By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The William Nicol Drive has been officially renamed after the late struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
The African National Congress (ANC) formally started the process to rename the road in March 2021, with a public comment phase on the proposal running until April 2021.
At the time, the city said the change was generally welcomed but “noted” some negative sentiment around the idea.
At the time of the proposals, the late and former mayor of Joburg, Geoffrey Makhubo, defended the move, saying that it was important to rename streets and places to remind residents of the history of the country.
“Names carry history. They say something about those whose contributions are deemed worthy of a public and multi-generational memory. These are by their very nature contentious, and that is why they must always be treated with the sensitivity they deserve,” he said.
“This renaming of one of the city’s iconic landmarks is a result of the council’s commitment to social transformation and cohesion. It symbolises the immeasurable commitment of Mama Winnie to the struggle for humanity and liberation of our country,” he added.
Makhubo passed away in July 2021 due to complications with Covid-19.
Nicol was the second chairperson of the Afrikaner Broederbond, a white nationalist organisation credited with the formulation of apartheid.
Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda said the renaming of William Nicol Drive is a step towards dismantling the symbols of apartheid.
Gwamanda made the remarks shortly after he officially unveiled Winnie Mandela Drive in Sandton on Tuesday.
“It’s a symbol of an acknowledgement of one of our heroines. A stalwart that has stood her ground during the most important time of our history. We are here to immortalise her name. We are here to ensure that the City of Johannesburg recognises the contributions of those who sacrificed their entire adult lives for the freedom we could all enjoy today.”
Representatives of various political parties were in attendance to mark the renaming of one of the city’s busiest roads.
Joburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene said the city would also be renaming other streets that are currently named after apartheid-era leaders.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who was also present at the event, described Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as a “symbol of bravery”.
“She knew the battle trenches and stood for freedom. Even those who hated our freedom enjoyed the same freedom. To name this street after her doesn’t mean we hate other leaders or we don’t recognise them. Mama Winnie was too special, and her teachings deserve our support and the naming of these streets.”
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga also attended the event. She sent condolences to the Mandela family following the death of Zoleka, Madikizela-Mandela’s granddaughter.
Zoleka succumbed to cancer on Monday evening and the family confirmed her passing in a statement early on Tuesday.
“Zoleka was an ambassador for the transport department between 2011 and 2012 after the death of her daughter in 2010,” Chikunga said.