The standardisation of geographical names in a democratic South Africa is part of the process of redressing the marginalisation of indigenous language, culture, and heritage. It reclaims this wealth for the benefit of all, now and for the future. It is an exciting and dynamic process filled with opportunity for South Africans to enhance their understanding of themselves and their geographical places and in this way, to celebrate our common identity.
Geographic names standardisation is not a uniquely South African phenomenon. In terms of United Nations resolution four of the first United Nations’ Conference on the Standardisation of Geographical Names, each country has, the sovereign right to standardise its geographical names and decide what the name for each feature in that country should be and how that name should be written.
In 1998 the South African Geographical Names Council Act (Act No.118 of 1998) was passed by Parliament. Names standardisation is part of the broad reconciliation and social cohesion process. The standardisation of geographical names in South Africa is part of the healing and reconciliation process, within the broader context of social transformation.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended the re-naming of geographical features as a form of symbolic reparations to address South Africa’s unjust past. We all know that many of the existing names of our geographical features are not reflective of our society and our quest for national unity.
Names standardisation is not an attempt to obliterate the history of any section of our society. It seeks to contribute towards inclusive and participatory democracy that acknowledges our common heritage.
Accordingly, the Minister would like to announce that she has approved the following geographical names on the recommendation of the South African Geographical Names Council:
* Century City station - Railway station in Cape Town
* eMkhondo (change of name from Piet Retief) - town in Mpumalanga
* eNtumeni (correction of spelling from Ntumeni) - village in KwaZulu-Natal
* eNyezane (correction of spelling from Nyezane) - village in KwaZulu-Natal
* eNyoni (correction of spelling from Nyoni) - village in KwaZulu-Natal
* eSitheza (correction of spelling from Teza) - village in KwaZulu-Natal
* Goliyadi - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Hillsview - suburb in Mpumalanga
* iNyoni (correction of spelling from Nyoni) - river in KwaZulu-Natal
* Kalomboma - river in Mpumalanga
* Kakholwane - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Kamagugu - township in Mpumalanga
* King Shaka International Airport (change of name from La Mercy Airport) - airport in KwaZulu-Natal
* Magadze - river in Mpumalanga
* Mahikeng - town in North West
* Mandlela - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Manyeveni - settlement in Mpumalanga
* Masoyi - village in Mpumalanga
* Mbhucu - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Mbube - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Mlalati - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Mkhingoma - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Mkhomazane - river in Mpumalanga
* Sbubule - mountain in Mpumalanga
* Siyanabani - river in Mpumalanga
* Tekatakho - settlement in Mpumalanga
* uThukela (correction of spelling from Tugela from Tugela) - river in KwaZulu-Natal
* Ukuthula Game Estate - estate, game and residential estate in Mpumalanga
Due to technical matters identified late last week, Minister Xingwana has retracted the registration of the Tshwane municipal council name as a geographical feature. The Ministry has instructed more work to be done by officials on this matter.
As government we believe geographical name standardisation is at the heart of our social cohesion project. A full list of the approved names will be available on our website: http://www.dac.gov.za/.
Media enquiries:
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
2 February 2010
