EFF slams 'cowardly efforts' to halt renaming of Sandton Drive

35 Views

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it firmly opposes the cowardly efforts by government and the City of Johannesburg to halt the renaming process of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, particularly because the United States of America’s embassy is on this road.

The proposal by the African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg was met with mixed reactions with some labelling it as divisive and provocative, especially because the United States Consulate is on Sandton Drive. The move has been seen as an attempt to spite the US.

EFF WANTS SANDTON DRIVE RENAMED TO LEILA KHALED DRIVE

Leila Khaled is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an internationally designated terrorist organisation. She is known as the poster girl of Palestinian militancy for her role in hijacking TWA flight 840 from Rome to Tel Aviv in 1969, as well as many other terrorist activities, according to The Jewish Report.

The EFF said it reiterates its support for the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, honouring a courageous freedom fighter who has dedicated her life to the struggle for Palestinian liberation.

It said Leila Khaled is not just a symbol of resistance; she is a revolutionary who has, for decades, stood firm against the brutal occupation of Palestine by the apartheid state of Israel.

“The EFF firmly opposes the cowardly efforts by the Ramaphosa administration and the City of Johannesburg to halt the renaming process, particularly because the United States of America’s embassy is on this road.

“South Africa, given its own history of colonial dispossession and apartheid, has a moral obligation to stand in full solidarity with the Palestinian people. Just as the world stood with us during our darkest days, we must continue to support those fighting for their dignity and liberation,” the EFF said.

Defending Khaled’s actions, the Red Berets said her 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.

‘TRUMP HAS ALREADY TARGETED SOUTH AFRICA’

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the situation was diplomatically sensitive and the president wants to avoid fanning the flames.

“We recognise the diplomatic sensitivities in renaming Sandton Drive, particularly with the United States of America. The purpose of the talks with the City of Johannesburg is to agree to a process for the national executive to manage the diplomatic tensions with the US without enflaming the situation,” Magwenya said.

Regarding the intervention, the EFF said the US and its imperialist allies have always sought to demonise those who fight for freedom, labelling resistance as terrorism while turning a blind eye to the genocide land theft, and daily atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians.

“We reject the notion that renaming a street after Leila Khaled would “worsen diplomatic tensions” with the US, considering that the US has already targeted us due to our support for Palestine and our case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Trump has already expelled our ambassador to the US, and now has proposed a right-wing white supremacist as his choice for ambassador to South Africa.

“South Africa must refuse to bow 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 honour in our own country. We will not be intimidated.

“The renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive is not merely symbolic, it is an act of defiance against imperialism and a declaration that South Africa will always side with the oppressed. We call on the City of Johannesburg to proceed with the renaming process without compromise, without apology, and without fear. To delay or abandon this decision would be a betrayal of our revolutionary principles,” the EFF said.