Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus Oppose Proposed Town Name Changes in South Africa
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus are challenging proposed name changes for three towns in South Africa: Lady Grey, Herschel, and Sterkspruit. The Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (ECPGNC) is considering applications to rename Lady Grey to Inkosi Makhobeni, Herschel to Inkosi Lihlongo, and Sterkspruit to Inkosi Mpangazi (with Mapetla Mohapi as an alternative for Sterkspruit). Lady Grey, established in 1857, was named after Eliza Lucy Grey, wife of Governor Sir George Grey. Herschel, founded in 1879, was named after astronomer Sir John Herschel. The DA is questioning the public participation process, specifically whether a recent stakeholder meeting was properly advertised, who was invited, and if residents were adequately informed. They also noted that these specific town name changes were not part of proposed changes advertised last year, raising concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the decision-making process. 
