De Waal becomes Philip Kgosana Drive. Here’s More About the Man

Famous South African road named after a freedom fighter who would have turned 81 

Naming the road after Kgosana was not only a huge honour, but a clear indication of his influence and significance to the country. Kgosana died earlier this year on April 20th, and may be best known for his courageous act of leading more than 30,000 protesters to government in a march against apartheid pass laws in 1960 at the young age of 23, just days after the Sharpeville Massacre.

The march, which could have turned sour when the protestors were faced with Apartheid police, was curbed by Kgosana’s powerful and influential presence, as he negotiated with authorities and managed to avoid the escalation of violent tensions.

Fast forward to present day: Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille unveiled Philip Kgosana Drive, formerly known as De Waal Drive, on Thursday 12 October 2017. The ceremony marked what would have been the 81st birthday of the former secretary of the Pan Africanist Congress.  

Many South African monuments, buildings and streets are or have been previously named after colonial and apartheid-era leaders. Over recent years, there has been an endeavour to rename them so that they sound more inclusive and representative of the country as a ‘Rainbow Nation’. To the City, as an ongoing effort to rectify historical injustices in SA.

The event is regarded by some of as one of the turning points in national history.

By: Emily Moir

Source Credit: IOL, News 24, Cape Town etc, Eyewitness News
Image Credit: EBDailyNews SA (Top), Wikimedia Commons (Bottom), South African History Online

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