Graaff-Reinet:The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has firmly denied allegations that he has withdrawn the gazetted renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, as well as other geographical name changes in the Eastern Cape.
According to South African Government News Agency, these claims have been spreading on WhatsApp and social media platforms. The messages also inaccurately suggested that a review application by AfriForum in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, had been concluded.
McKenzie clarified that the court has not yet made any ruling on the matter. He stated, "Any claim that a court case has been won is also untrue. I have not withdrawn anything. There is no new decision, no court judgment, and no victory for anyone to celebrate. The matter is before the court, and I will respect whatever the court decides, as every South African should."
As the issue is currently under judicial consideration, the Minister refrained from discussing the merits of the cases. He confirmed that none of the geographical name changes listed in the Government Gazette on 6 February 2026 have been rescinded, withdrawn, or amended.
The circulating message also attributes statements to Samantha Graham-Maré MP, but the Ministry cannot verify whether she made such comments. Furthermore, the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture has confirmed that it has not communicated any withdrawal to her or anyone else.
The Ministry urges the public, media, and public representatives to verify information with the Department before disseminating it. Official communications are available on the Ministry's website and its official social media platforms.