Goodbye East London, Hello KuGompo?

The Eastern Cape, which in 2018 changed the name of Grahamstown to Makhanda, is at it again. This time it wants to change East London, King William’s Town, Berlin and the East London Airport.

The proposals are to change the name of East London to KuGompo, King William’s Town to Qonce, Berlin to Ntabozuko and EL Airport be changed to King Phalo. Residents have been given until 21 September to oppose or comment on the renaming to the province’s department of sports, recreation, arts and culture.

Exactly two years ago, Grahamstown was renamed Makhanda after a Xhosa warrior and prophet. Two years later, many people are still using the old name, even on websites, questioning how effective the name changes are.

The renaming of these towns and the airport will require money to be spent on changing signs and maps and other administrative logistics and, according to the Democratic Alliance, will do nothing to boost tourism, investment, service delivery or employment. Makhanda itself has been facing severe problems of service delivery and financial shortfalls.

“Instead of spending millions on new signage, the money should be used to improve the lives of the people of the Buffalo City Metro,” the DA said.