Ramaphosa Intervenes in Sandton Drive Name Change Amid Diplomatic Tensions

President Cyril Ramaphosa has intervened in the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive. The move comes amid concerns over the diplomatic implications of the name change, particularly given the location of the United States Consulate at 1 Sandton Drive.

The ANC’s Push for Renaming

The African National Congress (ANC) has long advocated for the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, in honor of the Palestinian freedom fighter and former member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Khaled gained notoriety for her role in the 1969 TWA Flight 840 hijacking and the 1970 Dawson’s Field hijackings. While she is celebrated by some as a symbol of resistance, her militant past makes her a controversial figure.

The ANC’s proposal has faced significant opposition, particularly from residents and businesses in Sandton, who argue that the name change would be disruptive and costly. Additionally, the presence of the US Consulate on Sandton Drive adds a layer of diplomatic complexity to the issue.

Diplomatic Sensitivities

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced on Thursday (20 March) that the national government would engage with the City of Johannesburg to address the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the proposed name change. “We recognise the diplomatic sensitivities in renaming Sandton Drive, particularly with the United States of America,” Magwenya said.

The US is a strong ally of Israel, and renaming a major road after a figure associated with Palestinian militancy could be seen as a provocative move. Magwenya emphasized that the government’s goal is to manage the situation without exacerbating tensions. “The purpose of the talks with the City of Johannesburg is to agree to a process for the national executive to manage the diplomatic tensions with the US without enflaming the situation,” he explained.

ANC’s Stance and Public Opposition

The ANC’s first deputy secretary general, Nomvula Mokonyane, has been vocal in her support for the name change, even suggesting that the US Consulate should update its letterhead to reflect the new address. However, this stance has drawn criticism from those who view the proposal as unnecessarily inflammatory.

The push to rename Sandton Drive has been a contentious issue within the Johannesburg City Council. Last year, the ANC, supported by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), proposed the change, but the council has struggled to reach a consensus. A recent motion by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to rescind the renaming was dismissed, with some parties arguing that the plans had already been halted.

Public Backlash and Ramaphosa’s Intervention

Many residents and businesses in Sandton have expressed strong opposition to the name change, citing the potential for confusion and the financial burden of updating addresses and signage. The lack of clear public support for the change has further complicated the issue.

President Ramaphosa’s intervention reflects the national government’s concern over the potential diplomatic fallout. Magwenya urged political parties to avoid actions that could worsen the already strained relationship with the US. This includes refraining from organizing rallies or gatherings to welcome back expelled US ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was declared persona non grata last week after criticizing US President Donald Trump.

The proposed renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive has sparked a heated debate, highlighting the intersection of local politics, public sentiment, and international diplomacy. President Ramaphosa’s intervention underscores the need for careful consideration of the broader implications of such a change. As the government works to navigate this complex issue, the focus remains on maintaining diplomatic relations while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.

{Source BusinessTech}

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