Joburg will consider 'diplomatic implications' of renaming Sandton Drive

Joburg mayor Dada Morero says solidarity with global causes such as support for Palestine should not be used to undermine South Africa’s partnerships with other nations.

He indicated the City of Johannesburg will consider the diplomatic implications of renaming Sandton Drive after Palestinian freedom fighter Leila Khaled as concerns mount over the process.

This follows the collapse of relations between South Africa and the US after the election of Donald Trump as that country’s president late last year.

"Johannesburg values its relationship with the US and recognises the need to address sensitivities that may impact bilateral ties. The City has an obligation to prioritise healing diplomatic tensions and act in South Africa’s best interests,” Morero said.

The motion to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive dates back to 2018, and several attempts to rescind it have so far failed.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the national government through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is in talks with the City to agree on a process that will allow the national executive to manage the diplomatic tensions with the US without further inflaming the situation.

Morero said the City of Johannesburg reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic sensitivity in the Sandton Drive renaming process.

"While respecting public participation outcomes, the City is committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders to assess diplomatic implications before any decision is finalised," he said.

Morero also said the proposed renaming has not yet been presented to council.

”The City affirms that all consultative processes, including diplomatic considerations, will be conclusively addressed to ensure the council’s decision aligns with national interests and fosters constructive international relations.”

Morero stated the City of Johannesburg acknowledged public discourse regarding the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive and also emphasised its dedication to a thorough and considered approach.

The total number of public comments received, both supporting and objecting to the proposed name change was 112 029 submissions, with 77 694 in support of the renaming proposal and 34 335 against.

Al Jama’ah, which is part of the government of local unity with the ANC, EFF and ActionSA, among other parties, has indicated that it will not back the rescission of the name change.

Morero said: “A final decision will be communicated following comprehensive consultations to balance local identity with diplomatic priorities. Our actions must reflect unity and wisdom, ensuring Johannesburg contributes positively to both national cohesion and global cooperation.”

The Sisulu Foundation for Social Justice recently weighed in on the rising diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the US, saying this country must resist attempts by economically pliable leaders to manipulate the country back to colonialism.

The foundation also took a swipe at Ramaphosa’s statements in favour of the US, saying such an approach resembled those of a leader more interested in appeasing foreign powers than in upholding the dignity and sovereignty of our nation.

The Sisulu Foundation said Ramaphosa’s approach was a "betrayal of the values the country's liberation struggle was built upon”. 

“This is not just a misstep; it is a betrayal of the values our liberation struggle was built upon, all in the name of appeasing colonial powers that continue to support the genocide of Palestinians, a tragedy that (the) ANC expressed itself fully through a resolution to downgrade the Israel embassy in South Africa, in its 2017 National Elective Conference. These same powers are brazenly behind efforts to destabilise and sow ethnic divisions in our country.

“Here, at home, the US has no moral or ethical foundation to lecture South Africa on governance or human rights, given its own sordid history of oppression, enslavement, and the exploitation of Africans. It is time for South Africa to stand firm against hostile foreign agents and not allow itself to be manipulated by economically pliable leaders to take the country back to colonialism.”

Cape Times