City of Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo, has urged general society to partake in the renaming cycle of the William Nicol Drive street to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The Mayor reported this on Thursday that the renaming cycle is expected to formally begins on Monday March, 29 and will run until April 27.
Makhubo has requested the public and all stakeholders to share their comments and representation on the matter.
“I encourage residents and all affected parties to share their comments or representative on the renaming of the William Nicol to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. This process follows a city announcement of September 26, 2020, on her 84th birthday. I am pleased that the City has begun the public participation process,”
He stated that this is an opportunity for residents to voice out their views as set out in the city’s approved policy on the naming of streets.
“Names carry history. They say something about whose contributions are deemed worthy of a public and multigenerational memory. These are by their very nature contentious and that is why they must always be treated with the sensitivity they deserve,”
According to Makhubo the renaming of one of the City’s iconic landmark is a result of council’s commitment. He said that this symbolises the immeasurable commitment of Mama Winnie to the struggle for humanity and liberating this country. Makhubo also gave information on how the public can submit their input on the renaming of the road.
“Any person who wishes to make any comments in respect of this renaming may do so by submitting their inputs in writing to the Arts and Culture Heritage Office(ACH), 2 Helen Joseph Street, Joburg Newtown Building. The city council will consider all comments before a decision is taken on renaming of road.”
