Another SA-US dispute looming – this time over a street name?
A proposal to change Sandton Drive’s name to Leila Khaled Drive could very well lead to another SA-US fight.
A planned street name change in Johannesburg has sparked concerns about the future of the US Consulate in the city. The controversy is centred around the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive, a prominent thoroughfare, to Leila Khaled Drive and may lead to another SA-US fight.
ANC, EFF support name change
The City of Johannesburg first proposed this name change last year and invited the public to comment:
The African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) support the proposal. However, it has faced criticism from many people who view it as a politically motivated move and a misuse of public funds.
“We want the United States of America embassy to change their letterhead to Number 1 Leila Khaled Drive. We are sending a message that they cannot dominate us and tell us what to do.”
ANC Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane
Who is Leila Khaled?
Leila Khaled is a Palestinian liberation fighter known for hijacking and attempting to hijack planes in 1969 and 1970. She has become a popular pro-Palestine icon among supporters.
City of Johannesburg ward councillor Martin Williams noted that Leila Khaled has no ties to Johannesburg specifically, nor has she contributed in any meaningful way to the city’s development, which are key requirements to justify a name change.
US consulate in Johannesburg threatens to close
The proposed name change drew a strong reaction from the United States. Joel Pollak, the leading candidate for US Ambassador to South Africa, warned that renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive could lead to the permanent closure of the US Consulate in Johannesburg, according to joburgetc. The US consulate is located at 1 Sandton Drive in Sandhurst and is an important diplomatic hub. It assists Americans with emergencies, passports, and birth reports. It also assists South Africans with non-immigrant and immigrant visas for travel to the US.
The consulate plays a significant role in fostering business, academic, and diplomatic ties between South Africa and the US.
Pollak argued that honouring individuals involved in violent acts is detrimental to South Africa and undermines efforts to combat crime. He questioned the appropriateness of honouring Khaled, a figure associated with terrorism, and expressed concern about the safety of Americans travelling to South Africa if the name change went through.