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Sandton Drive may be named after another country’s hero
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) issued a notice on September 18 inviting comments from interested or affected parties proposing the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.
Leila Khaled is a Palestinian militant and leader known for her social activism through plane hijackings in the late 1960’s. She’s also known as the world’s first female plane hijacker.
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Council hasn’t taken any decision, however, and will be considering all comments to the proposed renaming beforehand.
Particulars of the proposed renaming will be available for inspection during office hours at the Arts, Culture and Heritage directorate in Newtown.
CoJ has called for submissions and enquiries in respect of this proposed renaming to be sent to them within a period of 28 days after the notice’s publication.
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On September 23, the city was asked about what other names were up for discussion, given how there may be South Africans who feel that not all our local struggle heroes are commemorated through street names in Sandton – while the city is honouring heroes from other countries on critical South African roads.
Sandton Drive runs across Sandton from Winnie Mandela Drive to Rivonia Road.
Ward 90 councillor Martin Williams was engaged on September 23, and asked to weigh in on the developing story.
He confirmed that the renaming of Sandton Drive had been in the pipeline since council had voted on the matter in November 2018. Williams said that the conversation had been picked up again at the end of August.
“It’s not new,” Williams said, indicating his unavailability to respond elaborately at the present. “I’ve already received many messages opposing the change. I’m working on this most of the day, and tonight.”
All enquiries or comments in respect of this proposed renaming should be sent to Dominica Maselesa at [email protected], or Kopano Monahen at [email protected].
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Related article: Debate over renaming of Sandton Drive
