The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has upheld the decision to rename DF Malan High School in Bellville to DF Akademie, marking a definitive step toward distancing the institution from its apartheid-linked origins.
Originally named after former Prime Minister Daniel François Malan – a key architect of apartheid – the school has faced mounting pressure to adopt a more inclusive identity.
The name change, first proposed in 2021, received overwhelming support from the school community, with 85% of over 3 400 voters backing the new name.
Challenged the process
Despite the consensus, a group of individuals, including descendants of Malan, challenged the process in court, arguing the School Governing Body (SGB) had exceeded its legal mandate and failed to consult properly.
The SCA rejected those claims, affirming that the SGB acted within its powers under the South African Schools Act and that the consultation process was fair and rational.
The ruling also upheld a previous Western Cape High Court decision in favour of the school.
Ferdi Booysen, chair of the SGB, welcomed the judgment, saying it validated a process that involved parents, teachers, and students.
“This name change reflects a new chapter – one of unity and forward-thinking,” he said.
In its ruling, the SCA noted that the new name aligns with democratic values and the broader transformation of public institutions in post-apartheid South Africa.
The school is expected to officially transition to the name DF Akademie in the coming months.
Thoughts on the name change of DF Malan?
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