THE public consultation process around the proposed re-naming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive has attracted widespread attention and high levels of public participation.
Keeping to an open and transparent process, public comment has been invited on the proposal, which is still to be considered by Council before a final decision is taken.
Reverting back to the Council Meeting held on November 2018, a motion was passed to re-name Sandton Drive after the Palestinian activist Leila Khaled. In keeping with good governance, the proposed re-naming remains subject to public consultation, which has been taken by the City for comment to a wide range of media and public platforms.
This is done in accordance with the approved policy of the Naming of Streets and Public Places, which emphasizes the importance of public consultation.
As stated in Section 8 of the Policy (‘Guidelines for Public Consultation’): “The process of naming or renaming must be undertaken in a consultative manner, and this must be clearly demonstrated before a final decision can be taken by Council”.
The consultation is being conducted as widely as possible to ensure that all stakeholders are afforded an opportunity to make inputs. All comments received will be collated and reported to a full sitting of Council, where the proposed re-naming can be considered and debated by political parties and elected public representatives, before taking a final decision.
Amidst many media reports, different closing dates were circulated for the close of the 28 day public participation period which was launched during September 2024.
The City hereby confirms that the consultation period for residents and interested parties to provide their comments on the proposed re-naming will close on Friday 18 October 2024 at 16:30 pm.
The City of Johannesburg encourages all stakeholders to participate in this process, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.
The City remains committed to transparency, accountability, and community engagement in its processes for naming of streets and public places.
For public comments or enquiries, please contact:
Dominica Masalesa dominicam@joburg.org.za
Kopano Monaheng kopanomo@joburg.org.za