South Africa’s African Transformation Motion (ATM) has introduced its intention to desk a proposal earlier than parliament and the constitutional assessment committee to rename South Africa because the Republic of Azania.
In line with the occasion, the transfer is part of a broader venture of nationwide decolonisation.
The proposal has sparked debate throughout political, public and social media spheres.
ATM president and parliamentary chief Vuyo Zungula argues that the title South Africa is a colonial imposition, created by means of the Union of South Africa in 1910 by the British and “the Boers”.
“Earlier than 1652, we weren’t South Africans,” he stated. “The title comes from a colonial construction created to additional the oppression of indigenous folks. It’s time we reclaim our identification.”
Zungula went additional to attract comparisons with different post-colonial nations – akin to Namibia (previously South West Africa) – that modified colonial-era names to mirror native historical past and delight.
SA WEIGHS IN
Nonetheless, not all assist the proposal.
Political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe has publicly criticised the proposed title change, describing it as largely symbolic and pointless. He has beforehand argued that “South Africa” capabilities as a impartial geographic descriptor – corresponding to names like South Sudan, Central African Republic or North Macedonia.
Mokgatlhe has additionally questioned the cultural relevance of the title Azania, suggesting it isn’t extensively embraced outdoors of radical educational and political circles. In line with him, the time period lacks broad historic, linguistic or nationwide resonance and doesn’t mirror a unified South African identification.
South Africans additionally took to social media, with some expressing their acceptance of the title South Africa, whereas others lamented that it could be a waste of cash and questioned how it could create jobs and alleviate poverty. In the identical vein, many known as on the federal government to repair the nation earlier than even contemplating a reputation change.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS
The title change is a component of a bigger bundle of proposed constitutional amendments the ATM plans to submit.
These embody:
Changing “everybody” with “residents” within the structure: Zungula believes this can forestall non-citizens – particularly undocumented immigrants – from accessing companies and authorized protections meant for South African nationals.
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Rebalancing energy between parliament and the judiciary: The ATM desires parliament, “because the voice of the folks”, to have the ultimate say in law-making, quite than courts, which Zungula says wield extreme affect.
Land reform past 1913: ATM is asking for the removing of the 1913 cutoff in part 25, arguing it excludes tens of millions whose land was taken earlier than that date. The occasion additionally proposes banning international nationals from proudly owning land, permitting solely leasehold preparations.
Nationalising mineral wealth: The occasion argues that international corporations exploit South Africa’s mineral sources whereas locals stay impoverished. They suggest that the state ought to handle and distribute these sources for public profit.
WHAT IS AZANIA?
The title Azania has lengthy been related to the Black Consciousness Motion and was popularised by anti-apartheid organisations such because the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) and the Azanian Folks’s Organisation (Azapo).
The time period could be traced to classical and Arab references to the East African coast, linking it to the Swahili-speaking cultures and iron-age settlements throughout the area.
In line with historic accounts cited by proponents, Azanian civilisation was agricultural, technologically superior and culturally wealthy. They argue that “Azania” symbolises a unified, Black identification rooted in pre-colonial greatness and collective dignity.
“To simply accept the title Azania,” wrote George Wauchope, a Black Consciousness theorist, “signifies that one identifies with the aspirations of the oppressed folks for liberation.” – IOL
