Joburg will consider 'diplomatic implications' of renaming Sandton Drive

JOBURG mayor Dada Morero says solidarity with global causes such as support for Palestine should not be used to undermine South Africa's partnerships with other nations.

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

He indicated the City of Johannesburg will consider the diplomatic implications of renaming Sandton Drive after Palestinian freedom fighter Leila Khaled as concerns mount over the process.

This follows the collapse of relations between South Africa and the US after the election of Donald Trump as that country's president late last year.

"Johannesburg values its relationship with the US and recognises the need to address sensitivities that may impact bilateral ties. The City has an obligation to prioritise healing diplomatic tensions and act in South Africa's best interests," Morero said.

The motion to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive dates back to 2018, and several attempts to rescind it have so far failed.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the national government through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is in talks with the City to agree on a process that will allow the national executive to manage the diplomatic tensions with the US without further inflaming the situation.

Morero said the City of Johannesburg reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic sensitivity in the Sandton Drive renaming process.