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South Africa’s Historic Towns and Routes Receive Official New Names: What This Means for Travel Plan South Africa’s Historic Towns and Routes Receive Official New Names: What This Means for Travel Plan

South Africa has embarked on a significant journey of geographic renaming that directly impacts travelers, tourism marketing, and travel logistics across the country. The government officially gazetted a series of key name changes in the Government Gazette No. 54101 on 6 February 2026, issued by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture under the South African Geographical Names Council Act. These changes now hold legal status and will gradually reshape how destinations are referenced in travel documents, maps, and booking systems.

For those navigating South Africa’s vibrant tourism landscape, this shift marks a considerable evolution in place identity, especially within the Eastern Cape, where several well-known towns have been renamed to honour historical and cultural legacies. Travel professionals and planners across sub-Saharan Africa should take note, as these adjustments will influence itinerary creation, destination marketing, and traveler information dissemination for years to come.

The most notable transformations involve the renaming of two major tourism towns:

  • East London is now officially KuGompo City
  • Graaff-Reinet has been renamed Robert Sobukwe Town

In addition, several smaller Eastern Cape towns have also received new names:

  • Aberdeen becomes Xamdeboo
  • Adendorp is now Bishop Limba
  • Barkly East renamed Ekhephini

These official changes will cascade across all government departments and eventually filter into travel platforms and signage, signaling a fresh chapter in South Africa’s cultural and tourism narrative.

Implications for Travelers and Industry Professionals

While historic names will persist in everyday conversations and informal usage for some time, travelers should anticipate seeing the new names more prominently in various official contexts. Road signage updates will be phased in gradually, while GPS and mapping services typically follow suit once the gazette is published. Booking platforms, airline documents, and future guidebooks will also adopt these new designations.

During this transitional period, it’s common to encounter dual-naming where both the old and new names are displayed together. For example, flights might still list King Phalo Airport (ELS) – East London, or accommodation providers could describe properties as located “near Graaff-Reinet (Robert Sobukwe).” This approach helps maintain clarity for travelers while the new names gain wider recognition.

Spotlight on KuGompo City (Formerly East London)

KuGompo City remains a vital coastal gateway in the Eastern Cape, celebrated for its scenic beaches such as Nahoon and Gonubie, and its proximity to the rugged beauty of the Wild Coast. The city is also home to the renowned East London Museum, famed for its display of the rare coelacanth fish. As a popular stopover on Wild Coast road trips, the transition to the name KuGompo City will become increasingly visible in travel itineraries and mapping services throughout 2026 and beyond.

Robert Sobukwe Town (Formerly Graaff-Reinet)

Graaff-Reinet has long been a cornerstone destination within the Karoo region, attracting visitors with its dramatic Valley of Desolation, Camdeboo National Park, and well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture. Now renamed Robert Sobukwe Town, the new name pays homage to the revered anti-apartheid leader, reflecting South Africa’s commitment to honouring its rich and diverse heritage. This renaming will influence Garden Route and Karoo itineraries, gradually appearing in tourism marketing and official use.

Additional Updates Affecting Road Travelers

The government gazette also announced new names for crucial mountain passes in the Eastern Cape Highlands, which are significant for self-drive tourists exploring the region:

  • Barkly Pass (R58) is now Mbombo Pass
  • Kraai River Pass (R58) renamed Tyumbu Pass

Awareness of these updates is essential for travel agents crafting road trip itineraries and for travelers relying on GPS navigation through these scenic routes.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Transition

Travel planners and tourists heading to South Africa should adopt a flexible approach during this multi-year transition phase:

  • Search and book using both old and new place names to ensure comprehensive results
  • Expect varying naming conventions across different maps, GPS devices, and booking sites
  • Regular travelers should update saved GPS locations to reflect new names
  • Tourism operators must start revising marketing materials and itineraries to align with official names

This dual-naming strategy will ease travelers into the new nomenclature without causing confusion or disruption.