Should the ANC in Gauteng rethink its proposal to rename Sandton Drive?
The City has proposed the renaming of Sandton Drive in Johannesburg to Leila Khaled Drive.
A screengrab of Sandton Drive in Johannesburg. Picture: Google Maps
702's Clement Manyathela is joined by Thapelo Amad (Al Jama-Ah Councillor in City of Johannesburg), Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku (DA Johannesburg Caucus leader), and Sasabona Manganye (ANC Regional Secretary in Johannesburg).
Listen below:
The City of Johannesburg is moving forward with its decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive - despite efforts to halt the process.
Leila Khaled is a Palestinian figure known for her advocacy of the rights of Palestinian people.
The city council has rejected the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s proposal to retain the current name of Sandton Drive, after a majority of parties voted against it.
DA leader in Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, argues that the metro should relook at its priorities.
"The residents of Sandton were not properly consulted, especially the businesses."
- Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA leader in Johannesburg
"There were a number of objections that were raised, which is why they previously delayed implementing it."
- Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA leader in Johannesburg
On Wednesday, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero said the bid to rename the road to Leila Khaled Drive is currently in the consultation process.
With the American embassy located on Sandton Drive, there are suggestions that renaming it after the Palestinian struggle icon will worsen diplomatic tensions with the United States.
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