Kenneth Mokgatlhe
The renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive is misguided and counter-productive.
The decision does a great disservice to the people of Johannesburg and South Africa at large, as Khaled has no significant connection to the city, the country or its history. Renaming public landmarks should reinforce ties to local heritage, something notably absent in this case.
For those unaware, Khaled is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an organisation infamously associated with hijacking plane and placing innocent lives at risk. What relevance do the actions hold for the people of Johannesburg or South Africa?
Landmarks and monuments should celebrate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to South Africa. Such commemorations preserve and honour our national heritage. Renaming our streets after our own heroes in politics, the arts, sports, business or education enables us to tell a resonant story – one that nurtures our development and enriches our collective identity.
The City of Johannesburg’s policy clearly states that renaming public places should honour exceptional individuals who have played a significant role in the growth of the city or country. Such decisions are not to be taken lightly.
How has Khaled contributed to the advancement of Johannesburg or South Africa? Does she fit the description of an “outstanding individual”, as outlined by the city’s guidelines?
Bringing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into Johannesburg’s fabric risks dividing a diverse population, potentially igniting tension that could harm the economy and social cohesion. Johannesburg is known for its cosmopolitan nature, and its leadership should aim to unify, not fragment, its people.
It’s also essential to note that in our region, Mozambique is grappling with an escalating threat of Islamic terrorism in its Cabo Delgado, Erati and Memba districts in Nampula province. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reports more than 3 000 casualties and the displacement of more than 872 000 people since 2017 in Cabo Delgado alone. The grave issue remains difficult to resolve, even with international aid.
In Johannesburg, where the city faces some of its worst service delivery failures –crippling water shortages, rampant unemployment, severe housing shortages, crumbling infrastructure and rising crime rates – spending resources on symbolic name changes seems tone-deaf. The urgent issues deserve priority over superficial gestures.
Let’s not ignore the obvious truth: diverting Johannesburg’s scarce resources to satisfy a narrow political agenda does not serve the interests of its citizens. What purpose does renaming Sandton Drive serve? How does it alleviate the daily hardships of the city’s poorest families, many of whom struggle to afford a single meal?
If street renaming is necessary, let’s focus on honouring South African heroes with whom we share authentic connections – figures like Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela, Brenda Fassie, Onkgopotse Tiro, Tsietsi Mashinini, Lucas Radebe, Ace Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono and Treasure Tshabalala have left an enduring mark on South Africa’s growth across various spheres.
We have Lillian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street), which is incomplete and continues to disrupt the lives of motorists and city dwellers alike. This is where the City of Johannesburg’s efforts should be directed – to improve the lives of its people in a meaningful way. Every action taken by the city should reflect the material, spiritual and cultural values of its residents. Johannesburg belongs to its citizens, not political agendas.
Mokgatlhe is a political analyst, researcher and columnist.
The Star