McKenzie vows to press ahead with renaming drive despite backlash

By Thapelo Molefe

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie says government will continue with its geographical renaming programme despite growing public backlash, arguing that transforming South Africa’s heritage landscape is essential to building a democratic identity.

Speaking during his department’s 2026 Budget Vote debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, McKenzie defended the renaming process and outlined plans to accelerate the restitution of cultural artefacts and human remains taken during colonialism.

McKenzie acknowledged growing public debate around renaming processes but said resistance should not deter government from pursuing transformation in the heritage sector.

“The transformation of our heritage landscape cannot be postponed. We will push it forward with clear conscience and consistent purpose,” he said.

He specifically defended the inclusion of liberation struggle figure Robert Sobukwe in recent geographical renaming decisions, saying criticism of such moves often reflected resistance to historical correction.

“When you recognise Robert Sobukwe, who made