Geographical name changes remain one of the most debated issues in South Africa, often stirring strong views around heritage, identity and historical recognition.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has approved 21 geographical name changes, including the renaming of East London to KuGompo City, while Graaff-Reinet has been renamed Robert Sobukwe Town.

The changes are expected to be gazetted in the coming weeks. However, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Energy Samantha Jane Graham-Maré has told Channel Africa in an exclusive interview that the process leading up to the gazetting was flawed and lacked proper public consultation….