From William Nicol to Winnie Mandela. A Road’s New Identity

On September 26, a significant event unfolded as the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) hosted a ceremony to rename a well-known road, transforming it into Winnie Mandela Drive. This initiative, initiated by the City of Johannesburg in 2018, represents a heartfelt tribute to the revered figure in the struggle for liberation, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and it’s worth noting that the chosen date coincided with her birthday.

The ceremony centered around the unveiling of new street signs at the intersection of Sandton Drive, where the familiar name “William Nicol” has given way to “Winnie Mandela.” The occasion drew a diverse crowd of supporters and members of the African National Congress (ANC), all converging at George Lea Park in Sandton to witness this momentous renaming ceremony.


Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, also known as “Mother of the Nation,” was a prominent and influential figure in South African history. Born on September 26, 1936, in Bizana, South Africa, she dedicated her life to the struggle against apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government.

Winnie Mandela’s unwavering commitment to the anti-apartheid cause made her a symbol of resistance. Throughout her life, she faced numerous challenges and hardships, including imprisonment and persecution, yet she remained resolute in her fight for justice and equality. Her activism extended beyond her husband Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, as she continued to advocate for the rights of Black South Africans.

Despite controversy and complexities in her life, Winnie Mandela’s legacy as a fearless freedom fighter and an emblem of resilience endures. Her enduring impact on the struggle for racial equality and human rights in South Africa and the world at large remains a source of inspiration and admiration. The renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive serves as a poignant tribute to her enduring legacy.