DA backs President’s intervention on Sandton Drive renaming

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has backed the President’s decision to intervene in the contentious proposal to rename Sandton Drive in Johannesburg after Palestinian activist Leila Khaled.

The move has sparked backlash from several political parties and civil society organizations, who view it as a divisive and provocative gesture, particularly given that the United States Consulate is located on Sandton Drive. Critics argue the renaming is an attempt to antagonize the US.

Background of the Sandton Drive renaming proposal

As reported by The South African, the idea of renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive was first introduced in 2018. It was tied to a memorandum of cooperation between Johannesburg and the Palestinian city of Ramallah, reflecting the city’s support for Palestine. As part of this relationship, Johannesburg had also gifted a statue of Nelson Mandela to Ramallah in 2016.

However, the renaming proposal has been controversial due to Khaled’s ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is considered a terrorist organization by many nations. Khaled is infamous for her involvement in the 1969 hijacking of TWA flight 840, among other militant actions.

DA criticizes the renaming proposal

The DA has firmly supported the President’s intervention, arguing that renaming the street at this time would harm South Africa’s relations with the United States.

“The USA is one of our largest trade and investment partners, and the renaming issue does not help our country’s efforts to stabilise relations. The DA stands ready to support the closure of this embarrassing chapter for the City of Johannesburg,” said Emma Louise Powell, DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation.

Diplomatic sensitivities

This move comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions, particularly after South Africa’s Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, was declared persona non grata due to his controversial comments about the US and its leadership. Rasool’s expulsion adds further diplomatic strain between the two countries.

Vincent Magwenya, the President’s spokesperson, acknowledged the sensitive nature of the situation: “We recognise the diplomatic sensitivities in renaming Sandton Drive, particularly with the United States of America. The purpose of the talks with the City of Johannesburg is to agree to a process for the national executive to manage the diplomatic tensions with the US without enflaming the situation.”

As the issue continues to stir controversy, the intervention by the President signals a desire to address the delicate diplomatic balance and prevent further friction in South Africa’s international relations.