By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has urged motorists to consider alternate routes on Tuesday morning due to road closures and lane reductions at the William Nicol and Sandton Drive intersection.
The JRA said road users can expect closures and delays between 09:30 and 12:00, due to the unveiling of the renaming of William Nicol drive.
“Please plan your travel accordingly and consider alternative routes if possible; our team is working to minimise disruptions, but delays are anticipated during this time,” the JRA in a statement.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience; Your safety is our priority, so please drive cautiously through the reduced lanes, follow all posted signs, and be mindful of people in the intersection.”
The city council approved the renaming of the route as a tribute to the late struggle stalwart.
The ANC in Johannesburg says the remaining of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive forms part of the party’s effort to cement women’s participation in the struggle.
“Mama Winnie, through her activism and dedication, earned herself a place in the hall of the great women of our country who dedicated their entire lives to the fight for a free South Africa, organising themselves in all corners of our country and continent,” said regional spokesperson Masilo Serekele.
William Nicol Drive is to be renamed to Winnie Mandela Drive on Tuesday on what would have been the struggle icon’s 87th birthday.
The 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, Geoffry Makhubo defended the move, saying that it was important to rename streets and places to remind residents of the history of the country.
Makhubo passed away in July 2021 due to complications with Covid-19.
The renaming of the drive is expected to be led by Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda.
“It is indeed a befitting time to immortalise the Mother of the Nation, Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela, who gave her life to fight for freedom and remains a symbol of resilience, bravery, struggle and triumph in the face of extreme repression,” said Serekele.
“The celebration and heritage of our struggle and the immortalisation of our heroines is a key component in ensuring that we remember our history and celebrate those who fought for our freedom.
“The African National Congress in Greater Johannesburg appreciates the renaming of one of the city’s iconic roads as council’s commitment to social transformation and cohesion. We are honoured that the City of Johannesburg recognises her contribution and immeasurable commitment to the liberation of South Africa.”
William Nicol was the administrator of the former Transvaal from 1948 to 1958, during the road’s construction.
According to the Heritage Portal, the name “William Nicol Drive” was never officially given to the road, and it was known as the Bryanston Highway, alias William Nicol, with the official designation P79/1.
Nicol was a Dutch Reformed minister, theologian and educator who championed Afrikaans and Afrikaans-medium education in South Africa.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, and the second wife of former president Nelson Mandela.