Goodbye Graaff-Reinet: South African town’s name change stirs racial tensions

Minister’s decision to ditch town’s colonial-era identity and honour anti-apartheid activist divides residents A South African town is divided over changing its name from the colonial-era Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe, after the anti-apartheid activist, in a debate that has inflamed racial tensions. Petitions have been signed, rival marches held and a…

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• Minister’s decision to ditch town’s colonial-era identity and honour anti-apartheid activist divides residents A South African town is divided over changing its name from the colonial-era…
• Petitions have been signed, rival marches held and a formal letter of complaint sent to the sports, arts and culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, who approved the name change on 6 February.
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Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• Petitions have been signed, rival marches held and a formal letter of complaint sent to the sports, arts and culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, who approved the name change on 6 February.
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Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

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• Minister’s decision to ditch town’s colonial-era identity and honour anti-apartheid activist divides residents A South African town is divided over changing its name from the colonial-era…
• Petitions have been signed, rival marches held and a formal letter of complaint sent to the sports, arts and culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, who approved the name change on 6 February.