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If you’ve been following the development of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct, the project is about to get very "real" for daily commuters and CBD residents. The City of Johannesburg has officially opened the public comment period on renaming four key streets surrounding St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The proposed changes are a "who’s who" of South African heritage, shifting away from colonial-era names to honour the figures who turned this specific corner of the inner city into a sanctuary during the struggle.
The proposed street renames
Here is how the map of the new precinct is set to change:
- Plein Street → Desmond Tutu Street: The main artery of the precinct, named after the "Arch" himself, who became the first Black Anglican Dean at St. Mary’s in 1975.
- Wanderers Street → Simeon Nkoane Street: Honouring the late Bishop Suffragan of Johannesburg East, a man known for his deep commitment to the community.
- De Villiers Street → Trevor Huddleston Street: Named for the iconic Anglican bishop whose anti-apartheid activism (and famous book Nought for Your Comfort) was instrumental in the global struggle.
- Hoek Street → Cathedral Street: A direct nod to the spiritual heart of the precinct, St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Why now?
While the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct was approved back in 2022, this renaming phase is a critical step for the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) to cement the area's identity. The goal is to align the street names with the "living tribute" the City is building, a space designed to be safe, walkable, and welcoming for residents and informal traders alike.
How to have your say
True to the City’s consultative approach, this isn't a done deal yet. Joburgers are encouraged to submit their views on these specific name changes.
- Comment Period: 8 April – 5 May 2026. Comments and feedback can be sent via email to:
Dominica Masalesa Dominicam@joburg.org.za
- The Goal: To ensure the precinct reflects a safe, clean, and inclusive environment that "Joburgers" can be proud of.
By renaming these streets, the City isn't just updating signs; it's weaving the legacy of the Nobel Peace Prize winner into the very fabric of the CBD’s regeneration.
How do you feel about the new names? As the CBD continues its transformation, these four streets are set to become the landmarks of a revitalised downtown.
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