In what officials are calling a “visionary alignment of heritage, horticulture, and horsepower,” the Eastern Cape Premier’s office has announced that Bathurst Village will officially be renamed iHashe. Yes, you read that correctly.
According to the spokesperson at this morning’s press briefing, the new name reflects Bathurst’s “deep-rooted affection for horses and progressive agricultural enthusiasm.”
Minister Gayton McKenzie on approval of 21 geographical name changes
On Monday, 26 January 2026, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Honourable Mr Gayton McKenzie, approved twenty-one (21) geographical name changes and name registrations from the Eastern Cape (EC) and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provinces, following recommendations from the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC).
These approvals reflect the Department’s ongoing commitment to transforming South Africa’s naming landscape, promoting social cohesion, and recognising the country’s diverse heritage. Gov.za
Why “iHashe”?
The name iHashe is said to be a carefully crafted blend:
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“i” – embracing the now-trendy regional naming convention.
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“Hashe” – a creative nod to both hash (for the village’s laid-back cannabis culture), the isiXhosa name for horse, the rhythmic echo of horse (for its proud equestrian legacy).
Ndlambe officials claim the fusion symbolizes “a forward-thinking rural economy where saddles meet soil and innovation meets inspiration.”
Locals, meanwhile, are still trying to process it.
Following the Eastern Cape Rebrand Wave
The proposed change follows recent controversial renamings across the province that have sparked both pride and public outcry:
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Port Alfred → iCawa
The Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee has begun the process of renaming Port Alfred, Alexandria, and the Kowie River as part of a broader effort to replace colonial-era names with indigenous ones. Business Tech
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Graaff-Reinet → Robert Sobukwe Town
Graaff-Reinet attorney Derek Light has sent a legal letter to Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie challenging a government gazette notice published on Friday that officially renamed Graaff-Reinet Robert Sobukwe Town. Daily Maverick
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East London → KuGompo City
The Premier reportedly believes iHashe will be “less divisive and more… vibey.”
One insider commented, “After the reaction to KuGompo City, we needed something that felt softer. Horses. Cannabis. Community. What could go wrong?”
Tourism Boom Incoming?
Supporters of the move argue the name iHashe positions the village as:
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South Africa’s most relaxed equestrian capital
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A destination where bridle paths meet herbal paths
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A reimagined rural brand with global appeal
There are even whispers of an annual iHashe Horse & Herb Festival, combining showjumping, sustainable farming talks, and “educational plant appreciation seminars.”
The proposed slogan?
“iHashe – Where High Spirits Meet High Steppers.”
Public Reaction
As expected, social media exploded within minutes of the announcement.
Some comments include:
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“Can we at least keep the Bathurst Dog Show?”
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“I moved here for peace and quiet, not brand strategy.”
Others have embraced it wholeheartedly, already designing mock logos featuring a galloping horse silhouetted against a suspiciously leafy sunset.
Official Clarification
By late afternoon, the Premier’s office released a follow-up statement reminding residents to “remain calm, hydrated, and aware of the calendar.”
That’s right.
Happy April Fools’ Day, Bathurst.
Bathurst Village remains Bathurst Village — home of pineapples, horses, creative souls, and just enough eccentric energy to make a story like this almost believable.
And let’s be honest… if it had been real, you’d probably have bought the t-shirt anyway.
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