Thousands of citizens express opposition to controversial renaming proposal
The South African Zionist Federation has submitted a complaint to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, arguing that a plan to name a Johannesburg street after Palestinian plane hijacker Leila Khaled violates domestic and international law, reports JNS.
The City of Johannesburg’s proposal to rename the city’s Sandton Drive — home to the US consulate — to Leila Khaled Drive amounts to “a diplomatic insult that could have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s international relations and investment,” the group wrote.
As a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Khaled gained notoriety for the 1969 hijacking of TWA flight 840 and the 1970 attempt to hijack El Al flight 219. She was arrested but eventually released. The United States considers the PFLP to be a terror group.
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Under South Africa’s Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, the country has a “duty to take all appropriate steps to protect all consular premises, including that of the USA, and prevent the impairment of their dignity,” the SAZF noted, adding that this is also a “principle of international law”.
The SAZF urged South African authorities to “take immediate action to address this breach of diplomatic protocol” and convey its objections to Johannesburg’s government before the 18th of October.
In a separate letter to the city of Johannesburg, the group warned that the planned name change could damage its long-standing relationship with New York City, a twin city of Johannesburg.
South African Friends of Israel spokesperson, Bafana Modise, told Gateway News yesterday, that 3 500 citizens had voiced their objections on an online petition which closed yesterday. The SAZF urges people who still wish to comment on the matter to email the city at dominicaM@joburg.org.za before October 18.
Yesterday, the DA, submitted over 5 500 objections to the proposed street renaming to the City of Johannesburg on behalf of concerned residents.
DA councillor Martin Williams says the proposal contravenes the City of Johannesburg’s policies which state: “Naming after living people should be avoided, because community attitudes and opinions can change over time”; and “names should not be discriminatory or derogatory from the point of view of race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or gender, colour, creed, political affiliation or other social factors to any community or section of a community; names should promote goodwill and reconciliation; names should promote a sense of ownership and the character of an area”.
The Dear South Africa web platform has also been urging people to comment on the renaming proposal which it says “offers zero benefits for citizens”. By this morning the platform had sent 30 294 responses to the government. The site, www.dearsouthafrica.co.za will be open to receive comments until October 18.
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