It’s official! Sandton’s William Nicol Drive is set to be renamed as Winnie Mandela Drive in honour of the late struggle stalwart. The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that the new name will be unveiled on Tuesday, September 26, which coincides with what would have been Winnie Mandela’s 87th birthday.
The decision to change the name was made by the City of Johannesburg in collaboration with national and provincial governments.
The renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive is a fitting tribute to one of our national icons.
The resolution to change the name was passed in October 2018 in the Joburg Council, and it was approved by former Gauteng Transport MEC Ismail Vadi. This name change is a way to honor the significant contributions that Winnie Mandela made during her lifetime.
Winnie Mandela was a resident of Johannesburg and was often referred to as the mother of the nation. She moved to Johannesburg in 1952 and considered it her home. The renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive is a way to acknowledge her connection to the city and the impact she had on the lives of many.
William Nicol Drive is a key road that stretches from Sandton to Diepsloot, cutting through Hyde Park, Bryanston, Fourways, and Dainfern. It is one of Johannesburg’s busiest roads and is frequently mentioned in radio traffic bulletins during peak morning and afternoon traffic.
In its former name, William Nicol Drive was named after William Nicol, a former administrator of the Transvaal government during the time of construction. However, the renaming of this road is a way to pay homage to Winnie Mandela’s legacy and the mark she left on South Africa.
The City of Johannesburg has also posthumously accorded Winnie Mandela the Freedom of the City, further recognizing her significant contributions. This renaming is a way to celebrate her life and ensure that her memory lives on.
