JOBURG RESIDENTS HAVE 28 DAYS TO COMMENT ON SANDTON DRIVE NAME CHANGE

The City of Johannesburg proposed that Sandton Drive be renamed Leila Khaled Drive.

Khaled is a controversial political figure. In 1969 she was involved in the hijacking of TWA flight 840 and the 1972 Lod airport massacre.

The 80-year-old is a very well-known Palestinian activist.

Floyd Brink, the metro city’s manager, said the public is invited to submit the matter before 18 October.

“Comments or representations are hereby invited from interested and affected people or parties. Particulars of the proposed renaming will be available for inspection during normal office hours.”

Brink said the renaming proposal was in line with the city’s Naming of Streets and Other Public Places policy.

According to the policy, residents have 28 days to comment on the name change.

The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) has shared its disapproval.

“Renaming Sandton Drive after a failed terrorist with ties to a globally recognized terrorist organization contradicts the city’s renaming policy. It potentially burdens businesses with address changes and undermines confidence in the city.”

Image credit: The South African