Name change of a unique 168-year-old town in South Africa planned

The Freedom Front Plus has opposed the renaming of towns across the Eastern Cape, including Lady Grey, a unique town nestled at the foot of the Witteberg mountains.

Lady Grey is a tranquil, rural village founded in 1858, known for its clean air, charming country cottages, and old buildings.

It is popular among tourists who want to experience the sandstone architecture, mountain passes, fly-fishing, hiking trails, and nearby San rock art sites.

The town hosted the long-running Lady Grey Passion Play during Easter and is home to the Lady Grey Arts Academy.

It is the seat of the Senqu Local Municipality, which is one of the best-run municipalities in South Africa. Although it is a small village, it has its own hospital.

Lady Grey has become a popular place to live for people who want to escape the city and retire in a calm environment.

Wayne Rubidge from Pam Golding Properties in the Karoo said that demand is split between buyers seeking vacant land for new builds and existing homes.

This unique village has been one of the towns targeted for name changes in the Eastern Cape, along with Sterkspruit and Herschel.

The Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee recently confirmed that it is proceeding with a process to change numerous names.

Lady Grey will be changed to Inkosi Makhobeni, Sterkspruit to Inkosi Mpangazi, and Herschel to Inkosi Lihlongo.

Many stakeholders, including the Freedom Front Plus, said that they are opposed to the proposed name changes of towns and geographical places in the Eastern Cape.

“We reject unnecessary, expensive, and politically driven name changes that divide communities, waste money, and attempt to erase existing history,” it said.

“State capacity and public funds should be used to address urgent service delivery problems, infrastructure, unemployment, and poverty.”

It said that a place name is more than just a sign on the side of the road. It is part of a community’s history, heritage, and identity.

“Where there is strong local opposition, a government cannot simply proceed as if those residents’ voices carry no weight,” the FF Plus said.

“The party will oppose these name changes and continue to defend residents’ right to input, history, and identity.”

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Lady Grey photos

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