Street names in Tzaneen…who were they?
Street names in Tzaneen are named after a few interesting and prominent personalities who helped write the history of Tzaneen over the years.
Here are five of the most prominent street names in town…and the people in history behind them.
Annecke street:
Named after: Dr David Hugo Siegfried Annecke -Medical doctor, Entomologist and Researcher 1895-1955
The man who freed The Lowveld of Malria and did a tremendous amount of research on Billarzia as well. He started at the Malaria Institute in 1930 and worked there until his retirement in 1955. He was also mayor of Tzaneen in 1941/1943 and 1944/1946.
Morgan street:
Named after: George Augustus Morgan- Hotelier 1876-1936
After resigning from the South African Constabulary be eventually arrived at the spot at the drift through the Letaba River which was to become Tzaneen. In 1907 he opened the first Hotel there and later build a more imposing structure where Absa Bank is today. He was also mayor of Tzaneen 1933-1935.
Maritz street:
Named after: Gerhardus Jacobus (Billy) Maritz-Lawyer 1899-1949
Maritz was the first Lawyer to set up practice in Tzaneen which he did in 1925. Through his efforts the magistrates seat was allocated to Tzaneen and not the more advanced and, at that stage, larger town of Modjajdjiskloof. He was the first auctioneer as well and in 1929 was appointed deputy Sheriff, a post he held until his death in 1949.
Claude Wheatly street:
Named after Claude Wheatly: Pharmacist, Farmer 1914-1979
The man responsible for bringing electricity to town and the Letaba district. He also initiated the drive to have the centre streets in Tzaneen tarred. Wheatly was councillour for 25 years and was mayor for a record nine terms of office. 1943-1944, 1950-1955, 1959-1961 and 1965-1966.
Danie Joubert street:
Named after Danie Joubert: Lawyer 1959
Joubert opened his practice in 1929 and was lawyer for 30 years until his tragic death in 1959. He was a brilliant criminal and water affairs lawyer. He drowned in Mozambique with Jack Duffus during a fishing expedition. The main street of Tzaneen is named after him to honour Joubert for his huge contribution towards the development of the town. Joubert was also mayor 1936-1940 and again in 1949-1950.
Source: Tzaneen 75 1919-1994-Louis Changuion
