South African Authorities Intend to Change Name of Road Near US Embassy to Honor Palestinian Terrorist
Critics are arguing that the proposal to rename a major road in Johannesburg after a woman involved in hijacking American passenger jets in the late 1960s is a deliberate attempt to “humiliate” the United States. Sandton Drive, the road targeted for renaming, is home to the United States Embassy and is often referred to as “Africa’s richest square mile.”
Kenny Kunene, deputy leader of South Africa’s Patriotic Alliance party, opposes the name change and believes it will force American diplomats and officials to reprint business cards and correspondence with the name of a terrorist who expresses hatred towards America. The potential renaming is seen as a disrespectful move towards the United States and its presence in South Africa.
An American official in Johannesburg expressed discomfort with the idea of driving on a route named after a Palestinian hijacker. The proposal is perceived as a childish and vindictive act aimed at antagonizing the U.S. government and the local American business community.
Renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive holds significant implications, given the area’s strong American presence and numerous multinational businesses, including banks, insurance companies, and mining firms. American companies like Hard Rock Café, Krispy Kreme, and Calvin Klein operate in Sandton, making it a hub of American business activity in Africa.
The move to honor Leila Khaled, known for her involvement in hijackings and association with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), aligns with the African National Congress (ANC) and Al Jama-ah party’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause. However, the renaming plan has faced criticism from various political parties and the Jewish community, viewing it as insensitive and unnecessary.
Leila Khaled’s history as a hijacker and her affiliation with a designated terrorist organization like the PFLP raise concerns about honoring her with a road name. The proposed renaming reflects tensions between different political factions in South Africa and their relationships with international entities like Israel and the United States.
