Honoring Desmond and Leah Tutu: Renaming Old Granary Building

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.