Johannesburg, Sept 27 – The City of Johannesburg has announced plans to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, reigniting a long-standing debate over public commemorations. This proposed change comes just a year after the city renamed William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive.
Notably, this is not the first time the city has considered changing the name of Sandton Drive. In 2018, a similar proposal received majority support from councillors but ultimately did not come to fruition, according to Business Tech.
The public is invited to weigh in on the proposed name change, with comments to be submitted via email to dominicam@joburg.org.za by October 18, 2024.
Who is Leila Khaled?
Leila Khaled is a Palestinian liberation fighter known for her involvement in hijacking attempts in 1969 and 1970. She has since become a prominent figure in pro-Palestine activism, celebrated by supporters for her role in the Palestinian struggle.
City councillor Martin Williams has raised concerns regarding Khaled’s lack of ties to Johannesburg, stating that she has not made any significant contributions to the city’s development—key criteria for justifying a name change.
A Broader Context of Name Changes
Currently, the South African Geographic Names Council (SAGNC) is reviewing 66 applications for name changes across the country. Since its inception in 1998, the SAGNC has renamed 1,505 geographical features, including towns and rivers.
Experts involved in the SAGNC assess applications based on place names, official languages, and cultural history, ensuring representation from all provinces and relevant organizations.
Cost Implications
Renaming a city road entails significant costs, including administrative expenses and the logistical challenges of updating signage and official documents. As discussions continue, the city must weigh the implications of the proposed name change against community sentiment and historical significance.