Renaming as representation of community onomastic interests: A case study of Alfred Duma Municipality

Abstract

The renaming of places is a multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the dynamic interplay between historical, cultural and sociopolitical forces within a community. This article examines the renaming process as a lens through which to study the onomastic interests of communities at the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, in uThukela District Municipality, post-apartheid South Africa. The renaming of places considers a wide variety of elements that determine which places need to be renamed and why. Drawing upon social identity theory as the theoretical framework, this article investigates the motivations, mechanisms and implications of renaming initiatives at the Alfred Duma Local Municipality. This study also focuses on delineating an array of elements and backgrounds regarding the renaming of places. It addresses the topics of the deconstruction of a colonial legacy through place naming, the politics of renaming and the identity of a place in the post-apartheid era. This is a qualitative study with data collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Twenty-six participants were selected to partake in this study. The findings of the data were thematically analysed.

Contribution: The findings of the study revealed that the community members were pleased with the renaming of places to isiZulu. However, they recommended implementing a more transparent process, as some members were not informed about the renaming process. The new place names represent the onomastic interest of the community as they are the place names the community relates to and are recognised for their historical significance and meaning.