How geographical names preserve Mandela’s legacy

Geographical names are more than labels on a map; they are enduring expressions of public memory, preserving South Africa’s history, honouring those who have shaped our democracy and carrying their legacies into the everyday lives of present and future generations.

By Lorraine Shabangu Advocacy Subcommittee Chairperson – Gauteng Geographical Names Committee (GGNC) Every July, South Africans reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Yet long after Mandela Day has passed, one of the most enduring expressions of Nelson Mandela’s legacy remains quietly woven into our everyday lives through the names of the places we encounter every day.