The African Transformation Movement has announced plans to formally table a proposal before parliament to change South Africa’s official name.
By Garrin Lambley
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has announced plans to formally table a proposal before parliament to change South Africa’s official name to the Republic of Azania, reigniting a decades-old debate about national identity and colonial legacy.
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula says the current name, South Africa, is a relic of colonial rule and fails to reflect the indigenous heritage of the nation’s people.
‘Decolonise the state’
Speaking in parliament this week, Zungula argued that the name originated with the British and Boer colonisers during the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 and should be replaced as part of a broader effort to decolonise the state.
“Before 1652, we were not South Africans. The name was imposed upon us,” Zungula stated.
“We need to reclaim our identity, just like other formerly colonised nations have done.”
The proposal calls for South Africa to be renamed the Republic of Azania – a title historically associated with various liberation movements during the apartheid era.
Zungula said the change would symbolise a break from the past and the restoration of dignity to the country’s indigenous population.
Mixed reaction
Predictably, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions among political commentators and the public.
While some support the change as a meaningful step toward decolonisation, others have dismissed it as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe criticised the move, arguing that “South Africa” is a geographic term, not inherently colonial.
“Many countries use geographic descriptors – think South Sudan, Central African Republic, or North Macedonia,” he said.
“The name ‘Azania’ has no broad cultural or linguistic grounding among South Africans.”
He added that the term is mostly embraced by a narrow group of black radical thinkers and lacks the widespread recognition necessary for a unifying national name.
Parliamentary process ahead
ATM and its allies plan to approach the Constitutional Review Committee to initiate formal discussions.
Any name change would likely require a constitutional amendment, supported by a two-thirds majority in parliament and broad public consultation.
Legal experts note that such a change would have wide-ranging administrative implications, including updates to passports, government signage, legislation, currency, and international treaties.
