FIVE new name changes for towns in South Africa: Welcome to Gxarha!
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has announced FIVE new name changes for towns in South Africa.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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List of name changes:
| Old name | New name | Geographical feature and area |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan’s Bay | Gxarha | Coastal Town (Eastern Cape) |
| Cradock | Nxuba | Town (Eastern Cape) |
| Mooiplaas | Khwenxurha | Amalgamation of villages (Eastern Cape) |
| Pomercy | Solomon Linda | Village (KwaZulu-Natal) |
| Komga River | Qumrha River | River (Eastern Cape) |
| New | Thembalethu Peace Village | Village (Eastern Cape) |
| New | Siyathemba | Human Settlement (Eastern Cape) |
| New | Happy Valley | Human Settlement (Eastern Cape) |
| New | Nomgxeki | Township (Eastern Cape) |
| New | Mzomhle | Suburb (Eastern Cape) |
| New | Siviwe | Suburb (Eastern Cape) |
| New | Mthetheleli Ngumbela Drive | Road Segment (Eastern Cape) |
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.
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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
