South Africa gazettes new names for key tourism towns and routes
South Africa has officially gazetted a series of geographic name changes, effective 6 February 2026, under the South African Geographical Names Council Act. The updates carry legal status and will progressively appear across travel documents, maps and booking systems. Notable tourism changes include East London now KuGompo City and Graaff‑Reinet now Robert Sobukwe Town, with additional Eastern Cape updates – Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to Bishop Limba and Barkly East to Ekhephini.
Implementation will be phased, with road signage, GPS and mapping services updating over time and dual‑naming likely during the transition – for example, King Phalo Airport (ELS) – East London. Route names have also changed for self‑drive travellers: Barkly Pass (R58) is now Mbombo Pass and Kraai River Pass (R58) is Tyumbu Pass. The changes will influence itinerary planning, destination marketing and traveller communications throughout 2026 and beyond.
Source: Travel News Africa