Winnie Mandela Drive
Minister of Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has sanctioned the renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive. This move comes as part of the minister’s authority under Section 10(2) of the South African Geographical Names Council Act, aimed at recognising and honouring the contributions of national heroes and heroines.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a towering figure in the anti-apartheid movement, is revered for her relentless determination and significant contributions in the battle against apartheid oppression. The renaming of one of South Africa’s major roads after her is seen as both a tribute to her legacy and a reminder of her sacrifices in pursuit of democracy and social justice. Minister Kodwa stated that this act of renaming is meant to commemorate and keep alive the sacrifices of Winnie Mandela.
The announcement of the new name came back in September last year, with the City of Johannesburg taking the lead in the initiative. “In a bid to honour one of our national icons, the City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with both the national and provincial governments, has ratified the renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive,” declared the City through a social media post.
The official unveiling was strategically done on September 26 to commemorate what would have been her 87th birthday, symbolically linking the tribute to her life and contributions.
This decision followed a formal resolution adopted by the Joburg Council in October 2018 and the subsequent approval by former Gauteng Transport MEC Ismail Vadi, as a mark of respect to the late stalwart following her passing on April 2 of the same year. Moreover, the City of Johannesburg has posthumously honoured her with the Freedom of the City award.
Former Mayor Geoff Makhubo, four years prior, had initiated a public participation process regarding the renaming of the drive to Winnie Mandela Drive. He noted the move as a gesture of respect and the beginning of an official process following the Council’s decision to rename the road to honor “Mama Winnie”.
Mandela, who passed away as a resident of Johannesburg, had made the city her home since 1952 after relocating from her birthplace in the Transkei. Fondly remembered as the mother of the nation, her legacy now lives on through one of Johannesburg’s major thoroughfares, now bearing her name.
