Controversy Erupts Over Johannesburg's Plan To Rename Sandton Drive
- The City of Johannesburg is sparking heated debate with plans to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.
- Leila Khaled, a Palestinian activist and the first woman to hijack a plane, is at the center of this controversial decision.
- South Africans are voicing their concerns, arguing that funds could be better utilized for more pressing issues.
JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg has set off a firestorm with its proposal to rename Sandton Drive. Many South Africans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the idea, questioning why this move is being prioritized over addressing more urgent community needs.
Residents and citizens alike have taken to social media to criticize the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) following its announcement of plans to rename the road to Leila Khaled Drive. The CoJ recently shared an official notice on social media platforms, inviting public feedback before the October 18 deadline. Submissions can be sent to dominicam@joburg.org.za.
Who Exactly is Leila Khaled?
Leila Khaled, now 80 years old, is a Palestinian political figure known for her activism in the struggle against the oppression of her people. While she is celebrated as a hero by many Palestinians, others have labeled her a terrorist due to her involvement in high-profile incidents.
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As a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Khaled famously participated in the hijacking of an airplane in 1969. In 1972, the PFLP was also linked to the Lod airport massacre, an event that left 26 people dead and 80 others injured. The PFLP has been designated as a terrorist organization by countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, and the European Union, according to reports by IOL.
Does This Proposal Align With City Policies?
Beyond the controversy surrounding Khaled's history, there is another layer of concern: whether renaming Sandton Drive complies with the city's official naming policy. According to the policy, the individual being honored should have made significant contributions to the development of the city or the nation as a whole.
Critics argue that the CoJ has failed to justify how Leila Khaled has impacted South Africa positively. The policy further advises against naming public features after living persons and emphasizes that names should foster goodwill and reconciliation. Many believe the proposed change falls short of these principles.
Social Media Reacts: Outcry Over the Name Change
The internet is buzzing with reactions from South Africans who are not pleased with the idea of renaming Sandton Drive after someone with no apparent connection to the country. Many are questioning the rationale behind honoring a foreign figure whose actions are considered controversial.
Some have pointed out that the funds allocated for this renaming could be better spent addressing pressing issues such as homelessness, poverty, and infrastructure repairs. Here's what some people had to say:
“Insane…they could use the money to help the homeless and fight poverty, but no, they will rather waste it on doing a name change. It is ridiculous.” – Janine Meyer-Hoffmann
“Can they just stop? Fix the potholes and stop renaming everything.” – Refilwe Keabetswe Mulatsi
“Different name, same pothole.” – Freddie Whitehorn
“This is South Africa and not Palestine. Why rename Sandton Drive after a known terrorist from another country who had no positive influence on SA?” – Chantel Russouw
“Priorities from our government are out of this world. What a waste of time and resources. Well, I guess some previously disadvantaged cadre has to eat.” – @EdwardthembaSa
“I'm sure that'll help service delivery and fix the unemployment rate.” – @Who_flungdung
“Fix our undrivable roads. We pay you to fix them, not rename them.” – @Jules21717879
“They have money to rename Sandton Drive, but they don't have money to fix potholes, streetlights, road sign and road markings.” – @RubyKekana
“Total waste of taxpayer money without any relevance to what the country is facing. Whoever proposed this should be fired.” – @bunny_ramsay
Renaming William Nicol Drive: A Recent Precedent
This isn't the first time a major road in Johannesburg has been renamed. Briefly News previously covered the renaming of William Nicol Drive in honor of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, coinciding with her birthday. While the ANC and EFF supported the move, the public reaction was mixed, with many feeling the funds could have been better utilized elsewhere.
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The debate surrounding road renaming in Johannesburg continues to raise questions about priorities and resource allocation. As the city seeks public input on renaming Sandton Drive, it remains to be seen whether the voices of the people will influence the final decision.
