Public input now invited on the controversial 2024 renaming of Sandton Drive

Transport MMC Kenny Kunene claims that the controversial proposal to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive in 2024 is an effort to ‘humiliate the United States.’ However, the contentious proposal for a Sandton Drive renaming was first tabled back in 2018, so why is it back in the news now? Well, the 2024 Sandton Drive renaming application is open for public comment through City of Jo’Burg until Friday 18 October, reports BusinessLive.

2024 SANDTON DRIVE RENAMING

If you don’t understand why the proposed 2024 Sandton Drive renaming could be so divisive to the United States (US), you need to know the following:

• Leila Khaled was part of a Palestinian group designated as a terror group by the US.
• She is credited as the first woman to ever attempt an aircraft hijacking back in 1969.
• The US consulate in Gauteng is situated on Sandton Drive.
• As a result, a successful Sandton Drive renaming would see the US consulate street address change to – Leila Khaled Drive.
• Doing so would undoubtedly compromise USA/RSA diplomatic relations.
• And could jeapordise our African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) duty-free access to US markets.

WHY WAS THE NAME CHANGE PROPOSED IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Handled as a function of the Jo’burg council, the proposed Sandton Drive renaming to Leila Khaled Drive in 2018 was posited on a memorandum of co-operation with the Palestinian city of Ramallah. Moreover, it was hailed as an expression of the city’s commitment to diplomatic relations with the people of Palestine. Jo’burg donated a statue of Nelson Mandela to Ramallah back in 2016 (pictured up top).

Nevertheless, amongst the condemnation for the 2024 Sandton Drive renaming, the SA Zionist Federation (SAZF) says it patently contravenes the city’s own renaming policy. This policy claims to emphasise local significance and a sense of community. The SAZF says South Africa is home to the largest Jewish community in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nevertheless, the motive behind the proposed 2024 Sandton Drive renaming appears to be ourely provocative towards the US. Should it go ahead, it will potentially discourage much-needed American investment in the country’s economic hub. Another tabled renaming is that of De Beer Street to Mthokozisi Ntumba Street. One that is more in keeping with policy. Contact City of Jo’Burg HERE to comment publicly.