‘Intentional Act of Antagonism’: Johannesburg Considers Renaming US Consulate’s Street after Palestinian Terrorist

South African Zionist Federation says the proposal ‘is a diplomatic insult that could have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s international relations and investment.’

By United with Israel

The City of Johannesburg has caused a stir by proposing to rename the city’s Sandton Drive, which houses the American Consulate, to Leila Khaled drive.

Khaled is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. Khaled is notorious for her involvement in the failed hijacking of a Trans World Airlines flight in 1969 and a failed hijacking the following year.

The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) has written a letter to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) highlighting that the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive is in breach of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act and is therefore “unlawful from the outset.”

“This proposal, which would force the American Consulate to change its address to that of an individual classified as a terrorist, is a diplomatic insult that could have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s international relations and investment,” the federation said.

“Under the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, 2001, South Africa has a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect all consular premises, including that of the USA, and prevent the impairment of their dignity. This is a principle of international law [Article 31(3) of the Vienna Convention].

“Widespread responses to the proposed re-naming of Sandton Drive have pointed out that it is an intentional act of antagonism towards the US.

“South Africa is also required by this Act to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the consular post.”

Craig Pantanowitz, Vice-Chairman of the SAZF, wrote in the letter that “The potential for public unrest and protests following the proposed renaming could significantly disrupt the activities of the US Consulate, at which South Africans also work, due to increased gatherings supporting Palestinian causes.”

“Flyers advertising protests that have taken place at the Consulate have already made use of the name Leila Khaled Drive when indicating the venue.”

In its letter, the SAZF called on DIRCO to “take immediate action to address this breach of diplomatic protocol. We urge DIRCO to submit an objection to the City of Johannesburg by the deadline of 18 October 2024.”

The SAZF also wrote a second letter, this time to the City of Johannesburg, highlighting that it is at risk of damaging its long-standing relationship with New York City were the name change to proceed.

The City of Johannesburg has established twinning agreements with several cities, including New York City and Palestinian Authority-controlled city of Ramallah in Judea and Samaria. Twinning agreements are formal arrangements between cities to promote cultural and economic ties.

One reason given for the initial name change recommendation was the twinning agreement with Ramallah.  The SAZF’s letter to the City of Johannesburg highlighted the inconsistency in prioritizing the twinning agreement with Ramallah over that with New York.

“The proposed renaming could jeopardize investments and the relationship with New York, which has been in place since 2003,” the SAZF said, requesting documents to show that these repercussions were taken into account when the decision to propose the renaming was made.

“The SAZF requests the City of Johannesburg to reconsider this proposal in light of the potential diplomatic and economic consequences,” the federation added.