The City of Johannesburg’s proposal to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive has been slammed by some organisations.
The metro’s city manager, Floyd Brink, said the proposal to rename Sandton Drive was in line with the city’s policy, “Naming of Streets and Other Public Places”.
He invited the public to send their submissions before October 18, either approving or rejecting the proposal.
“Comments or representations are hereby invited from interested and affected people or parties. Particulars of the proposed renaming will be available for inspection during normal office hours,” said Brink.
The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) has strongly voiced its disapproval of the proposal to change the name of Sandton Drive in honour of the Palestinian activist.
Khaled is a controversial political figure regarded by admirers as a heroine who fought against the oppression of Palestinian people, but hated by the SAZF and others as a violent terrorist.
As a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), she was involved in the 1969 hijacking of TWA flight 840, and was jointly responsible with the PFLP for the 1972 Lod airport massacre, where militants opened fire on passengers, killing 26 people. 80 people were also injured.
The PFLP was considered a terrorist group by the United States, Japan, Canada and the European Union.
According to the federation, honouring such an “infamous political figure” was an insult to South Africans, including the Jewish community in Johannesburg”.
It said the metro’s proposal disregarded the city’s 2017 street naming policy, which emphasised that streets should be named for local significance, foster unity, and build a cohesive community.
The federation’s spokesperson, Rolene Marks, stressed that tying the city’s infrastructure to a terrorist would sow division among residents.
“Renaming Sandton Drive after a failed terrorist with ties to a globally recognised terrorist organisation contradicts the city’s renaming policy. It potentially burdens businesses with address changes and undermines confidence in the city.
“This change appears deliberately provocative towards the US Consulate located on Sandton Drive, potentially discouraging American investment in Johannesburg. It's particularly concerning given that the US government has officially designated the PFLP as a terrorist organisation,” said Marks.
The federation said: “The focus should be on commemorating individuals who have positively shaped the country’s history and values.”
It urged residents to submit their disapproval of the proposal.
“The SAZF urges residents to voice their opposition during the public comment period and calls on the City of Johannesburg to reconsider this divisive proposal in favour of a name that truly reflects the spirit of unity and progress that defines South Africa - as is required by its own policy. Honouring an individual linked to an internationally recognised terrorist group sends a troubling message about the city's values and priorities,” said the federation.
Meanwhile, ActionSA Gauteng chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, said its caucus planned to lobby all political parties in the Johannesburg metro council to vote against Brink’s proposal.
Ngobeni said changing Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled would not benefit the local people.
“The city is faced with crippling water shortages, rampant unemployment, severe housing shortages, crumbling infrastructure and rising crime rates.”
“Therefore diverting our attention and very scarce resources to changing a street name” to one which was offensive to many, was “a demonstration of a tone-deaf administration.”
“Recent reports from City Power refer to 81 000 streetlights that are not working in the municipality. In addition, an average of 1 000 potholes are reported to the city each week, but only about 4 500 potholes are fixed each month. It is crucial that such road projects are prioritised, so as to ensure the safety and well-being of residents affected,” said Ngobeni.
He also urged the public to reject the proposal.
The public can send their submissions to [email protected] before the deadline.
The Star