The misguided and counterproductive renaming of Sandton Drive ...

The decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive undermines Johannesburg’s cultural heritage. Leila Khaled, a figure linked to the 1969 hijacking and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has no direct connection to South Africa. Renaming streets should honour local heroes who have contributed to the nation’s growth. Given Johannesburg’s pressing issues like service failures and unemployment, this symbolic move distracts from more urgent priorities that impact its residents.

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By Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe*

This decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive does a great disservice to the people of Johannesburg and South Africa at large.

Leila Khaled had no significant connection to the city, the country, or its history. Renaming public landmarks should reinforce ties to local heritage, something notably absent in this case.

For those unaware, Leila Khaled is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an organization most infamously associated with the hijacking of an airplane in 1969 and placing innocent lives at risk. What relevance do these actions hold for the people of Johannesburg or South Africa?

Meaningful contributions

Landmarks and monuments should celebrate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to South Africa. Such commemorations preserve and honour our national heritage. Renaming our streets after our own heroes in politics, the arts, sports, business, or education enables us to tell a more resonant story—one that nurtures our development and enriches our collective identity.

The City of Johannesburg’s policy clearly states that renaming public places should honour exceptional individuals who have played a significant role in the growth of the city or the country. Such decisions are not to be taken lightly. So, how has Leila Khaled contributed to the advancement of Johannesburg or South Africa? Does she truly fit the description of an “outstanding individual” as outlined by the city’s guidelines?

Bringing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into Johannesburg’s politics risks dividing an already diverse population, potentially igniting tensions that could harm both the economy and social cohesion. Johannesburg is known for its cosmopolitan nature, and its leadership should aim to unify, not fragment, its people.

Escalating threat

It’s also essential to note that in our region, Mozambique is currently grappling with an escalating threat of Islamic terrorism in its Cabo Delgado, Erati, and Memba districts in Nampula province in the north of the country. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports over 3,000 casualties and the displacement of more than 872,000 people since 2017 in Cabo Delgado alone. This grave issue remains difficult to resolve, even with international aid.

Johannesburg faces some of the worst service delivery failures: crippling water shortages, rampant unemployment, severe housing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and rising crime rates. Spending resources on symbolic name changes seems tone-deaf. Those urgent issues deserve priority over superficial gestures.

Let’s not ignore the obvious truth: diverting Johannesburg’s scarce resources to satisfy a narrow political agenda does not serve the interests of its citizens. What purpose does renaming Sandton Drive serve? How does it alleviate the daily hardships of the city’s poorest families, many of whom struggle to afford a single meal?

South African heroes

If street renaming is indeed necessary, let’s focus on honouring South African heroes with whom we share authentic connections—figures like Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela, Brenda Fassie, Onkgopotse Tiro, Tsietsi Mashinini, Lucas Radebe, Ace Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono, Treasure Tshabalala, and others who have left an enduring mark on South Africa’s growth across various spheres.

We already have Lillian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street), which is incomplete and continues to disrupt the lives of motorists and city dwellers alike. This is where the City of Johannesburg’s efforts should be directed: to improve the lives of its people in a meaningful way.

Every action taken by the city should reflect the material, spiritual, and cultural values of its residents. Johannesburg belongs to its citizens, not political agendas.

Read also:

School Capture: “Cultural Appropriation”, Heritage Day & Cancel Culture at St John’s College – Richard Wilkinson Mailbox: Dangerous actions by Sandton JMPD What does SA’s struggle heritage mean after 30 years of democracy?

*Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe is an MA student at Ben Gurion University of the Negev and is a political analyst, researcher, and columnist.

This article was first published by Daily Friend is republished with permission