The City of Johannesburg has proposed name changes for four streets in the city centre.
The new names come as part of an initiative to redevelop the metro’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct.
The draft version of the Desmond Tutu Precinct Plan is currently open for comment, with submissions due by Friday, 17 April 2026.
However, the proposed road name changes are submitted through a separate public comment window, which has a submission deadline of 5 May 2026.
Those who wish to comment on the name changes can submit an email to Dominica Maselesa at [email protected].
The four name changes pertain to the roads in the precinct surrounding the historic St Mary’s Cathedral.
The cathedral is located on the corners of Wanderers Street and De Villiers Street, both of which are up for renaming.
The other two affected roads are Plein Street, which runs parallel to De Villiers Street, and Hoek Street, which intersects De Villiers and Plein.
These are the proposed name changes for each of the four streets:
| Current Name | Proposed Name Change |
|---|---|
| De Villiers Street | Trevor Huddleston Street |
| Hoek Street | Cathedral Street |
| Plein Street | Desmond Tutu Street |
| Wanderers Street | Simeon Nkoane Street |
Johannesburg’s management stated that the precinct redevelopment programme aims to reverse the decline of the CBD.
Additionally, the name changes are intended to pay tribute to Desmond Tutu’s legacy.
“The precinct aims to honour Tutu’s lifelong commitment to social justice by creating high-quality public spaces that are welcoming, walkable, safe and accessible to all,” it said.
“By integrating transport infrastructure, public realm enhancements, and heritage preservation, the City seeks to create a living tribute to its values—one that reflects a more equitable, people-centred, and resilient future for Johannesburg.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a key figure in South Africa’s democratic transition and remained an advocate for human rights, dignity, and equality until his passing in 2021.
The precinct redevelopment plan was approved by the city council in 2022 under the previous administration headed by former Mayor Mpho Phalatse.
The project is expected to take place over 12 months and is part of Joburg’s broader Inner-City Urban Regeneration Programme.
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