What used to be known as the William Nicol drive has now been renamed after the struggle icon Winnie Mandela Drive in a move that authorities say will help give deserved honour to the late ANC stalwart and anti-apartheid activist.
Madikizela Mandela’s great-grandchildren Zimphokazi Manaway said her grandmother considered Johannesburg her home.
“From 1953 this City was always her home even during the bleak years from 1977 to 1985 when she was forced by the apartheid regime to live in the Free State town of Branford.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Joburg Mayor Kabelo Kwamanda were among those who took part in the official ceremony today in Sandton where the street was officially renamed.
Gwamanda said the city wants residents to fully understand South Africa’s history.
“Early this year I delivered the State of the City Address which was titled Understanding our past in Rebuilding a Resilient City that is People Centric, this unveiling is exactly what we meant by understanding our past.
“This symbol marks not just the life of a heroine but a beacon of hope which our history has defined,” the Mayor said.
Gwamanda said Madikizela-Mandela should have been the president of the country.
“It is however in my view that South Africa was denied an opportunity to have the first female president in the African continent. An opportunity that could have united the nation,” he said.
Lesufi said heroes and heroines of the anti-apartheid struggle deserve to be recognised.
“If you think it’s (unveiling) is about the road you are mistaken, it’s about us cementing a name that symbolises our pain and suffering. This street is not about Umama Winnie Madikizela Mandela, it is about all of us. It’s a symbol of who we are and where we come from,” he said.
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said it was worthy to change the street name to Madikizela-Mandela.
“It was worthy, it is correct, it is right that we name this important drive after this hero. Mme Winnie Mandela was one of those people that we looked up to during the most difficult times of apartheid, she lived for others and she wanted this South Africa being liberated,” she said.
