In a rare show of unity, South Africans across the nation have overwhelmingly supported the City of Johannesburg’s (COJ) decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive—a move opposed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and met with backlash from USA and Israeli officials.
The decision has sparked debate over symbolism, sovereignty, and South Africa’s solidarity with Palestine amid escalating agressions from Israel and the US.
Why this name change is different?
South Africans often resist street name changes, citing frustrations over neglected infrastructure like potholes and broken streetlights.
However, the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive has galvanised public support, framed as a political statement amid South Africa’s ongoing legal battle against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocide in Gaza.
Who is Leila Khaled?
Leila Khaled, described by Pluto Press as the Poster Girl of Palestinian Militancy, is a polarising figure in global politics.
Early Life: Born in Haifa in 1944, her family fled to Lebanon during the 1948 Nakba (Palestinian displacement following Israel’s establishment).
Activism: Joined the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a Marxist-Leninist group.
Hijackings: Gained notoriety for hijacking TWA Flight 840 (1969) and attempting to seize El Al Flight 219 (1970). While no civilians were harmed, her actions drew condemnation as terrorism in the West.
Legacy: Hailed as an icon of Palestinian resistance by supporters and denounced as a terrorist by critics, including Israel and Western governments.
DA Isreali and American blacklash
The DA voted against the renaming, calling Khaled’s history incompatible with South Africa’s values. Former DA speechwriter Joel Pollak—soon to be US Ambassador to South Africa—amplified the criticism, threatening repercussions on social media:
“Johannesburg’s City Council rejected a motion to rescind the renaming of Sandton Drive for Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled (to force the US Consulate there to use her name on its letterhead),” Pollak said, adding: “Helpfully, the renaming would create another savings for DOGE: close the consulate”.
The US Consulate in Sandton, located on the contested road, may face symbolic pressure to use the new address, prompting Pollak’s of a potential closure.
Geopolitical and economic aggresions escalate
The decision coincides with heightened friction between South Africa and Israel:
- South Africa’s ICJ case accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, drawing ire from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu recently met with Donald Trump, reportedly discussing tactics to pressure South Africa into dropping the case, including threats to cut aid and trade agreements like AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act).
A symbol of sovereignty
For many South Africans, the name change transcends local politics. It reflects a defiant assertion of sovereignty and solidarity with Palestine, framed as resistance to Western and Israeli influence.
As Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi noted: “ We want to thank our counselors in the city of Johannesburg for suggesting that we rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled we are urging the ANC NEC to take this firm resolution.”
There is no doubt that the COJ’s move has deepened domestic and international divides. While the DA and The South African Zionist federation condemn the decision, the ANC, EFF, Action SA and Patriot Alliance (PA) argue it underscores South Africa’s commitment to self-determination and anti-colonial struggles.
