Proposed Port Alfred name change sparks major debate

CapeTalk’s John Maytham speaks with Estelle Ellis, Daily Maverick Journalist

Listen below:

The Eastern Cape Geographical Names Council has proposed changing the name of Port Alfred to iCawa or iCoyi.

The name iCawa was chosen because the bay resembles the steeple of a church.

They argue that colonial names such as Port Alfred are not neutral and are a form of cultural erasure.

The Council has also proposed renaming the Kowie River to iQoyi, saying this would be a correction of the spelling of the river's original name.

Some residents have protested the potential change saying it was "rushed" and feared it would negatively impact tourism.

RELATED: Push to rename South Africa 'Azania' sparks debate over historical roots

“It is causing a huge amount of debate.”

- Estelle Ellis, Daily Maverick Journalist (IN: 01:58)

Ellis says Port Alfred has invested a lot in tourism and they fear that it would cost a fortune to rebrand.

Scroll up to the audio player for more.