Gauteng’s street names reflect South Africa’s complex history
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Researchers in South Africa analysed nearly 44,000 street names across Gauteng province to understand how they reflect the region’s history and culture.
The Gauteng City-Region Observatory led the project, which categorised street names as commemorating people, geographical places, plants and animals, or other concepts. The analysis revealed that 57% of streets are named after people, effectively creating a widespread memorial landscape.
The project found a mix of names honouring figures from both the anti-apartheid movement, like Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, and from South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past, such as Jan Smuts and Hendrik Verwoerd. This reflects multiple layers of public memory preserved in the street network. Researchers also noted a prevalence of male names, prompting questions about whose contributions are most often recognised through street naming. Different neighbourhoods demonstrated unique patterns.
Streets in townships like Soweto and Mamelodi largely honour people, while Cosmo City uses names of African countries and cities. Other areas, such as parts of Centurion, favour names of plants and trees, and Ivory Park names streets after fish. Local municipal councils generally control street naming, though communities can propose changes through public consultation.
Ultimately, the study suggests that street names offer insight into a community’s sense of belonging, with recent surveys showing 21% of Gauteng residents feeling disconnected from where they live.
