The proposed renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Madikizela Mandela Drive has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Earlier this month the City of Johannesburg announced that it has commenced with the public participation for the proposed renaming.
The City encourages residents & all interested & affected stakeholders in the City to participate in the renaming process of William Nicol Drive.
The process will officially run until Freedom Day, which is 27 April 2021. #WilliamNicolRenaming #RenameWilliamNicolDrive ^LM pic.twitter.com/AtCMHSfJ2Q
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) April 8, 2021
“The renaming of one of the City’s iconic landmark is a result of council’s commitment, which symbolises the immeasurable commitment of Mama Winnie to the struggle for humanity and liberating this country,” said City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane.
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Geoff Makhubo said that the City was in the final stages of consultation and would like the process to be completed by June this year.
Residents immediately took to social media to share their thoughts.
I agree fully that William Nicol Drive to be Winnie Madikizela Mandela Drive. Mama Winnie has serve the country and the movement with pride. She sacrificed her life her family for the liberation Yes she deserve it and we salute her
— Brenda Dammie (@BrendaDammie3) March 30, 2021
Who was William Nicol? Rev Dr. William Nicol was a Dutch Reformed minister, theologian, champion for the recognition of the Afrikaans language and the establishment of Afrikaans-medium schools. Nothing will change that.
Why replace him with Winnie Madikizela Mandela?— Precious to some (@Wendy94669657) April 2, 2021
https://twitter.com/TherealMadamT/status/1310472848767672320?s=20
Also opposing the renaming was the Democratic Alliance who have since launched a petition against the process. To date (14 April), the petition has gained over 2 900 signatures.
Have your say by submitting your comments on the proposed renaming in writing to Dominicam@joburg.org.za
The process will run until 27 April 2021.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/282136/city-launches-public-participation-process-to-rename-william-nicol-drive/
