Famous Personalities
Famous Personalities that shaped Johannesburg
Johannesburg was shaped by key figures who defined its political and cultural identity. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi anchored its role in the fight for justice and equality, while leaders such as Herman Mashaba fueled modern entrepreneurship, making the city a symbol of resilience and transformation.
Mahatma Gandhi
Enoch Sontonga
Mary Fitzgerald
Mary “Pickhandle” Fitzgerald made her name in Johannesburg for her trade union activities and a number of firsts – first woman trade unionist, first woman printer and first woman city councillor. Born in Ireland in 1882 and after immigrating with her father to Cape Town in 1900, she got a job at The Castle as a secretary.
Taffy Long
The man was 31-year-old Samuel Alfred Long, nicknamed Taffy, who, after two trials, was found guilty of murdering Pieter Marais during an uprising in Johannesburg that saw the city at war with its citizens, in the 1922 Miners’ Strike. The hanging took place in November 1922, and the 10 000 people marched to Brixton Cemetery where Taffy was buried.
Nelson Mandela
The Freedom of the City is the highest recognition a city can pay to acknowledge a person’s contribution to the welfare of the city and its inhabitants. Nelson Mandela is the third person to receive this award from the City of Johannesburg. The other recipients – both figures in the liberation struggle – were Walter Sisulu, in 1997, and Beyers Naude, in 2001.