Kenneth Mokgatlhe wa Kgwadi
More than 400 protesters embarked on a peaceful demonstration this week to voice their concerns over the proposed renaming of the iconic Sandton Drive in Johannesburg.
The city is abuzz with debate, as the suggested new name — honouring Leila Khaled, a controversial figure linked to violent extremism, hijackings, and attacks targeting not only Jews but also Christians and the broader public — has ignited heated opposition.
Residents are rightly alarmed by the implications of this proposal. Their concerns go beyond personal preferences; they believe this change threatens to sow division, discrimination, and animosity among Johannesburg’s diverse population.
They argue that the move is less about honouring history and more about pursuing narrow political goals aimed at provoking international actors such as the United States, whose consulate sits on the very street in question.
This is not about serving the interests of Joburg’s residents but rather fulfilling the agenda of a small group of politicians who seem intent on creating discord rather than fostering unity.
In a show of widespread public disapproval, residents, joined by activists and politicians, have submitted a petition signed by an overwhelming 30 000 people through the platform Dear South Africa.
This collective effort underscores a critical point: renaming Sandton Drive to honor Leila Khaled undermines the values of national unity, reconciliation, and diversity that South Africa has strived to cultivate since 1994.
There is no doubt that addressing names associated with our colonial and apartheid past is essential. Streets, monuments, and other public symbols that evoke painful memories of oppression should be reconsidered to foster healing and inclusivity.
Since 1994, government entities have made significant progress in renaming places that once glorified figures responsible for atrocities.
However, Sandton Drive does not fit this category. The name does not carry the burden of colonial or apartheid history. On the contrary, it is associated with development, modernity, and the affluence of Sandton, often referred to as Africa’s richest square mile.
Changing this name would achieve little in terms of addressing historical injustices and would instead erase a symbol of Johannesburg’s progress and global standing.
The question of relevance looms large in this debate. What connection does Khaled have to South Africa’s history, Struggle, or development? The answer, quite simply, is none. Renaming a street in her honour would not only mislead future generations but also distort the narrative of our heroes and heroines.
We owe it to our children to celebrate individuals who have genuinely contributed to South Africa’s journey toward freedom and prosperity. Streets and public spaces should bear the names of those whose legacies inspire unity, resilience, and pride. Khaled’s legacy is deeply polarising and controversial, making her an unsuitable candidate for such an honour.
South Africa is far from running out of deserving icons to celebrate. Johannesburg alone has produced extraordinary individuals in fields such as sports, arts and culture, academia, business, and activism. Why not honour these luminaries, whose contributions have shaped the city and the nation?
For example, Joburg’s rich history could be celebrated by honouring the likes of anti-apartheid icons, groundbreaking artists, or successful entrepreneurs. Recognising our achievements reinforces national pride and inspires future generations to strive for excellence. The decision to prioritise a foreign figure with no tangible ties to our struggle undermines this effort and sends the wrong message.
Amid the furor over Sandton Drive’s name, it is important to highlight the pressing issues facing Johannesburg. The city is grappling with a water crisis so severe that it has captured international media attention.
Unemployment, especially among youth, is skyrocketing. Public infrastructure is deteriorating, crime levels are alarmingly high, and basic services remain out of reach for many residents.
Instead of addressing these urgent challenges, city officials seem preoccupied with symbolic gestures that offer no tangible benefit to the people of Johannesburg.
This renaming proposal appears to be less about honouring heritage and more about engaging in ideological battles that have no bearing on the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Johannesburg’s leaders must heed the voices of the 30 000 residents who have expressed their opposition. The protests against this name change are a reminder that citizens expect their government to focus on their most pressing needs.
People in Johannesburg want safe streets, functional public infrastructure, and access to basic services like water and electricity. They want solutions to unemployment, opportunities for growth, and a city that prioritises their well-being over international political posturing.
The proposed renaming of Sandton Drive is not just a question of nomenclature; it is a reflection of misplaced priorities and a disregard for the voices of the people. The city must abandon this divisive motion and redirect its efforts toward building a Johannesburg that works for everyone.
To move forward, leaders should establish a transparent and inclusive process for naming public spaces, one that genuinely reflects the city’s diversity and shared history. This process must prioritise local figures and achievements, ensuring that every name chosen strengthens our collective identity rather than fracturing it.
Johannesburg is a city of contrasts and complexities, a melting pot of cultures and histories. Its leadership must strive to preserve and celebrate this diversity rather than undermine it with decisions that alienate and divide.
Changing Sandton Drive’s name is not the way to honour our past or secure our future. Instead, let us focus on the real issues at hand and work together to create a city that truly represents the best of South Africa.
Mokgatlhe wa Kgwadi is a writer and political commentator.
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