The City of Cape Town’s Naming Committee has recently proposed renaming the Old Granary building to ‘Desmond and Leah Tutu House’ to honor the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah Tutu. The iconic building located at 11 Buitenkant Street in Zonnebloem has a rich history dating back more than 200 years, serving various purposes, including functioning as a bakery, granary, court, police office, and public works offices. The move is meant to pay homage to the immense contributions of the couple to the political, socio-cultural identity of Cape Town, South Africa, and the world.
A Storied History of Old Granary
The Old Granary building has served various purposes, and it has a rich history of more than 200 years. Constructed between 1808 and 1813, the building has been used as a bakery, granary, women’s jail, customs house, court, police office, and public works offices. The building is located at 11 Buitenkant Street in Zonnebloem, Cape Town.
Legacy of Desmond and Leah Tutu
The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation co-funded the refurbishment of the Old Granary in 2015. It has been utilized as a peace center, archive center, and museum, as well as City of Cape Town office space. The proposal to rename the Old Granary to Desmond and Leah Tutu House is reflective of the foundation’s use of the heritage site to educate visitors and promote values of leadership and peace.
Public Participation for the Proposal
Before the name change becomes official, the City’s Public Participation Unit (PPU) will soon begin the participation process to seek the public’s opinions and thoughts on the matter. Alderman Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Naming Committee confirmed that the committee fully supports the initiative and has recommended the renaming to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Continuing Legacy of Desmond and Leah Tutu
The proposed name change aims to continue the Tutus’ legacy and celebrate them as global icons for virtue and fortitude of character. The vision for the newly renamed Desmond and Leah Tutu House goes beyond simply honoring the couple, reflecting their values and aspirations in the building’s current and future uses. Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, emphasizes that the name change aims to continue the Tutus’ legacy and celebrate the couple as global icons for virtue and fortitude of character.
A Tribute to Desmond and Leah Tutu
The Old Granary, with its rich history and remarkable transformation, is an ideal location to serve as a tribute to the Tutus. The building’s ties to their foundation and their work in promoting peace and leadership are a testament to the impact they have had in Cape Town and beyond. The City of Cape Town will announce further details on the process and the channels for public comment as the proposal moves forward.
Renaming the Old Granary as Desmond and Leah Tutu House signifies a celebration of their life and work, as well as a commitment to fostering peace, leadership, and cultural understanding in the heart of Cape Town. The proposal honors the couple’s legacy and ensures that their values and work continue to inspire generations to come.
