Winifred Mandela Precinct: Nicolway renamed
Winifred Mandela Precinct is the new name of Bryanston’s popular retail option, formerly called Nicolway.
The mall at the heart of Bryanston, along Winnie Mandela Drive, was renamed in honour of a woman who is regarded by many South Africans as the mother of this nation.
Nicolway, managed by the Akani Group, was renamed to Winifred Mandela Precinct on April 19. Group CEO, Zamani Letjane said that the decision was taken to preserve the legacies of South Africa’s revolutionary struggle heroes.
“This property was acquired two years ago with its apartheid name,” Letjane said. “We had so many politicians that fought for the liberation of this country who aren’t properly recognised. Hence, today we are gathered here to launch the rightful name of this beautiful building.”
Letjane also explained why it was important to use the iconic struggle stalwart’s full first name.
“Most of you knew her as Winnie; her full name is Winifred Mandela,” said Letjane. “We wanted to specify this name so you can keep it in mind all the time as and when you drive through here. Please keep that name with you.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi hailed the occasion as a milestone, congratulating the property group for reclaiming a piece of South African history for the nation. Lesufi encouraged all South Africans to come on board to avoid having people clinging onto old names of places and spaces in South Africa
“I must say, we’ve accepted wrong things, and we’re keeping quiet. There are some airlines, even when they land at OR Tambo, they still refer to it as Johannesburg International Airport; we must not allow that,” said Lesufi. “I’m raising this because we must also frown upon those that will continue to call this place Nicolway mall, and forget that we’ve made these changes.”
The Mandela family was represented at the ceremony by Winnie Mandela’s grandson Ziyanda Manaway, who accepted the renaming on the family’s behalf.
“Big Mommy, when you were with us, you had schools in Soweto, libraries in Tembisa, and informal settlements across our country named after you, and this made you very proud,” Manaway said. “As your eldest great-grandson, I’m proud to have your name written in the heart of Bryanston. We endorse this initiative.”
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William Nicol Drive transitioning into Winnie Mandela Drive
