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IOL News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ATM's proposal to rename South Africa as Azania: What does it mean and how do South Africans feel about it?
ATM proposed to change the country's name to Republic of Azania. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has announced its intention to table a proposal before Parliament and the Constitutional Review Committee to rename South Africa as the Republic of Azania. According to the party, the move is a part of a broader project of national decolonisation. The proposal has sparked debate across political, public and social media spheres. ATM president and parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula argues that the name South Africa is a colonial imposition, created through the Union of South Africa in 1910 by the British and the Boers. 'Before 1652, we were not South Africans,' he said. 'The name comes from a colonial structure created to further the oppression of indigenous people. It is time we reclaim our identity.' Zungula went further to draw comparisons with other post-colonial nations—such as Namibia (formerly South West Africa)—that changed colonial-era names to reflect local history and pride.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Proposal to change name of South Africa to Republic of Azania
The ATM, which hopes to table the proposal in parliament, argues that South Africa is a colonial label imposed by the British and the Boers. The Republic of Azania is what South Africa could be called, following a proposal by a political party to change the country's name. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) and other political parties have opened a debate about changing South Africa's name to the Republic of Azania. Azania The ATM, which hopes to table the proposal in parliament, argues that South Africa is a colonial label imposed by the British and the Boers. ATM leader Vuyo Zungula said the name change is about reclaiming identity and restoring heritage. 'South Africa is still a colonised name because before 1652, we were not South Africans. The name South Africa came as a result of the British and the Boers coming to club together and forming what is called the Union of South Africa. 'They are working together for the oppression of the indigenous people… We must not be conditioned to subscribe to a colonial identity given to us by colonisers and oppressors,' Zungula said. ALSO READ: EFF wants SA renamed Azania, says Shivambu 'Renaming SA necessary' Zungula believes that renaming the country is a necessary step toward reclaiming national pride and restoring cultural heritage. 'Other countries have done it. Take South West Africa, for example. It is now Namibia. We should not have to cling to a name given to us by colonisers.' 'No success' North West University professor and political analyst Andre Duvenhage said the name change has no prospects of success. 'It's definitely not going to be accepted easily. You will need a two-thirds majority, maybe six of the nine provinces as well, and it will come with a huge cost on all levels. 'Think about it, we need to change all the ID documents, all the driver's licenses, all the passports, just to mention literally the tip of the iceberg, so I think it is controversial, each chance of success? Not very strong,' Duvenhage said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Joburg mayor gives update on Sandton Drive rename Why Azania? Duvenhage said the concept of Azania is associated with East Africa, specifically the dry, arid lands of countries like Somalia and parts of Kenya. 'It was also picked up in the literature of the Roman Empire, as well as the Arab literature. I think in Jewish it has a link to the land of God, but it was picked up in the South African context within the black consciousness context. 'It is seen as a land of the Black people. And taking this as your point of departure, it's basically an attempt to get rid of the colonial heritage. It's part of the process that is well known in South Africa, that of name changes, you raising the colonial history, and so it's coming from a radical background,' Duvenhage said. PAC Duvenhage said the proposal to rename South Africa to the Republic of Azania also stems from the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) that South Africa should be renamed 'Azania'. 'It was also named by the PAC, so it is an established name in the South African context, but without any doubt it is very exclusive and it's excluding colonial, slash, in this case white people, and I cannot see this as an attempt to bring together South Africans'. Political climate Duvenhage said the ATM's proposal is also part of the current political climate in the country. 'I think it is also part of the climate we are in at the moment, a climate where we know that we need change. Changes are on the cards, we saw the polarisation within the government of national unity, the so-called national dialogue that needs to kick off, so it seems as if the political process is opening, 'But I'm also picking up that politicians are putting up a flyer, to test the political winds of change and see how people will react to this,' Duvenhage said. While the name South Africa is descriptive of a geographic location, the name gives a strong cultural, political, and historical connection that reminds citizens of different epochs in the country's history and how it interacted with other countries. NOW READ: Former SA deputy president David Mabuza has died
The South African
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Proposal to change the name of SOUTH AFRICA to THIS
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. 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. 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. 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. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula replaced by Professor Caesar Nongqunga
Vuyo Zungula steps down as ATM leader, Professor Nongqunga takes the helm Image: Supplied In a surprising turn of events, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has announced the removal of its leader, Vuyo Zungula, amid internal shifts within the party. Zungula, a prominent figure in South African politics, has been replaced by Professor Caesar Nongqunga, the current Chief Apostle of the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ (TACC) worldwide. Vuyo Zungula, a lawyer by training, emerged as a key figure in South African politics when he founded the African Transformation Movement in 2018. In a statement issued by the party on Monday, ATM extended its gratitude to Zungula for his remarkable service over the past seven years. 'His visionary leadership has been instrumental in registering the party, advocating for the voiceless, and firmly establishing the ATM on the political landscape of South Africa. 'Under President Zungula's stewardship, the ATM has grown from its modest beginnings to a formidable force, advocating for economic transformation and the upliftment of the marginalised communities across our nation. 'President Zungula continues as Party Leader in Parliament, where he will continue his tireless work in advocating for the emancipation of the downtrodden and ensuring that their voices are heard. As the party welcomed Nongqunga into his new role as President, it acknowledged his profound vision for the ATM. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'Professor Nongqunga is a leader and a beacon of hope for many. 'His commitment to establishing proper democracy and holistic liberation encompasses creating a conducive environment for citizens' physical, psychological, social, socio-economic, and spiritual growth. 'His extensive experience in leadership and community service-building houses, initiating agricultural projects, providing educational funding, and creating jobs-reflects his dedication to uplifting those in need,' read the statement. The party stated that the National Executive Committee decided to separate the roles of party advocacy and organisational building, which will significantly benefit the ATM. Known for his advocacy of social justice and economic transformation and his vocal stance on corruption, Zungula quickly gained visibility on the national stage. His leadership style combined political activism with a grassroots empowerment focus, resonating with many marginalised communities. Zungula's political journey has been marked by a commitment to promoting African values and traditions within South Africa's democratic framework. He positioned ATM as a party advocating for radical economic transformation, land reform, and the fight against systemic corruption. Despite being a relatively new party, ATM made notable inroads in the 2019 general elections, securing several parliamentary seats and positioning itself as a voice for the underrepresented.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ATM's Vuyo Zungula calls out black parties in GNU for neglecting community needs
ATM leader Zungula criticises black-led GNU parties for failing to negotiate meaningful outcomes, pointing to the Freedom Front Plus as an example of successful negotiations for their community's interests. Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers ATM leader Vuyo Zungula has criticised black political parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU), accusing them of prioritising ministerial positions over tangible benefits for their communities. In a video on X (formerly Twitter), Zungula referenced the Freedom Front Plus, a predominantly Afrikaner party, as an example of a political group that negotiated effectively for its constituency during coalition talks. "Last year, as you know, we had elections in our country, followed by a period of negotiations. During that time, something that's not often talked about, there was a party called the Freedom Front Plus, which is predominantly an Afrikaner party. When they were negotiating, they pushed for the recognition and protection of Orania, an Afrikaner-only town,' said Zungula. He accused black-led parties in the GNU of failing to secure meaningful outcomes for their supporters. 'But you find that the other black parties that are now in the Government of National Unity did not negotiate things for the betterment of our people. As long as they got ministerial positions, they were fine. So I think that is the root cause of our problem,' he said. Zungula's comments come amid an intensifying national debate over the continued existence of racially exclusive towns like Orania and Kleinfontein. As previously reported by IOL, ActionSA condemned both settlements, labeling them 'dangerous symbols of racial isolation masquerading as cultural preservation.' Parliamentary Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni criticised the use of Section 31 of the Constitution,which protects cultural rights, as a justification for racial separation. 'That section protects cultural expression, not the establishment of modern-day Bantustans for those unwilling to let go of apartheid's legacy,' she said. Ngobeni went further, calling Orania and Kleinfontein 'sanctuaries of apartheid nostalgia' and 'breeding grounds for division and symbolic violence against the dream of inclusion.' The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have also taken a firm stance, staging protests at both Kleinfontein and the Northern Cape Premier's Office. EFF leaders argue that such towns promote segregation and violate the Constitution. The Pretoria High Court has previously ruled that Kleinfontein is unlawful due to zoning infractions. EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga urged the Tshwane Municipality to act swiftly to shut down illegal developments at Kleinfontein. In the Northern Cape, the EFF has pledged to take further action against Orania. 'We can never be party to a government that is allowing segregation within our province,' said EFF representative Prince Mashele. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) also joined the debate, announcing plans to introduce a private member's bill to clarify Section 235 of the Constitution, which relates to the right of cultural communities to self-determination. Following a fact-finding visit to Kleinfontein, MK Parliamentary Chief Whip Mzwanele Manyi argued that Section 235 is being exploited to justify racial exclusion. 'We hold the view, as the MK Party in Parliament, that Section 235 is vague and leads to all kinds of interpretations, some of which resemble apartheid-era policies,' said Manyi. 'As much as we must respect all cultures, that respect must not in any shape or form remind us of apartheid.' MK Party leaders maintain that communities like Orania and Kleinfontein distort the Constitution's intention by using cultural rights as a shield for racial separation. Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus has defended Orania as a legitimate cultural project aligned with the constitutional principle of self-determination. Freedom Front Plus Member of Parliament Dr Wynand Boshoff dismissed the criticism as politically motivated and an attack on minority rights. 'Since its founding, the VF Plus has been advocating self-determination, as embodied by Orania, among others,' said Boshoff. 'In a multi-ethnic country like South Africa, there is often a majority that pays lip service to recognising diversity but, in reality, denies it.' Boshoff further claimed that the ANC government has marginalised Afrikaners through its transformation policies and insisted that Orania operates within the law and does not engage in racial discrimination. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
