The dispute over Graaff-Reinet’s new name is far from over, with Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirming that the government’s decision remains in place.
The Eastern Cape town was officially renamed Robert Sobukwe in February 2026, but the decision has faced opposition and legal challenges.
Fresh confusion emerged after messages circulated on social media claiming the government had abandoned the name change.
However, in a statement issued on 12 October, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed that no reversal had taken place.
Government Stands by Renaming Decision
The name change was published in the Government Gazette on 6 February 2026 under the South African Geographical Names Council Act.
The same notice approved several other changes, including Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to Bishop Limba and East London to KuGompo City.
McKenzie has maintained that these decisions remain unchanged.
The department also rejected claims that the minister had informed political organisations about withdrawing the changes.
The disputed messages reportedly referred to DA MP Samantha Graham-Maré, although the department said it could not establish whether she had made the attributed statements.
Legal Challenge Remains Unresolved
Civil rights organisation AfriForum is challenging the Graaff-Reinet decision in the Pretoria High Court.
According to AfriForum, its legal challenge centres on the town’s historical significance and concerns about the renaming process.
The organisation approached the court in May after previously submitting an objection to the minister.
SABC News reported that AfriForum questioned whether the required procedures had been properly followed.
McKenzie’s department maintains that the matter remains before the courts.
No judgment has been delivered, meaning claims that the legal challenge has succeeded are incorrect.
Residents Await Final Court Outcome
The dispute has placed renewed attention on geographical name changes and the processes used to approve them.
While AfriForum wants the decision overturned, the government has not withdrawn its original approval.
McKenzie said his department would respect the eventual court ruling.
Until then, the February gazette remains unchanged, with no official announcement reversing the renaming.
The department has also encouraged the public to check government communication channels before sharing unverified claims.