City of Johannesburg Proposes Renaming Sandton Drive to Leila ...
The City of Johannesburg has proposed the renaming of one of its iconic streets, Sandton Drive, to Leila Khaled Drive, inviting public comments on the matter. This announcement follows the recent successful renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Drive. The proposal, published on 18 September 2024, calls on all interested and affected parties to submit their comments within 28 days. This move has generated widespread discussion, with both support and opposition from various sectors of the community.
The Proposed Renaming: A Controversial Figure
Leila Khaled, a Palestinian militant and political figure, gained global attention in the late 1960s for her involvement in high-profile plane hijackings. As a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Khaled’s actions, particularly the 1969 hijacking of TWA flight 840 and the 1970 attempt to hijack El Al flight 219, have made her a symbol of the Palestinian resistance movement. These actions, however, have also made her a contentious figure, especially among countries like Israel and the United States, which consider the PFLP a terrorist organization.
Despite Khaled’s notoriety, she has garnered significant support from many, particularly those aligned with pro-Palestinian causes. Her supporters see her as a freedom fighter who has long advocated for the rights of the Palestinian people. It is within this context that the African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg has advocated for renaming Sandton Drive in her honour, as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian cause .
Public Reactions: Support and Opposition
As expected, the proposal to rename Sandton Drive has sparked a mixture of responses, with some applauding the move while others have voiced strong opposition. Those in favour argue that renaming the road in Khaled’s honour is a powerful statement of support for Palestinian rights and serves as a reminder of the city’s long-standing history of standing in solidarity with global liberation movements. Proponents, including members of the ANC’s Johannesburg region, believe that the renaming aligns with South Africa’s historical support for anti-colonial and anti-imperialist struggles across the world .
However, the proposal has faced vocal opposition from various groups, including political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA. Critics argue that Khaled’s involvement in violent actions makes her an inappropriate figure to be honoured with such a prominent public memorial. They contend that renaming streets should be reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to South Africa’s own history and development, rather than those from foreign conflicts with no direct connection to the country .
In addition to the political opposition, many residents have raised practical concerns about the potential costs associated with renaming the street. These include the expenses involved in updating signage, maps, and addresses for businesses and residents along Sandton Drive, particularly given the current economic climate .
Historical Context: The Legacy of Street Renaming in Johannesburg
The renaming of streets in Johannesburg is not a new phenomenon. Over the years, the city has renamed various streets as part of its efforts to honour South African struggle icons and reflect the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy. The recent renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Drive is a prime example of these efforts to celebrate local heroes.
However, the proposal to rename Sandton Drive has reignited a broader debate about how street names should reflect historical legacies. Some argue that the city should prioritize the commemoration of South African figures who played critical roles in the country’s liberation, rather than focusing on international figures. Others believe that South Africa’s struggle for freedom is inherently tied to global movements, and therefore, figures like Leila Khaled deserve recognition .
What Happens Next: The Public Participation Process
The City of Johannesburg has opened a 28-day public consultation process, during which interested and affected parties can submit their comments on the proposed name change. According to the city’s policy, any decision on renaming public spaces must be based on extensive public engagement and must comply with the City’s approved policy on renaming streets and landmarks.
Enquiries and comments on the proposed renaming can be sent to the city officials Dominica Maselesa ([email protected]) or Kopano Monahen ([email protected]). The city will consider all submissions before making a final decision on whether or not to proceed with the name change
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