Graaff-Reinet, the Eastern Cape town known as ‘the gem of the Karoo’ has officially been renamed Robert Sobukwe Town. This follows a sustained process of parliamentary intervention, institutional engagement, and advocacy.
The President of the Azania Movement, Nolubabalo Mcinga, who is also the dismissed Mayibuye Deputy President and former EFF member, a native of Graaff-Reinet, led this effort as a legacy to her hometown.
In 2024, while serving in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) representing the
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), President Mcinga tabled a Motion Without Notice
calling for the renaming to honour Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe.
In a statement by Mcinga, she revealed the process faced delays and resistance. In a written response dated 28 March 2025, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, cited concerns regarding public participation and petitions opposing the renaming, referring the matter back to the province. Mcinga challenged the delays and Minister McKenzie’s response, and engaged directly with the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee (ECPGNC), requested access to petitions, and ensured the people’s submission was fully considered. The process was strengthened by academic support from historian Dr JJ Klaas (PhD, Cambridge University).
The Deputy Chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC), Johnny Mohlala, confirmed that during a meeting on 26 January 2026, the ECPGNC
Submitted the names for standardisation, and Minister Gayton McKenzie formally approved the renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, alongside other Eastern Cape name changes.
“The renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town proves that structured engagement, intellectual rigor, and disciplined persistence deliver real transformation. For the people of Robert Sobukwe Town, it corrects a colonial legacy and restores historical dignity,” Mcinga said.
“Our next step will be to advocate for the renaming of the country itself, as ‘South Africa’ is not a proper name but a geographic direction on the continent. Our main focus as Azania Movement remains ending poverty, and this is just the beginning. We have engaged specialists, experts, and supportive countries of BRICS to assist the Azania Movement to make this project a success, and we will be engaging the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa, to work with us to implement solutions.”
