The three-year-long discussion on the renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Drive has finally begun to make official progress.
The City of Johannesburg, which first made its intentions known to rename the road in 2018, concluded the month-long public participation process for the renaming on 27 April.
According to City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane, this is the City’s way of paying its respects to the struggle icon. “Mama Winnie Mandela was a struggle icon, one of the first black social workers in South Africa who dedicated her life to the betterment of this country.
“She was bestowed with the Freedom of the City Award – the City’s highest civilian honour. Until her last day, Mama Winnie was a resident of this world-class African City,” said Modingoane.
Modingoane added that the renaming of one of the city’s landmarks is the result of the council’s commitment which symbolises the immeasurable commitment of Madikizela-Mandela to the struggle for humanity and liberating the country.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Geoff Makhubo backed the decision for the renaming, noting that he would like the process to be completed by June.
When the City did, however, publicise the public participation process, many opposed the decision – including residents and the Democratic Alliance (DA) party.
The DA started an online petition against renaming, which has as of 21 April gained over 4 000 signatures. DA Provincial Legislative Member Nico de Jager said that the party was not opposed to the name itself but instead the timing due to the impacts of Covid-19 on businesses in the area.
Two ward councillors, whose wards cover a section of the 3.97km-long road, were both surprised by the commencement of the public participation process.
“As per the 2017 naming policy of the city, ward councillors should have been consulted with, and this has not been done,” said Ward 102 councillor David Potter who first caught wind of the notice circulating on WhatsApp.
Ward 90 councillor Martin Williams said that he too expected to have been consulted on the commencement and details of the public participation process.
Both councillors are, however, looking forward to the City’s naming policy being complied with in all respects. “This includes the requirement for at least one public meeting, where concerns are aired and carefully considered,” said Williams.
“People must have their say. The constitution, and much local government legislation, envisions participatory government. The renaming of such an important route must be properly canvassed.”
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