The Transformation of South Africa’s Naming Landscape
Dear South Africans,
The South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) was established under the South African Geographical Names Act, No. 118 of 1998. Its mandate is to lead the transformation of South Africa’s naming landscape to reflect our country’s languages, cultural heritage, and democratic values.
Many names of our villages, towns, cities, and roads still reflect colonial and apartheid legacies. Provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga have made notable progress in transforming major town and city names. In Gauteng, the recent road name changes include:
Houtkop Road to Duma Nokwe Road
William Nicol…
Cultural Significance: Newspapers remain an essential part of South African
culture, reflecting the country’s diverse voices and stories.

Candy Butcher
What do you call the oke at a South African gathering who cooks the food?
Braai\’n
Sir Shark
Fun South African Fact: There are more than 2000 shipwrecks off the South African coast, most dating back at least 500 years.