JOHANNESBURG - The DA caucus leader in Johannesburg Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku and former Joburg Mayor and Chairperson of Al Jama-ah in Gauteng Thapelo Amad have weighed in on the renaming of Sandton Drive.
Amad's Al Jama-ah is in support of the renaming, however the DA is in objection.
Recently the motion by the DA to rescind the renaming was rejected following a council vote.
Despite criticism from opposition parties, who argue that renaming streets is a waste of taxpayers' money while residents still struggle with poor service delivery, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero on Wednesday defended the move, insisting that it will not impact the city’s finances.
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The matter is now before the council, but tensions remain high among political parties and international stakeholders.
The United States has since warned that it will shut down its consulate in Johannesburg if the city proceeds with renaming Sandton Drive after Palestinian activist Leila Khaled.