Should Graaff-Reinet be renamed Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe? Residents of the South African town say no – study

Graaff-Reinet was named after its colonial governors and is where freedom fighter Robert Sobukwe was born. Getty Images

Graaff-Reinet is a historic rural town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. It seldom makes headlines. But when, in August 2023, residents received word that the town’s name might change to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, Graaff-Reinet was all over the news. Some residents were reportedly outraged by the idea.

Place name changes are not uncommon in South Africa, but they are still sensitive issues that can unify or divide communities.