Gayton McKenzie Approves 12 Name Changes, 7 KZN Rivers to Get New Names

KwaZulu-Natal is set to see seven rivers officially renamed after Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie approved 12 geographical name changes across the province and Gauteng.

The approvals were announced in a notice published in Government Gazette No. 55599 on 19 October 2026. The changes were made under section 10(2) of the South African Geographical Names Council Act of 1998.

The announcement has sparked debate on social media, with some South Africans questioning whether renaming geographical features should be a priority while communities continue to face challenges involving basic services and infrastructure.

The approved changes cover geographical features in the City of Tshwane in Gauteng and the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal’s UGu District Municipality.

The announcement prompted mixed reactions from South Africans, with several social media users questioning the purpose and potential benefits of the changes.

Peter McLauchlan responded humorously to the announcement, joking that the country might eventually have to change the names of the seasons.

Tubatsi Senyongnyong Malakwane questioned who would benefit from the project, asking: “Who is going to benefit in that project?”

Lyndy Bray also expressed concerns about the priorities behind the decision, arguing that changing geographical names would not necessarily improve the country’s circumstances.

“Changing names of towns provinces rivers etc … achieves nothing for our country. Better to spend the time and money to fix our hospitals, electricity, water, our roads…etc,” Bray wrote.

The comments reflect concerns among some South Africans about government spending and whether geographical renaming should take precedence over service delivery.

Public has 30 days to object to the approved names

Despite the minister’s approval, members of the public who disagree with any of the proposed geographical names have an opportunity to raise their concerns.

According to the notice, written objections must be submitted within one month of the Government Gazette’s publication date.

Members of the public can send their objections to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture via email at Sagnc@dsac.gov.za.

The objection period gives interested parties an opportunity to formally express their views on the approved changes.

As discussions continue online, the seven rivers in KwaZulu-Natal remain at the centre of the debate, with some South Africans welcoming geographical naming changes while others question whether the initiative addresses the needs of local communities.

“Who Decides?”: 7 Rivers in KZN to Get New Names as Minister Approves 12 Name Changes, SA Reacts – Briefly.co.za

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