Minister Gayton McKenzie rejects false claims on Graaff-Reinet renaming
12 October 2026
The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture has noted a message circulating on WhatsApp and social media. It claims Minister Gayton McKenzie has withdrawn or rescinded the gazetted renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, along with other geographical name changes in the Eastern Cape, and that a court case on the matter has been “won”.
These claims are false.
The Minister has not withdrawn, rescinded or amended any of the geographical name changes published in the Government Gazette on 6 February 2026. No new decision has been taken. No such decision has been communicated to any person, political party or organisation.
No court has ruled on the matter. The review application brought by AfriForum in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, has not been finalised, and no judgment has been handed down. Any claim that a court case has been won is also untrue.
Because the matter is before the court, it is sub judice. The Minister made this clear in his most recent set of correspondence on the Robert Sobukwe Town matter. The Ministry will therefore not comment on the merits of the case. It will respect and abide by the outcome of the judicial process.
The circulating message attributes statements to Ms Samantha Graham-Maré MP. The Ministry cannot verify whether she made them. The...
Minister has not withdrawn, rescinded or amended any of the geographical name changes Minister Gayton McKenzie rejects false claims on Graaff-Reinet renaming 12 October 2026 The Ministry of Sport, ...