Name changes coming to South Africa’s richest city
The City of Johannesburg has proposed name changes for four streets in the metro, all in the new precinct planned for the city centre.
The proposed name changes come as the city drives a redevelopment initiative in the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct.
The Draft Desmond Tutu Precinct Plan is currently open for public comment, with submissions due by Friday (17 April 2026).
The proposed name changes are in a separate public comment window, with a submission deadline of 5 May 2026.
Comments on the name changes can be sent via email to Dominica Masalesa at [email protected].
The broader plan will see the city establish the precinct anchored by the historic St Mary’s Cathedral at the corner of Wanderers Street and De Villiers Street.
The city wants to rename all the streets surrounding the Cathedral.
Other streets to be renamed are Plein Street—running parallel to De Villiers Street—and Hoek Street, intersecting Plein and De Villiers past the Cathedral itself.
| Current Name | Proposed Name |
|---|---|
| Plein Street | Desmond Tutu Street |
| Wanderers Street | Simeon Nkoane Street |
| De Villiers Street | Trevor Huddleston Street |
| Hoek Street | Cathedral Street |
According to the city, the precinct project aims to regenerate the inner-city area in decline, while paying tribute to Tutu.
“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.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu played a pivotal role in South Africa’s transition to democracy and remained a steadfast advocate for human dignity, equality, and social cohesion throughout his life.
“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,” it said.
The precinct was approved by the city council in 2022, under the previous administration led by former mayor Mpho Phalatse.
The project is now envisioned as a 12-month initiative and forms part of the City’s Inner-City Urban Regeneration Programme.
As part of the planning process, the City said it will review the current precinct and transport context, refine the overarching urban development concept, and assess the anticipated impact of the precinct on mobility and movement patterns.
Where the new precinct will be located
The precinct is located in Joburg’s inner city.
Sophie De Bruyn Street bounds the study area to the north, Claim and Mooi streets to the east, Harrison Street to the west, and Commissioner Street to the south, covering Wards 59, 60, 123, and 124.
“The precinct will prioritise walkability, accessibility, and integrated transport, while strengthening public spaces and improving safety, dignity, and environmental sustainability,” it said.
According to the precinct plan, the development of a public square next to the Cathedral will see Hoek Street (Cathedral Street) closed off to motor vehicles and turned into a walkable space.
There are also plans to erect an illuminated ‘spire’ on the high-rise block next to the Cathedral to mark its location and that of Desmond Tutu Square.
Entrances to the square itself will be marked with large steel overhead structures.
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