EFF statement on the official renaming of William Nicol drive to Winnie Mandela drive

26 September 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) proudly embraces the historic renaming of William Nicol Drive in Sandton, Johannesburg, to the revered Winnie Mandela Drive, a momentous occasion coinciding with what would have been her 87th birthday.

Winnie Mandela Drive, extending from Sandton to Diepsloot, stands as a vital artery coursing through Hyde Park, Bryanston, Fourways, and Dainfern. This renaming ceremony, therefore, carries profound significance, placing Mama Winnie's memory at the centre of Johannesburg.

It is essential to note that it was the EFF that championed the motion to rename this road from William Nicol to Winnie Mandela, aligning with our unwavering commitment to honour and uphold the legacy of Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

In the face of recent attempts by the ANC to co-opt the narrative surrounding Mama Winnie's legacy, we remain vigilant. We cannot forget that the ANC, in the past, mistreated Mama Winnie and marginalised her within the party she tirelessly served. It is, therefore, disheartening to witness the ANC now feigning homage to her memory for mere political gain.

The public will be wise to remember that in March 2019, the Commander in Chief (CIC) Julius Malema tabled a motion in the Parliament of South Africa to rename Cape Town International Airport after anti-apartheid icon Winnie Madikizela Mandela. The motion was disgracefully rejected by the ruling party that Mama Winnie was a member of until her death.

The EFF, in contrast, has consistently held Mama Winnie's memory in the highest regard, as today also marks the second anniversary of the official opening of our headquarters, the Winnie Madikizela Mandela House — the nerve centre of the revolution in pursuit of Economic Freedom.

As the true custodians of Mama Winnie's legacy, we embrace this triumph today while maintaining our dedicated struggle for more profound restitutions — in the form of land, dignity, and the responsible governance that our people rightfully deserve.

Mama Winnie Did Not Die, She Multiplied!

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 26 September 2023