The African Transformation Movement (ATM), in collaboration with several other political organisations, has announced its intention to approach both Parliament and the Constitutional Review Committee with a formal request to rename the country. The proposal seeks to change the current name from the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Azania, among other constitutional amendments being considered. This symbolic shift, if approved, could mark one of the most radical national identity changes in the post-apartheid era.
Key Takeaways
- ATM Proposes Renaming South Africa to Azania: The African Transformation Movement has submitted a formal proposal to Parliament and the Constitutional Review Committee to rename the country the Republic of Azania, arguing that “South Africa” is a colonial label that fails to represent indigenous identity.
- Wider Constitutional Amendments on Citizenship and Sovereignty: The name change is part of a broader effort by the ATM to amend the Constitution, including changing legal references from “everyone” to “citizens”, rebalancing power between Parliament and the judiciary, and removing the 1913 cut-off in land reform legislation.
- Criticism Over Practicality and Public Support: Political analysts have criticised the proposal, stating that “Azania” lacks historical and cultural grounding and is not widely accepted. Critics argue that geographic names are common globally and symbolic changes should not overshadow deeper socio-economic issues.
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Current Name Described as a Symbol of Colonial Oppression
According to the ATM, the existing name “South Africa” is deeply rooted in colonial history and does not accurately represent the cultural or historical identity of the country’s indigenous people. The party maintains that the name was established during the colonial period and symbolises the subjugation and marginalisation experienced under both British and Boer rule.
They argue that retaining this name is a passive endorsement of South Africa’s violent colonial past, which continues to influence the country’s national consciousness.
ATM president and parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula argues that the label “South Africa” was not an organic product of the people’s will but rather an outcome of colonial agendas. He stated that prior to the year 1652, the concept of being “South African” did not exist. The term emerged after the British and the Boers collaborated to create the Union of South Africa, a political construct designed to further exclude and suppress the indigenous population. The ATM contends that the Union was never a democratic arrangement, but a racially engineered system that laid the groundwork for apartheid.
Reclaiming Cultural Identity and Pride Through Renaming
Zungula has positioned the proposed name change as a matter of cultural restoration and national dignity. He argues that renaming the country would allow South Africans to reclaim their heritage and foster a renewed sense of pride in their identity. Citing the example of South West Africa, now known as Namibia, he noted that countries previously subjected to colonial rule have opted to abandon the names imposed upon them. He believes the adoption of the name Azania would serve as a powerful act of cultural healing and self-assertion.
He stated that national identity is tied directly to the name of a country, and continuing to use a colonial name suggests an unwillingness to break free from the historical legacy of oppression. The proposed name “Azania” is presented as a more fitting alternative, reflecting the aspirations of the people rather than the influence of foreign colonisers. Supporters say the name Azania carries Pan-African connotations and has long been a rallying cry for black liberation movements.
Proposal Faces Strong Opposition and Criticism
Despite the motivations behind the proposal, the initiative has already attracted significant criticism. Political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe has dismissed the name change as unnecessary and irrelevant in the current context. He argued that “South Africa” functions primarily as a geographical designation and does not carry the symbolic weight attributed to it by the ATM. Mokgatlhe warned that renaming the country could trigger unintended political and economic consequences, especially if it fuels division instead of unity.
Mokgatlhe pointed out that several other nations incorporate geographic references in their names, such as South Sudan, Central African Republic, North Macedonia, East Timor, and both North and South Korea. He maintained that the use of such identifiers is common and should not be viewed as problematic.
Further, he contended that “Azania” lacks widespread public support and is largely associated with radical black political and academic circles who use the term to reject the legacy of apartheid and white rule. According to him, the name does not have meaningful historical, cultural, linguistic, or political ties to the majority of South Africans, which raises concerns about its suitability as a replacement. He added that symbolic gestures such as name changes should not distract from more pressing socio-economic challenges like unemployment, crime, and inequality.
Name Change Part of Wider Constitutional Reform Agenda
The suggested name change forms just one element of a larger package of constitutional amendments that the ATM intends to submit to the Constitutional Review Committee. The committee will be responsible for deliberating on each of the proposed changes before a series of public consultations can be scheduled. The party is expected to table its recommendations in upcoming parliamentary sessions, and public hearings could spark widespread national debate.
According to Zungula, the overarching aim is to regain full national sovereignty and address structural shortcomings that the party believes are embedded within the current Constitution. He believes the Constitution, though progressive in spirit, has failed to materially transform the lived experience of the average black South African.
Call to Replace ‘Everyone’ with ‘Citizens’ in the Constitution
One of the major revisions being proposed by the ATM is the substitution of the word “everyone” with “citizens” in key sections of the Constitution. Zungula argues that the use of the word “everyone” introduces legal uncertainty and creates loopholes that allow non-citizens, including undocumented individuals, to claim benefits and services intended solely for South Africans.
He explained that the original drafting of the Constitution, led by the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was heavily focused on promoting inclusivity and assuring the international community that post-apartheid South Africa would not replicate past injustices. However, he believes that this approach has inadvertently disadvantaged citizens by putting national interest secondary to international perception. Critics of this clause believe it has contributed to growing tensions around immigration, social services, and national identity.
Another significant amendment proposed by the ATM involves redefining the balance of power between the judiciary and the legislature. Zungula expressed concern that courts currently hold excessive influence over the creation and interpretation of laws. The ATM believes that Parliament, as the institution that directly represents the electorate, should have the final authority in legislative matters. The party claims that judicial activism has created a democratic imbalance, where unelected judges override the will of elected officials.
Land Reform Proposals Extend Beyond the 1913 Cut-Off Date
Land reform also remains a top priority for the ATM. Zungula took aim at Section 25 of the Constitution, which restricts land restitution to cases of dispossession occurring after 1913. He pointed out that this limitation effectively excludes many people whose land was taken before this date. He argued that limiting restitution to the post-1913 era erases centuries of dispossession under Dutch and British colonial regimes.
As part of their policy proposals, the party also wants to prohibit foreign nationals from owning land in South Africa. They argue that wealthier foreign buyers, using stronger currencies, are inflating property prices, making land inaccessible to ordinary South Africans. The party suggests that foreign nationals should only be allowed to lease land, a practice reportedly adopted in other countries. The ATM insists that domestic land ownership is central to economic freedom and food security.
Mineral Wealth Should Benefit Local Communities
The ATM is also raising concerns about the ownership and control of the country’s natural resources. Zungula claims that the nation’s mineral wealth continues to enrich foreign corporations while leaving local communities in poverty. The party is advocating for the state to take full ownership and management of mineral resources, ensuring that the benefits are distributed within South Africa for the collective good of its citizens. They argue that foreign mining giants extract billions in profits while mining towns remain underdeveloped, with crumbling infrastructure and high unemployment.
Conclusion
The African Transformation Movement’s proposal to rename South Africa to the Republic of Azania has ignited a polarising national debate. While the party frames the change as a necessary step towards decolonisation and cultural reclamation, critics see it as a symbolic gesture lacking public consensus or practical value. The broader set of constitutional reforms proposed by the ATM, including changes to land ownership and legal language around citizenship, signal a deeper ideological push for national sovereignty and structural transformation. Whether these proposals gain traction remains to be seen, but they have undeniably thrust questions of national identity, historical justice, and governance back into the spotlight.
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