South Africans react to RIVER name changes: ‘Will this give us clean water?’

South Africans have taken to social media to question the purpose and cost of proposed several river name changes, with many arguing that the country should focus on pollution, sewage and failing infrastructure instead.

The reaction followed news of the approval of 12 geographical names by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, including seven rivers in KwaZulu-Natal.

While the changes form part of South Africa’s geographical naming process, the announcement has prompted a wave of sarcastic comments, questions about the existing names and calls for government to prioritise more pressing problems.

‘Will the water be clean?’

Many commenters questioned whether changing a river’s name would make any difference to the condition of the water.

One commenter asked: “And the name change will fix the country.”

Another wrote: “Changing river names won’t take the bollie out.”

Others used the state of polluted rivers to make their point, with one suggesting that affected waterways should instead be named “Sewage Farm River 1, 2, 3”.

Another commenter asked whether the rivers would receive “new water” and remain full after their names changed.

The comments reflect frustration among some South Africans who believe that practical issues such as sewage spills, water quality and infrastructure maintenance deserve greater attention.

Questions about the cost

The financial implications of the changes were another recurring theme.

Several commenters asked how much the process would cost and who would pay for it, while others argued that the money could be put towards public services.

One person asked whether the funding could instead be used to subsidise fuel, while another questioned whether renaming rivers would benefit people living in poverty.

However, no cost estimate was provided in the comments, and the discussion alone does not establish the actual cost of the naming process.

‘What are the rivers called now?’

Another source of frustration was the lack of information about the existing names of the affected rivers.

Several commenters asked for the original names to be listed alongside the proposed or approved alternatives, arguing that readers needed this information to understand the changes.

One commenter also questioned whether rivers in KwaZulu-Natal that already have Zulu names would be changed to English names.

Others raised broader questions about South Africa’s geographical naming process and whether the changes would make places more difficult to identify for residents and visitors.

The debate also extended to other well-known geographical names, with one commenter arguing that the Orange River should be renamed to Senqu.

A wider debate about name changes

The reaction highlights a broader divide over geographical name changes in South Africa.

Supporters of renaming initiatives often view them as a way to recognise local languages, heritage and historical identities.

Critics, meanwhile, question the timing, costs and practical value of the changes when communities face problems such as unemployment, water shortages and failing infrastructure.

Two new township names in Gauteng

Two of the approved names relate to townships in the City of Tshwane:

• Dinokeng View – township
• Menoatlou – township

Both names are listed as names to be registered.

KwaZulu-Natal receives 10 approved names

The remaining 10 names relate to geographical features in the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, within the UGu District Municipality.

These include seven rivers, one mountain and two villages.

The names and features listed in the notice are:

Approved name	Geographical feature
uLonjane	River
KwaShobashobane	Village
iKhangeza	River
uGodlogodlo	River
uButhongo	River
uBenyu	River
uSihlambweni	Mountain
uSihlambo	River
eMaxhantini	River
uDlovunga	Village

Public can object to approved names

Any person or organisation dissatisfied with a name approved by the minister may lodge a written objection within one month of the name’s publication in the Government Gazette.

Comments or objections may be sent to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture at Sagnc@dsac.gov.za.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE renaming of townships, towns, villages, rivers and mountains in South Africa?