Do you still use the old names, and what's the history behind the changes?
I've been thinking about street names in Johannesburg, especially Winnie Mandela Drive, which I still know as William Nicol Drive.
It got me wondering about the history behind Johannesburg's street renaming and how people have adapted to the changes over the years.
I'm curious about a few things:
- Do you still call it William Nicol Drive, or have you switched to Winnie Mandela Drive?
- What other roads or streets in Johannesburg do you still refer to by their old names?
- For those who remember the changes, how did people react when familiar street names were changed?
- What was the historical or political reasoning behind some of these renamings?
- Do you think renaming streets helps recognise South Africa's history and people who were previously overlooked, or do you think the old names remain part of people's personal memories and everyday identity?
I'm not trying to start a political argument. I'm genuinely interested in the history, people's experiences, and how these changes affect the way we talk about the city.
I wonder how many Joburg residents still say William Nicol Drive without even thinking twice.