PUBLIC MEMORY: Street-level legacy — putting Joburg’s cultural champions on the map

Renaming streets in Newtown was a powerful act of cultural cartography, signifying the city's intention to honor the people who truly belonged there. Iconic names like Bezuidenhout, Goch, Sydenham, Park, and Becker were replaced with the likes of Miriam Makeba, Henry Nxumalo, Noria Mabasa, Barney Simon, and Gerard Sekoto. These individuals were not just politicians or struggle heroes; they were artists, musicians, journalists, and cultural workers who shaped the city's identity.

The act of renaming streets went beyond mere honor. It was an education for those who would walk the streets, offering glimpses into the lives and stories that had shaped Johannesburg. For instance, Maria McCloy, a DJ, fashion designer, and publicist, championed African creativity and opened doors for others. Lebo Malepa, a tourism pioneer, transformed a dump site into a community park, understanding that people connect with a city through people, not just attractions.

Andrew Lindsay, the founder of Spaza Art Gallery, brought art onto the streets, and Ufrieda Ho, a journalist and writer, documented the city's many stories.

These individuals, while not politicians or leaders, played a crucial role in shaping the city. They were the ones who gave new talent a chance, documented the city's changes, and made culture worth fighting for. Therefore, when considering who to honor through street names, our focus should extend beyond just politicians or leaders. It should include those who, in their own way, have made the city what it is today.