Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
28 September 2023 | 17:08 CAT

City of Joburg honoured the late struggle veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela by renaming one of the busiest intersections after her. Photo by Zandile Khumalo

On Tuesday, Johannesburg’s iconic William Nicol Drive in Sandton was officially renamed Winnie Mandela Drive. The momentous event, coinciding with what would have been Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s 87th birthday, was presided over by Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda.

The official renaming of William Nicol Drive is particularly poignant, as it comes during a sad period for the Mandela family as news on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela, on the eve of Winnie’s birthday.

Zoleka succumbed to metastatic cancer and passed away at the age of 43.

The Gauteng Provincial Government under Premier Panyaza Lesufi extends condolences to the Mandela family.

“The passing of Zoleka Mandela is really a painful to have happened. She had become the face of a deadly disease, she bravely fought against cancer and her spirit was inspiring. Her loss of life is felt by all those who have been paying attention,” said Sizwe Pamla, the spokesperson of Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Leaving an enduring legacy of courage and resilience in the fight against apartheid. The decision to rename William Nicol Drive in the honour of Winnie Mandela was reached in October 2018 by the Johannesburg council, with the approval of former Gauteng Transport MEC Ismail Vadi.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who was also at the unveiling of Winnie Mandela Drive, praised the City of Johannesburg for renaming William Nicol Drive after Madikizela-Mandela, saying that it was “more than just about the name, but cementing a name that symbolises our pain and suffering”.

“This street is not about Mama Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela. This street is about all of us. She is just a symbol of who we are and where we come from. If we had a choice, this street would carry the names of all our leaders, especially women who led our struggle against apartheid,” Lesufi said.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.