Councillor Vino Reddy opposes name change of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled
Ward councillor Vino Reddy challenges the proposal to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive describing it as frivolous, partisan, and a waste of ratepayers’ money.
The city is proposing the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive and Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy has stepped up to challenge this proposal.
Reddy claims the name-changing lacks sufficient justification and runs counter to the community values and needs of residents.
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He said according to the road renaming policy, a name change should hinge on an overwhelming reason – one that signifies a significant contribution to South African society, particularly in uplifting and empowering those who have been socially, economically, and politically disenfranchised.
He emphasised that such a change should be grounded in a positive legacy that resonates with the community and reflects shared values.
He said street names are altered only when they are considered offensive or where an opportunity arises to better reflect a community’s identity.
Reddy contends that Sandton Drive is a harmless name, historically and culturally tied to the area.
He described the proposal as: ‘frivolous, partisan, and a waste of ratepayers’ money’, arguing that redirecting resources to more pressing community needs would be a far more productive use of taxpayer funding.
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Sandton Drive was named after the affluent suburb it runs through and meets this criterion effectively. Reddy questioned the rationale behind replacing a globally recognized street name, particularly one that hosts significant institutions such as the US Embassy, arguing that any alteration could have domestic and international ramifications.
He said one of the critical legal stipulations regarding street naming is that roads should not be named after living individuals. He said because Leila Khaled is still alive, it raises eyebrows about the appropriateness of this proposed name change.
He argued that the resources allocated for the renaming process could be better spent on urgent infrastructural improvements, such as renewing aging water and sewerage pipes, enhancing street lighting, or protecting traffic signals from vandalism.
Reddy emphasised the need for social upliftment initiatives, including providing alternative housing for squatters and those in informal settlements.
He urged residents to voice their concerns against the proposed name change, advocating for a collective stand to preserve the existing name.
The city’s Department of Community Development said, in a media statement, that the proposal to rename was a way of strengthening the signed twinning agreement and memorandum of co-operation between the city and the Palestinian city of Ramallah.
“It is an expression of the city’s commitment to diplomatic relations with the people of Palestine, building on strong ties established through the donation of a statue of Nelson Mandela to the city of Ramallah in 2016.”
The public has less than 28 days to submit comments on the proposal on the City of Johannesburg’s social media platforms, since September 22, and the closing date for comments is October 15 before a final decision is taken.
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