Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu was a political activist and a nurse who dedicated her life to fighting all forms of injustice.
The road was officially opened by Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
The road stretches from OR Tambo International Airport to Bruma; Judith’s Paarl; Bezuidenhout Valley; Kensington; De Wetshof Ext.1 and Ext. 2; Fairview through the Johannesburg CBD; Industrial and Industrial Ext. 1; Mayfair and Mayfair West; Roodepoort to Randfontein, up to the R24 connecting Gauteng with the North West.
Tau said the renaming honoured the contribution ‘MaSisulu’ made in the ushering of democracy in the country.
“It symbolises a special person and the uniqueness of MaSisulu, and it is also linking the value of the country’s history to MaSisulu. We celebrate our mother, mentor and leader whose contribution was valuable to the freedom we are enjoying today,” Tau added.
Mokonyane explained the significance of the renaming of Gauteng’s longest road was a reflection of deracialising communities and capturing South Africa’s history for the world and future generations.
“We know that once upon a time there was a Florence Nightingale, but here in South Africa, we can tell the world that there was an Albertina Sisulu, who helped mothers to give birth in their homes, carrying a brown suitcase, looking after their newly born babies, being part of the immunisation programme, putting patients first, in our clinics and hospitals, and most importantly, doing it for the love of the country,” she said.
She further acknowledged nurses who were present at the event.
Mokonyane said Johannesburg had lifted the values of a caring healthcare service, symbolically reflecting the life of Sisulu as a health worker. She further reminded healthcare workers of their responsibility to protect the lives of others, adding that patient care was non-negotiable.
