Why the rename?
The rename forms part of a national programme to restore indigenous names to South African cities, towns, and landmarks. The name derives from Gompo Rock (Cove Rock), a sacred ancestral site on the coastline south-west of the harbour — “ku-Gompo” echoing the sound of waves breaking against it. It has carried in amaXhosa oral history for generations, long before the colonial name “East London” was applied in 1836.
The change was approved by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture on 26 January 2026, on the recommendation of the South African Geographical Names Council, as one of 21 place-name changes signed off at the same time.
Is "East London" still used?
Yes. During a transition period, both names remain in common use. Government correspondence, signage, and major institutions are migrating to KuGompo City. Businesses, residents, and the tourism sector are using the names interchangeably while the public adapts. Official postal addresses still accept "East London" alongside "KuGompo City".
What changes for businesses?
- Google Business Profiles can list either or both names — most local businesses are adding "KuGompo" as a secondary name field.
- Customer searches on Google now include both terms — businesses optimising only for "East London" will gradually lose discovery share.
- Business registration and CIPC records remain unchanged for existing entities.
- Suburb names (Vincent, Beacon Bay, Gonubie, Berea, Nahoon, etc.) are unchanged.
What changes for visitors?
Practically: very little, in the short term. Airport codes, postal codes, and most travel-booking systems still reference East London. Maps and directions work for either name. Over the next few years, expect progressive adoption of KuGompo City in signage and official wayfinding.
What about the metro?
The broader municipality — Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality — retains its name. KuGompo City is the renamed urban core within the metro, alongside other areas like Mdantsane and the coastal villages. The other .co.za domains we operate (buffalocityguide.co.za and kugompoguide.co.za) all redirect here for unified discovery.
Find local businesses
Whether you call it East London or KuGompo City, EL Directory is the local business reference for the Buffalo City Metro. Browse our categories or search across all listings.