​​​Northern Joburg’s busiest throughfare has officially been renamed Winnie Mandela Drive in a historic tribute to one of South Africa’s most iconic political figures. The unveiling ceremony, led by Executive Mayor Cllr. Kabelo Gwamanda, was attended by dignitaries, politicians, and community members.

​The renaming ceremony took place on Tuesday, 26 September, coinciding with what would’ve been the late stalwart’s 87th birthday.

Mayor Gwamanda said the occasion marked a significant step in dismantling symbols of apartheid, underscoring the importance of understanding South Africa’s history and the hard-fought struggle for freedom.

“It is a significant moment in our history that champions and pilots our transformation and corrective measures. For me as Executive Mayor, it is a proud moment, one that has brought a multitude of political parties together at one event to celebrate, take ownership, and look forward to championing a future as a collective,” the Mayor said.

The event witnessed a remarkable display of unity, with politicians from different parties coming together to celebrate the historic occasion. Among the dignitaries in attendance were First-Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Lesufi emphasised the importance of honouring struggle heroes and ensuring that infrastructure named after them reflects their legacy.

“As we name this street, let’s do so by learning from our past renaming experiences. If we rename a hospital after Chris Hani, its services must truly represent Chris Hani. If we rename an airport after Oliver Tambo, nothing must be faulty about that airport, as Oliver Tambo was never faulty to us.”

Premier Lesufi highlighted that Winnie Mandela Drive is not just about the late leader but represents the collective history of South Africa. He urged that the street be maintained and respected as a symbol of the nation’s identity and aspirations.

“This street is not just about Mama Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela-Mandela; it is about all of us. She was a symbol of who we are and where we come from.”

The great-granddaughters of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Zamakhosi Obiri and Ziphokazi Manaway, expressed their happiness that her name would now be associated with the road that led to her final resting place.

Cllr Loyiso Masuku and Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu, members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), who were tasked with being the day’s programme directors, kept the audience in high spirits by singing liberation songs and sharing stories of their own encounters with the remarkable woman, reminiscing about her strength and unwavering commitment to social justice.

MMC for Transport, Cllr. Kenny Kunene described the renaming as poignant and symbolic, a tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to the fight for freedom and equality.

“The legacy of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela now lives on in the streets of Johannesburg, reminding all of the power of perseverance and the enduring spirit of a nation,” said Cllr Kunene.

As the clock struck noon, Mayor Gwamanda took to the corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Sandton Drive, flanked by dignitaries and members of the Mandela family. The crowd erupted in applause as he officially unveiled the plague and a new street sign bearing the name of the beloved Winnie Mandela Drive. The atmosphere was charged with both reverence and excitement.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, known affectionately as the “Mother of the Nation,” had played a vital role in the struggle against apartheid, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope for millions of black South Africans. Her legacy is indelibly etched into the fabric of South African history.

Speaking after the official unveiling, the Speaker of the Johannesburg City Council, Cllr Colleen Makhubele, said the timing of the event, after the death of Madikizela’s granddaughter, Zoleka Mandela, gave the family something positive.

As the traffic flowed smoothly along what is now Winnie Mandela Drive, after the City had paid homage to a remarkable leader, the streets whispered tales of struggle and triumph, and in that moment, Johannesburg celebrated not only its history but also its boundless potential for unity and progress.

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