(Re-)Building a National Identity by Renaming Places in South Africa

Exploring the intricate relationship between identity and place names, this seminar paper examines how apartheid devalued the identity of South Africa's black majority, branding them as inferior. The fall of apartheid in 1994 initiated a shift towards a unified, multicultural identity, symbolized by the concept of the Rainbow Nation. The paper highlights the significance of place names in fostering a sense of belonging and discusses the 1998 South African Geographical Names Council Act, which initiated a renaming process to reflect a more inclusive post-apartheid identity.