Beyers Naude’s home commemorated with plaque
Clergyman leader and anti-apartheid activist's contribution toward history was preserved with a plaque.
In a statement shared by Eric Itzkin, head of Heritage at the City of Johannesburg, Beyers Naudé lived in Greenside for over 20 years during a time of heightened activism and political upheaval in South Africa.
“The site is strongly associated with leading clergyman and anti-apartheid activist Beyers Naudé, when he was deeply involved in the liberation struggle, and while facing house arrest and other restrictions imposed by the apartheid government.”
Ward 89 councillor Bridget Steer added she was delighted the Naudé home was recognised to be of significant heritage value by issuing a blue heritage plaque.
“A man of amazing integrity and courage like Beyers Naudé stands with men like Ghandi and Martin Luther King, in the impact he had had on the history of South Africa. Their blue plaque programme aims to identify and recognise sites of heritage importance in Johannesburg to raise public awareness of our heritage and preservation of historical landmarks for future generations,” said Steer.
Deputy chair for Johannesburg Heritage Foundation Flo Bird said the Naudé plaque was the second in Greenside.
“This is Greenside’s second blue plaque and commemorates a man of enormous courage and integrity,” said Bird.
She added that, ‘Oom Bey’ was thrown out of his church in Northcliff for preaching against racism from the pulpit.
“His was the voice of conscience for many years and perhaps he chose what a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood was in those days as he expected them to understand the horrors of racism.”
The statement added although the anti-apartheid activist was faced with challenges, he was determined to fight against oppression.
“Naudé’s contribution in the fight against oppression in South Africa and his challenge to the ruling Afrikaner establishment from which he came makes him one of the country’s most courageous heroes, widely admired for his transition from Broederbond-dominee and pillar of the Afrikaner elite, to anti-apartheid icon.
According to Itkzin, the anti-apartheid activist kept busy while he was under house arrest.“It is believed he used to repair the cars of ANC members in his driveway at the Greenside house. After seven years, Naude’s banning order was lifted in September 1984.”
Naude’s achievements include an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Witwatersrand attained in 1974; in 2001 he was given the freedom of the City of Johannesburg and one of its busiest roads was named after him and awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cape Town.
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