Is Sandton Drive in Johannesburg being renamed to Leila Khaled Drive?

Another name change is being considered as the City of Johannesburg has put forward a proposal to rename the prominent road, Sandton Drive.

The City is proposing Leila Khaled Drive as the new name.

Just a year ago, The City of Johannesburg renamed another key road – William Nicol Drive – to Winnie Mandela Drive.

City’s official notice and how to comment

Markedly, this is not the first time that The City has proposed to change Sandton Drive in Johannesburg’s name.

The City also proposed a name change in 2018.

Although the majority of councillors supported it at the time, the name change did not take place, as reported by Business Tech.

Members of the public can comment on the suggestion by sending an email to dominicam@joburg.org.za before 18 October 2024.

Who is Leila Khaled?

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 Joburg 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, and these are some of the key requirements to justify a name change.

Currently 66 applications for name changes in South Africa

Currently, the South African Geographic Names Council (SAGNC) is reviewing a total of 66 renaming applications across the country. Since its establishment in 1998, it has renamed 1 505 geographical features across South Africa. These included towns, post offices, mountains, and rivers.

Experts in place names, official languages, and cultural history, as well as one representative from each province and representatives from the Chief Directorate of Survey and Mapping, the SA Post Office, and the Pan South African Language Board, form the SAGNC.

Name changes come with significant cost implications

Changing a city’s name is a costly endeavour – not only for the government but also for individuals. The government needs to pay to change road signs, which could include many signs for hundreds of kilometres.

Name changes also affect individuals especially those who run businesses. Businesses have to update systems, stationery, business cards, etc.