Renaming of Sandton Drive to proceed despite objections, says MMC Kabelo Gwamanda

Renaming of Sandton Drive in Johannesburg Underway

The MMC for Community Development, Kabelo Gwamanda, has confirmed that the renaming of Sandton Drive is in the city’s budget and will proceed once all necessary processes are observed.

Public participation plays a role in assessing societal impact, although the decision to rename has already been made by the city, according to Gwamanda. He emphasized that public participation is a mandatory step.

Gwamanda made these statements at the Johannesburg Arts, Culture, and Heritage Office in Newtown on October 15, following the submission of numerous petitions regarding the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive after Palestinian Activist Leila Khaled.

• Gwamanda mentioned that the cost of the renaming process will be disclosed later as it is a budgeted function by the department.
• He expressed confidence in the City of Johannesburg’s mechanisms for handling the received petitions, noting the inclusion of physical submissions.

The deadline for community members to submit petitions both for and against the renaming was set at 16:00 on October 15 by the CoJ.

Ward councillors from the Sandton region, representing Wards 90, 93, and 103, submitted over 5,500 objections on behalf of concerned residents. In contrast, a coalition of groups submitted 73,000 petitions in favor of the renaming, showing support for the proposal.

Gwamanda highlighted that the renaming is a gesture of solidarity with the people of Palestine, not merely a symbolic act.

He encouraged all voices, whether in favor or opposition, as a display of CoJ’s commitment to inclusive public participation and adherence to due processes.

“Let us follow due process. We will definitely inform you in due time the exact date of the launch,” Gwamanda concluded.

Source: The Citizen