In early 2007 the African National Congress majority within the eThekwini Municipality approved a street renaming process that resulted in the renaming of over 100 prominent streets after various individuals who fought against the colonial and apartheid regimes. The process led to an unprecedented degree of public attention and debate.
Among the first name changes were references to former city officials and military officers, units, buildings and events, as well as influential residents, many of which dated back to the 1850s. Many raised their concerns that the renaming process would erase the early history of the establishment of Durban and only reflect the more recent liberation history. Others argued that people with significance to Durban should have replaced the old street names. For example, Victoria Embankment could have been renamed after Ndongeni, a member of the Zulu Royal Household, and not ANC activist, Margaret Mncadi. Along the embankment out of Durban, Ndongeni rode on horseback with Dick King to Grahamstown to call for reinforcements when the Old Fort was under siege by Boers.
Names have meaning
Names have meaning and are the commemoration of important people, places and events. Naming and renaming happens to create an inclusive environment in which people see themselves – their cultures, values and histories. This changes depending on the times and the politics of a particular place. People don’t always agree on who and what to honour. Renaming in South Africa – from cities and airports to university halls – is an ongoing process and forms part of contemporary debates. In 2021, the EFF called for Durban to be renamed.
No Longer at This Address
In our No Longer at This Address series, named after a 2007 exhibition by Peter Machen and Brenton Maart, we track the roads that have been renamed and provide a summary of the people, places and events after which the roads were named, and renamed.
Image courtesy of Peter Machen