By Charmaine Ndlela
The City of Johannesburg has opened a public participation process on proposed street renamings linked to the development of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct in the inner city.
The initiative forms part of a broader plan to revitalise an ageing section of the Johannesburg CBD around St. Mary’s Cathedral, while honouring the legacy of Tutu.
Tutu, who became the first Black Anglican Dean of Johannesburg at the cathedral in 1975, gained global recognition for his role in the fight against apartheid and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. He died on December 26, 2021, at the age of 90.
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The Archbishop played a pivotal role in convincing the international community to impose sanctions on South Africa and for foreign companies to disinvest from the country.
The city says the precinct development aims to create a safe, clean, and accessible public space that reflects Tutu’s values of social justice, inclusion, and human dignity.
As part of the process, four streets surrounding the cathedral have been identified for renaming:
Plein Street to Desmond Tutu Street
Wanderers Street to Simeon Nkoane Street
De Villiers Street to Trevor Huddleston Street
Hoek Street to Cathedral Street
According to the city, the proposed changes are intended to strengthen the identity of the precinct while recognising individuals linked to its historical and social significance.
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The precinct project, approved by Council in April 2022, is being implemented by the Johannesburg Development Agency together with the City’s Transport Department. It forms part of ongoing efforts to regenerate the inner city and improve public spaces.
The city said that the plan also seeks to create an environment where residents, businesses and informal traders can operate in a shared, well-managed space.
The public has been invited to submit comments on the proposed street renamings from 8 April to 5 May 2026.