20 October 2009

Nelspruit to be officially renamed to Mbombela

The 2010 World Cup™ hosting city of Nelspruit in South Africa is now officially renamed to "Mbombela". Mbombela is a Swati word meaning "many people together in a small place".
Keep that name change (and all the others of course) in mind when planning your travels and don't get confused - still the same places, but a new names.... Public and private sector do have a three year "transition period" to change all signs, boards etc., so when you are coming to South Africa you will still find "Nelspruit" being used. It is sometimes a bit confusing, but you'll get used it when travelling around.
Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana on Friday (16 Oct 2009) published in the government gazette a list of in total 42 geographical name changes which she had approved between 28 July and 2 September this year. Some more name changes in Mpumalanga are Belfast to eMakhazeni, Waterval Boven to Emgwenya, Machadodorp to eNtokozweni.
new place names in South Africa >>
Official South African Geographical Names System >>
South Africa country guide >>

UPDATE (21 Oct 2009): Nelspruit will retain its old name (Nelspruit) for the 2010 World Cup. The name of the municipality as well as the stadium is Mbombela, but speaking football the city will be referred to as Nelspruit!

UPDATE (28 Oct 2009): More than 600 businesses in Mpumalanga, represented by the Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (LCBT), are seeking legal advice on how to challenge the renaming of Nelspruit to Mbombela.

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