The hollow honours of a nation: When names mean less than action

South Africa has a troubling tradition of honoring deceased leaders by naming buildings after them, regardless of the state of maintenance or upkeep. Charlotte Maxeke, an intellectual, activist and organizer who made a significant impact, has her name immortalized on a hospital that has been neglected since a fire in 2021. The government acknowledged systemic failures, maladministration and budget underspending, but the repairs have not been completed.

This "fake honor" is emblematic of a country that excels at symbolism but falls short when it comes to actual action. Other examples include Lilian Ngoyi, who led a major women's march against pass laws, and Moses Mabhida, a liberation hero. While renaming streets and buildings is a powerful statement, it is not enough to capture the true essence of what these individuals fought for.

South Africa's public buildings carry the names of giants, but their infrastructure tells a different story - one of abandonment, incompetence and broken promises. The struggle for liberation was about more than just political power; it was about human dignity, competence, prosperity and equality. Unfortunately, the country has become so preoccupied with renaming that it has lost sight of its true mission.

Names are not a substitute for service delivery, economic development or actual progress. The struggle was not just about changing the flag or the lettering on buildings; it was about creating a functioning society where everyone could thrive.