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Grahamstown changes to Makhanda

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The name of the city of saints, Grahamstown, has been changed to Makhanda. It was gazetted after a public consultation process took place.

Makhanda was a Xhosa warrior and spiritual leader who fought against British colonisation. He is credited with attempting to unite the Xhosa in their struggle against the British Empire.

The British also incarcerated him on Robben Island.

Makhanda was born in the Uitenhage area of the Eastern Cape around 1780.

His father was a Xhosa by the name of Gwala from the amaCwerha clan and his mother was a Khoikhoi woman of the Gqunukhwebe clan.

The man Makhanda made deep footprints in the history of what was known as Grahamstown.

The name change coincides with the National Arts Festival, popularly known as the Grahamstown Arts Festival and established global brand.

National Arts Festival’s Tony Lankester says:”Many people call the National Arts Festival as the ‘Grahamstown’ Arts Festival. Now they will know it as the Makhanda National Arts Festival and they embrace the changes.”

There’s been mixed reaction to the new name.

The department of Arts and Culture says the name change is for symbolic reparation to address an unjust past. Spokesperson for the Minister, Asanda Magaqa says it was pure coincidence that the announcement when the National Grahamstown Arts festival is under way.

“Here we are talking about a process that started almost 20 years ago with discussion from members of the public, historians, academics and politicians. And as early as 2012 it was the Makana local municipality that started the public engagement on the possible name change of Grahamstown. So this publication in the Government Gazette today is a culmination of a process that began 20 years ago.”

Makhanda is also regarded as one of the first Africans to attempt a cultural synthesis of African and European beliefs.

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