitted by KwaZulu-Natal.
In comparison, the Eastern Cape sent in four applications, Limpopo accounted for two and Gauteng made one.
As for the 51 applications submitted thus far during the 2025/26 financial year, KwaZulu-Natal (38), the Eastern Cape (nine) and Limpopo (two) have put in the most requests. Free State and North West each submitted an application.
If the numbers are anything to go by, this steady stream of new name proposals looks poised to continue well beyond the current financial year.
NATIONAL DEBATE SURROUNDING NAME CHANGES
As of writing, over 1 500 names across South Africa have been changed. These include cities, streets, airports and even rivers.
However, when it comes to name changes – a lengthy process overseen by the Geographical Names Council, which falls under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture – South Africans are divided.
Supporters believe that, in order to truly free ourselves from the chains of the country’s dark past, we should rename locations and landmarks to celebrate its diverse cultures.
However, critics argue that the practice is politically motivated. What’s more, they believe that this can detrimentally impact Mzansi’s economy, causing a trickle-down effect on local communities.
Do you support the practice of implementing name changes in South Africa? Let us know in the comments below.
