Charles Esther
The Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee is considering replacing colonial-era place names with indigenous alternatives.
The towns of Port Alfred, Alexandria, and the Kowie River are all under review for possible changes.
Stakeholder Meeting Marks the First Step
Last week, more than 250 stakeholders attended a pre-planning meeting in Port Alfred.
The gathering was the first stage in a broader process aimed at restoring indigenous place names.
Proposed Indigenous Names for Towns and River
Under current suggestions, Port Alfred could become either iCawa or iCoyi, while the Kowie River would be renamed iQoyi.
Alexandria may be renamed Nkosi Chungwa or eMnyameni.
Motivation Behind the Changes
Christian Martin, chairperson of the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Council, explained that these changes align with global efforts to replace colonial names.
“Kowie,” he noted, is a colonial adaptation of a Khoi word, with “iQoyi” as its isiXhosa equivalent.
Opposition from Political and Business Circles
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to reject the proposals.
They argue that renaming Port Alfred and Alexandria could damage the towns’ tourism brands and harm local economies.
Tourism Industry Concerns
Business owners and tourism operators fear that the proposed changes could reduce the towns’ appeal to international visitors.
Consultation Process Still Underway
The proposed names are not final.
Community input and further consultations will determine whether the changes go ahead.
Cultural Restoration vs. Economic Impact
While supporters highlight the importance of cultural restoration, critics point to potential economic consequences for the region.
David Awoyode