Harare City Council has officially renamed several prominent roads across the capital. The move, announced this week, forms part of a wider effort to redefine the city’s cultural landscape and deepen a sense of national and Pan-African identity rooted in the continent’s long history of struggle and resistance.
Among the most prominent changes is the renaming of Charter Road to Fidel Castro Road, honoring the late Cuban revolutionary leader known for his staunch support of African liberation movements. Castro’s influence on African politics remains deeply felt, as he was a vocal and material supporter of anti-colonial struggles in Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Third Street has been renamed Patrice Lumumba Street, in tribute to the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lumumba is widely regarded as a martyr for African independence, symbolizing resistance to colonial rule and the drive for true sovereignty across the continent.
Fifth Avenue will now bear the name Leonid Brezhnev Street, after the former Soviet Union leader who backed several African liberation movements during the Cold War. Brezhnev’s administration provided ideological, financial, and military assistance to revolutionary governments and movements throughout Africa, a gesture that has earned him posthumous recognition in Zimbabwe.
Speke Avenue has been rechristened Agostinho Neto Avenue, celebrating the life and legacy of Angola’s first president and one of the continent’s most respected poets and liberation figures. Likewise, Angwa Street has been renamed Sir Seretse Khama Street, paying homage to Botswana’s founding president, renowned for his leadership and regional diplomacy.
Several of the changes pay tribute to Zimbabwean icons. Rezende Street now becomes Julia Zvobgo Street, honoring the liberation fighter and influential post-independence figure. Selous Avenue has been renamed John Landa Nkomo Avenue, while Cameron Street becomes Joseph Msika Street—both commemorating respected statesmen who contributed significantly to national unity and governance.
City Council Renames Major Roads to Honor African and Global Liberation Icons
Baines Avenue is now known as Herbert Ushewokunze Avenue, in memory of the former cabinet minister who served in various critical roles post-independence. Dieppe Road has been renamed Vitalis Zvinavashe Road, acknowledging the contributions of the late commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Meanwhile, Argyle Road becomes Sydney Malunga Road, named after the late parliamentarian and civic leader.
Continuing the tribute to both Zimbabwean and regional historical figures, Lorraine Drive has been renamed Mama Mafuyana Drive, in honor of the widow of nationalist Joshua Nkomo, who was an activist in her own right. Fourth Street is now Simon Vengai Muzenda Street, commemorating Zimbabwe’s long-serving Vice President. In a particularly notable change, Enterprise Road has been renamed ED Mnangagwa Road, after the current President of Zimbabwe.
Other changes include Kirkman Drive becoming Solomon Mujuru Drive, named after the late military commander and ZANLA liberation war veteran. Livingstone Avenue now carries the name Oliver Tambo Avenue, celebrating the South African anti-apartheid leader who was instrumental in the ANC’s international advocacy. Second Street has been renamed Sam Nujoma Street, in tribute to Namibia’s founding president.
Lastly, Innez Terrace will now be known as Mayor Urimbo Terrace, acknowledging the contributions of a notable former local government leader who played a role in Harare’s development.
According to city officials, the renaming exercise is not merely symbolic but represents a reorientation of the city’s narrative toward one of African pride, shared history, and collective struggle. The initiative seeks to reclaim public spaces by embedding the memory of those who fought for freedom and equality—both locally and abroad—into the daily lives of residents.
“We are reshaping our capital city’s identity by acknowledging those whose efforts and sacrifices shaped not just Zimbabwe, but the destiny of the African continent,” said a council spokesperson. “These names serve as constant reminders of where we come from and the values we stand for as a people.”
While the decision has received a mix of responses from the public—ranging from enthusiastic support to calls for broader consultation—it underscores Harare City Council’s vision of building a civic identity rooted in historical consciousness and cultural affirmation. Residents and visitors alike are being encouraged to embrace these new street names as symbols of Africa’s enduring spirit of resistance, unity, and progress.
With these renamings, Harare City joins other African cities in actively honoring the legacies of freedom fighters and political visionaries, helping to reinforce a continental narrative that values history, memory, and transformation.
