Honoring Desmond and Leah Tutu: Renaming Old Granary Building

1 min read
d e

The City of Cape Town’s Public Participation Unit will launch a commenting process on September 16, 2023, to receive feedback from the public on renaming the historic Old Granary building. The initiative proposes renaming the building after the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah Tutu, to honor their significant contributions to the political and socio-cultural identity of Cape Town, South Africa, and the world.

Participating in the Process

Residents are encouraged to attend the launch event, which will take place at the Old Granary building. Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Naming Committee, Alderman Eddie Andrews, invites residents to attend and exercise their right to have their voices heard. Alternatively, comments can be submitted via email, online, or in-person at Subcouncil offices and City libraries. The commenting period will close on September 30, 2023.

Legacy of Desmond and Leah Tutu

The renaming initiative reflects the City’s vision to carry on the legacy of Desmond and Leah Tutu. Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, emphasizes the couple’s significant influence, not only in Cape Town and South Africa but also on a global scale.

Rich History of Old Granary Building

Built between 1808 and 1813, the Old Granary building, located at 11 Buitenkant Street in Zonnebloem, has served various purposes, such as a bakery, granary, women’s jail, customs house, court, police office, and Public Works offices. In 2015, the building underwent refurbishment co-funded by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. Today, the building serves as a hub for peace, housing the foundation’s peace center, archive center, and museum, as well as City of Cape Town office space.

Continuing the Legacy

The Old Granary building’s rich history and the spirit of the Tutus will continue to shape Cape Town’s cultural landscape and inspire generations to come. The renaming initiative aims to honor and memorialize the couple’s life and work by carrying on their legacy. The initiative has received the green light from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, and the City’s Naming Committee endorsed it on August 28, 2023.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Celebrating the First Graduation Ceremony for Community Development Practitioners in South Africa

Next Story

Celebrating District Six’s Unique Identity: The Chapel Street Mural Art Workshop

Latest from Blog

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.