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In a landmark decision by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the small town of Kirkwood, nestled in the Sundays River Valley Municipality has been officially renamed Nqweba.
This change initiated under the approval of Minister Zizi Kodwa, marks a significant step in affirming the cultural heritage and historical significance of the region.
The decision to standardise Kirkwood as Nqweba was made in accordance with Section 10 (2) of the South African Geographical Names Council Act (Act No. 118 of 1998).
The announcement was published in the Government Gazette, solidifying the transition. The process leading to this renaming was characterised by extensive community engagement and consultation.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (ECPNG) facilitated public hearings in November 2023, providing a platform for locals to voice their opinions on the proposed change. It was during these deliberations that the name Nqweba, meaning “meeting place” in IsiXhosa, gained prominence.
According to residents who participated in the hearings, the name Nqweba holds deep historical significance, tracing its roots to the Sundays River, which traverses the area from Graaff-Reinet through Kirkwood before reaching the ocean at Colchester.
Mayor Solethu Lucas of the Sundays River Valley Municipality hailed the renaming as a victory for the community, emphasising its role in restoring dignity to the region’s inhabitants.
Furthermore, Lucas stressed the importance of preserving local history for future generations, asserting that the renaming would serve as a testament to the area’s rich heritage.
However, despite the official endorsement of Nqweba as the new name for Kirkwood, the ECPNG has extended an invitation for objections.
Individuals or groups wishing to challenge the decision have been encouraged to submit written objections directly to the Office of the Minister within 30 days of the publication.
According to a statement by the mayor’s office, the renaming of Kirkwood to Nqweba signifies more than just a change in name; it symbolises a broader commitment to cultural recognition and historical acknowledgment within South Africa’s geographical landscape.
As the transition takes hold, it is poised to become an enduring testament to the resilience and identity of the communities it represents.
