A familiar road in Highbury, Kuils River, now carries the name of a man whose work helped shape the community around it, Cape {town} Etc reports.
On Saturday, 17 October, the City of Cape Town officially commemorated the renaming of Belhar Main Road to John Van de Rheede Drive, honouring a late educator and civic leader remembered for dedicating decades of his life to improving the lives of local residents.
The ceremony brought together members of the Van de Rheede family, City Deputy Mayor Alderman Eddie Andrews and community representatives. The road’s new name recognises a legacy built through education, community development and a deep commitment to equality.
The Highbury Foundation submitted the renaming request, which was approved by the City Council earlier this year.
Van de Rheede began his career in education at Bridgetown High School before continuing his teaching work at Belhar High School. His contribution to the Western Cape extended far beyond his professional life, with decades of civic involvement and political activism during apartheid.
Among his achievements was helping secure provincial government funding for a brick-making project in Kalkfontein, while he also championed the establishment of early childhood development centres in Highbury, Kalkfontein and Wesbank.
He believed that building stronger communities required residents to take an active role in their neighbourhoods. That conviction helped drive the establishment of Highbury’s first neighbourhood watch, with Van de Rheede personally joining street patrols to support local safety.
His community work also included helping organise an annual carnival at the Western Cape Sports School grounds. The event raised funds for local schools and charities, while creating an opportunity for residents to come together.
Even after retiring in 2014, he continued sharing his experience and knowledge by mentoring young people through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of the Western Cape.
‘My father lived his purpose’
For his family, the new road name represents far more than a change to a street sign.
Van de Rheede’s daughter, Jade, reflected on a childhood spent alongside a father whose community commitments often filled his evenings.
She recalled accompanying him to meetings about local projects, the Kuils River Carnival and elections. Yet, despite his demanding schedule, she remembered him as a father who remained present for school meetings, awards evenings and even the small family traditions that made birthdays special.
Jade said her father’s dedication was rooted in his belief in righteousness and equality, with his Christian faith guiding the way he approached his work and relationships.
The gathering also held particular significance for the family, coming just days after the third anniversary of his death on 13 October.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jade thanked the City, Andrews and local ward councillor Ebrahim Savant for recognising her father’s contribution.
She described the renaming as a declaration of the values he had spent his life upholding: service, faith, equality and genuine care for others.
Community remembers a man who led by example
Highbury Foundation chairperson Winston Middleton said Van de Rheede’s influence could be seen across different parts of community life, from early childhood education and fundraising initiatives to neighbourhood safety and residents’ rights.
His work, Middleton noted, helped create opportunities for children, supported schools and non-profit organisations, and encouraged residents to take responsibility for the places they called home.
Andrews echoed that sentiment at the ceremony, describing Van de Rheede as a pillar of the community whose example continued to inspire those who knew him.
The City’s public participation process for the renaming ran from 2 May to 2 June 2025. Of the 960 comments received, 857 supported the proposed name change.
The City’s Roads Infrastructure Management Department will now implement the changes to road signage to reflect the new name.
For residents travelling along John Van de Rheede Drive, the name will serve as a lasting reminder of a local leader whose contribution was measured not only in projects completed, but in the people and neighbourhoods he helped strengthen.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / X
