One of South Africa’s oldest towns could be up for a name change

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has urged Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to begin the process of renaming Harrismith in the Free State, citing cultural sensitivities.

According to BusinessTech, the ATM raised the request during a recent parliamentary Q&A, arguing that towns named after historical figures who harmed indigenous communities should be renamed.

ATM MP Vuyolwethu Zungula explained that the name ‘Harrismith’ serves as a painful reminder for the AmaXhosa Kingdom, as it honours Governor Harry Smith, who captured and killed their King, Hintsa kaKhawuta, in 1835.

Harrismith to possibly be renamed

Harrismith itself has faced similar calls for name changes before, with proposals put forth as early as 2005, with Intabazwe being the preferred name choice.

Another proposal was put forward in 2014/15, but did not find support from local communities, who petitioned to keep the name the same.

Founded in 1849, Harrismith was named after British Governor Sir Harry Smith. The incredibly old South African town played a role during the Anglo-Boer War and still has some heritage buildings that reflect its colonial past.

Minister McKenzie, in response to Zungula’s proposal, said that it was not the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s responsibility to initiate name changes in the country.