New name: able were they when they saw Nqweba

The town previously known as Kirkwood in the Sundays River Valley Municipality has now been officially renamed Nqweba, as sanctioned by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, in accordance with Section 10(2) of the South African Geographical Names Council

Act (Act No. 118 of 1998). This approval was published in the Government Gazette of 22 March. In November last year, the

Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (ECPNG) conducted public hearings in the area to gather community feedback on the proposed name change. Locals indicated that the name Nqweba, derived from the IsiXhosa term meaning "meeting place," is rooted in the river, officially known as Sundays River, which flows from Graaff-Reinet through Kirkwood to Colchester where it meets the ocean. According to Sundays River Valley Municipality communications officer who take the lead, mirroring their role in seeking Jesus's tomb. The silent march serves as a poignant tribute, embodying the solemnity and reverence of the Easter season.

Sonia Wahl

Zusiphe Jaji, Mayor Solethu Lucas hailed the decision as a significant triumph for the local populace, emphasising that the standardisation of Nqweba restores dignity to the area's indigenous inhabitants. He said historical heritage is preserved for future generations through the adoption of the new name. The ECPNG has invited objections to the renaming within 30 days of publication, encouraging dissenting parties to submit written objections directly to the Office of the Minister.