By Nkhensani Chauke
The EFF has reiterated its support for renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, in honour of the long-standing member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
The EFF said it opposed the efforts of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration and the City of Johannesburg to halt the renaming process.
The fighters argue that South Africa has a moral obligation to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, drawing parallels with its own history of colonial dispossession and apartheid.
The proposal to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive has sparked division among the public and provoked a strong reaction from US President Donald Trump, particularly due to South Africa’s stance on Palestine.
Notably, Sandton Drive is home to the US Embassy in South Africa.
Critics of the move argue that renaming the road as Leila Khaled Drive constitutes a significant departure from the city’s established renaming policies and is perceived by many as an unnecessary expense.
“As a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine(PFLP), Leila Khaled gained global recognition for her fearless defiance of Israeli oppression. In 1969, she took part in the historic hijacking of a plane to draw international attention to the Palestinian cause: an act of resilience against a world that had chosen to ignore the suffering of her people,” the EFF said in a statement.
“Unlike the warmongers and colonisers who massacre innocent civilians, Khaled’s actions were driven by the righteous struggle for self-determination, justice, and an end to Israeli apartheid. She remains a living testament to the resilience of the Palestinian people, inspiring generations of activists worldwide.”
The party said it rejects concern that renaming the street would worsen diplomatic tension with the US, pointing out that the US has already targeted South Africans due to its support for Palestine.
“South Africa must refuse to bow down to foreign interests that seek to silence the truth and erase the legacy of those who stand against oppression. The same forces that once labelled Nelson Mandela and the ANC as terrorists are now attempting to dictate who we can honor in our own country. We will not be intimidated,” said the EFF.
The EFF emphasized that renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled is not merely symbolic, it is an act of defiance against imperialism and a declaration that South African will always stand in solidarity with the oppressed.
The party furthermore called upon the City of Johannesburg to proceed with the renaming process without compromise, without apology, and without fear.
“The EFF stands with Palestine, with Leila Khaled, and with all those who resist injustice. Let Sandton Drive bear the name of a true hero, a fearless fighter, and a symbol of resistance,” said EFF.
Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg on Thursday, slammed the renaming of Sandton Drive, arguing that it does not align with the city’s criteria for the selection of suitable names.
While speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Joburg mayor Dada Morero said the City was committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders to assess diplomatic implications before any decision was finalized on the renaming of the Sandton Drive.
“The final decision will be communicated after comprehensive consultations to balance local identity and diplomatic priorities,” said Morero.
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