For over 180 years, Ladysmith has stood as a prominent name, but the familiar title may transform in the coming months.

This stems from an initiative led by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, spearheaded by MEC Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Geographic Names Committee (KZN PGNC).
As reported by Newcastillian News on 23 November 2023, the idea for the town’s name change stems from a decision initiated by residents around the Alfred Duma (Ladysmith) Municipality area.
This led the Department to consider two possible names: retaining Ladysmith or adopting uMnambithi. However, residents were also invited to propose alternative names.
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With residents being able to vote for the town’s name from 27 November 2023 to 1 December 2023 at the Ladysmith Town Hall, where do residents now stand with their hometown’s name?
Reflecting on the voting process, the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture acknowledged a successful turnout for the voting process with thousands of people casting a vote for their preferred name. However, the Spokesperson for the Department, Nathi Olifant, explained that the outcome of the vote cannot be disclosed at the present moment.

“The results will be first presented to the MEC by the KZN Provincial Geographic Names Committee. (KZNPGNC) before it is referred to national for the Minister to gazette it after further consultation on a national scale,” said Olifant, who could not provide a timeframe on the process.
As the final steps are underway to formalise the name change, Olifant noted that, despite thousands of votes, a few alternative name suggestions did not meet the criteria outlined in section 118. Such names include Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Yithi Abafana Basemnambithi, translating to “We are the boys of Mnambithi.”
As the necessary government officials embark on the final leg for the potential name change for Ladysmith, what are your thoughts? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 14
It is time. Why did it take so long? We want the eMgungundlovu name also on the map.
They can rename any town or city as much as they want to, it doesn’t change our history.
What is more important, fixing what’s wrong in this country or changing name’s that serve no purpose?
No money for potholes, infrastructure, Eskom, Transnet, Post Office etc.
Focus more on paying a better allowance for old age pensioners , State Hospitals, put the taxpayers moneyvto better use.
Name change is,a,waste of money this country does not have fix up the town it looks terrible look after the poor Name change is not going to put food In the children’s mouths
For me this is so insignificant. The name change does not improve anything, it can remain Ladysmith.
The authorities should be focusing on more important town improvements required for example building of a bigger Mall in the town. Ladysmith is overcrowded and this is a known fact. Considering that all surrounding areas come to the same town for shopping and other things.
I would really appreciate if this come to realization.
Agreed, wiping out history, declaiming what was already developed, cannot change the need of an already cripled country in need of infrastructure, water, power, law and order. Waisting the less than less money left.. Well the saying…. Easy come, easy go….
What a useless exercise, name changing! Fix loadshedding, water supply and infrastructure first. Use our money to benefit us citizens, not for something that is not necessary.
Absolute bullshit…waste of money……rather feed the staving masses you idiots
Rename every town and city as it would never be the same. Ladysmith at one stage were safe for all people as most of our province were. Now every town and city have been ruined and will never ever be the same as it was. So go ahead and rename South Africa as it is a failed state and God help us. We can only pray with true hearts and regain what we have lost due to corruption, stealing, lies and so it goes on. Failed economy, failed air lines, failed post office, failed Eskom, failed in everything our goverment had control over. Only human rights have sort of changed as we have some freedom for everyone.
Ladysmith will always be Ladysmith… taking away what most of us were born with. Change the name now ask me 20 years later where are you from, I will still say Ladysmith. Waste of time and money… save the town from crime, attend on basic needs such as water which is an on going problem in Ladysmith but changing the name is of utmost importance. Ladysmith is a rich town so waste the money on a name change. What’s next let’s change the postal code for Ladysmith… Really sad history and heritage down the drain
Waste of taxpayers” money. This thing does not chalets jobs for the jobless. Does not put foot on the table for the poor. Only those in power will benefit in terms of tenders for the process to unfold.
Why waste money on a name change when you can use it to fix the roads etc and make your town a better place to live.
What do you mean by “the idea for the town’s name change stems from a decision initiated by residents around the Alfred Duma (Ladysmith) Municipality area”? Why should others around the town have a say and be interested in something that doesn’t concern then!??? Such an unnecessary and useless exercise.
I agree this Anc assholes are not helping the people who voted them into power but all the promises they made to house the people fix the roads job creation it’s all lies Ramophosa and comrades wake up next year you are sitting in the unemployment queue you are loosing the trust of all South Africa.
Changing the name of Ladysmith is just a waste of ratepayers money. Focus on the roads and cleanliness of the town. Ladysmith was once the cleanest town. Our roads needs attention. It is such a shame that the things that needs to be attended to is not priority. We all knew Ladysmith since we were little. So why dies our town need a name change. Concerted on the water and electricity issues instead of the name change.