DA hands 5,000 objections to renaming of Sandton Drive
The DA on Tuesday submitted over 5,500 objections to the City of Johannesburg’s proposal to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.
Khaled is a prominent member of the Popular Front of the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
At the age of 25, she became the first woman to hijack an aeroplane, playing a role in hijacking TWA Flight 840 from Rome to Tel Aviv in 1969 and El Al Flight 219 in 1970.
The ANC, Al Jama-ah, and Cosatu have welcomed the proposal, while ActionSA and ACDP are opposed to the renaming.
DA MP Leah Potgieter said the proposal was opposed by local businesses and residents, who complained about the cost implications of renaming the street.
"This is a costly vanity project from a city that struggles to meet the demand for basic services. The City has failed to consult widely enough on the proposal. Residents and those impacted are opposed.
"Should Sandton Drive be renamed, it should be renamed to a South African hero, of which we have many; and the city must prioritise service delivery, not vanity projects," Potgieter added,
The United States consulate in Johannesburg is also located on the same street.
"Their concerns have been lodged with the city, most of which revolve around the possible strain this would place on South Africa’s diplomatic relations and the subsequent political tensions that may affect local businesses who want to be able to freely engage in lawful business practices," Potgieter said.
"They also express concern over the financial impact this will have on their companies, which essentially have to offset the unforeseen costs somewhere.”
Meanwhile, the MMC for Community Development, Kabelo Gwamanda, said the intersection of Leila Khaled Drive with Winnie Mandela Drive stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of women in the struggle for justice, not only in South Africa but globally.
"With the public participation process in full swing, I am pleased to inform the residents that we have received a record-breaking number of submissions from our community regarding the implementation of this council resolution for the name change.
"The overwhelming responses, both in support and in opposition, highlight just how important this initiative is to many residents.
"This underscores a deep desire for meaningful dialogue and engagement in the pursuit of social justice, representation and even solidarity in our public spaces,” he said.
ALSO READ:
