It's done: Grahamstown will become Makhanda
Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa has fulfilled all the legal obligations to change the Eastern Cape city to Makhanda after several complaints.
"Makhanda is the new name of Grahamstown," said Mthethwa's office to Jacaranda FM on Wednesday morning.
Hundreds of objections were lodged pertaining to the change with anti-Makhanda campaigners challenging the validity of the decision.
Anti-name change campaigner, Advocate Jock McConnachie, previously said that the notice in the Government Gazette was defective.
"Following this thorough, assiduous and painstaking process he has found no just cause to withdraw the notice published," says Mthethwa's spokesperson, Asanda Magaqa.
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The detractors complained about their right to object the change.
Magaqa says Mthethwa has formally began responding to each complainant informing them of his decision.
"The name of John Graham is one that evokes unimaginable pain."
The change aims to create awareness around Makhanda ka Nxele, who was a war doctor, philosopher and prophet.