By George Tsibani:
Renaming heritage sites, towns, streets, and universities is a significant step in reclaiming African identity and acknowledging the resilience and resistance of our heroes and heroines.
This process is not merely about changing names, but about reclaiming our lost identity and moving away from colonial narratives and the related lie of 1652, retribalisation and tribalism disguised under the current neoliberalism.
Dr. JJ Klaas KaNcilashe aptly articulates the rationale behind renaming, emphasizing the importance of honouring those who fought for freedom and justice. Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, a prominent anti-apartheid leader and founder of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), is a compelling figure to be honoured through renaming. His legacy extends beyond the anti-apartheid movement, advocating for African self-determination and leadership.
It is significant that the original meaning of “university” as a community of scholars united in pursuit of knowledge underscores the importance of institutions reflecting the values and aspirations of their communities.
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, a prominent anti-apartheid leader, an Africanist and founder of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), is a compelling candidate for institutional naming and renaming of Nokholeji, as well as Graaff-Reinet, his place of birth. His legacy extends beyond the anti-apartheid movement, advocating for African self-determination and leadership.
Sobukwe’s contributions to education and politics make him an ideal figure to associate with institutions like the Nokholeji or University of Fort Hare, which has a rich history of fostering future African leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Sir Seretse Khama, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, and Chris Hani.
Renaming the University of Fort Hare after Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe would acknowledge his impact on African history, the winds of change in Africa in the 1960s, and emphasize African leadership and self-determination, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and beyond.
This move would also recognize Sobukwe’s vision for a pan-Africanist future, rejecting colonial models. It would further emphasize African agency and unity like a rock rooted in the early 1800s, inspiring and leading to the formation of initiatives like Imbumba yamaNyama in 1882 and the launch of Imbumba yamaNyama Congress by Dr Mpilo Walter Benson Rubusana in Ngqeberha in 1891.
The renaming process is not merely symbolic, but also a crucial step in decolonizing knowledge and institutions, promoting resilience and resistance against colonial legacies and the devastating impact of Cape slavery, the lies of 1652 and destabilization of Southern Africa by British forces, coined as Mfecane and the negative consequences thereof on African children to date.
By reclaiming Nokholeji, the University of Fort Hare, and renaming it after Sobukwe, South Africa would be taking a significant stride towards acknowledging its complex history and fostering a sense of belonging and identity among its people. The renaming is a significant step towards decolonization and reclaiming African identity.
Sobukwe’s legacy emphasizes African self-determination and rejection of colonial collaboration, resonating with current global dynamics where Africans seek to reclaim their ancient civilization and challenging Global North’s dominance.
Decolonization involves re-evaluating Western epistemological foundations and promoting African knowledge systems, epistemologies, and technologies. This process challenges the colonial legacy and promotes African agency and self-reliance. As Sobukwe said, “The liberation of the African lies in the liberation of all mankind”.
In South Africa, efforts to decolonize institutions are underway, with some universities renaming buildings and programs to reflect African heritage. For example, the University of Fort Hare, which Sobukwe attended, is being considered for renaming in his honour, my humble submission as a former member of COSAS, CASA, YCS, SASCO, SAYCO and ANCYL. In short, his ideology is required against the current global dynamics to reclaim our ancient civilisation against all odds.
We must extend our support for Sobukwe Town, formerly known as Graaff-Reinet, as a meaningful step in rewriting our histories. This endeavour acknowledges the town’s rich past and its significance in shaping the narrative of our nation.
Graaff-Reinet, officially renamed Robert Sobukwe Town in February 2026, is a town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It holds the distinction of being the oldest town in the province and the sixth oldest town in South Africa, following Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Simon’s Town, Paarl, and Swellendam, all those in the Western Cape Province.
The Eastern Cape government departments and national heritage institutions are to be congratulated for recognising the birthplace of our esteemed Africanist icon. We are looking forward to the naming and renaming of Nokholeji as Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe University.
Prof Fumene George Tsibani, Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), FEBE, writes this in his personal capacity as a water governance and heritage expert. – @NewSA_Online
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