US Threatens to Close Johannesburg Consulate Over Street Renaming

The United States plans to shut down its Johannesburg consulate after Sandton Drive gets renamed to Leila Khaled Drive even though most residents along with local businesses strongly oppose this change.

Joel Pollak who leads the candidate selection for US Ambassador to South Africa warned the nation about serious diplomatic setbacks arising from honoring Palestinian activist Leila Khaled. The consulate suspension extends to an indefinite closure which will never resume operations. The location of Sandton Drive remains unchanged as no other office has been identified to handle its operations. Pollak predicted that the United States would suspend all commercial operations within Johannesburg. The embassy closure following termination will produce new funding possibilities from embassy closure expenses.

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The Johannesburg city council denied supporters’ request for renaming withdrawal because they perceived it as an essential Palestinian solidarity act. Instead of continuing the naming process, the city should focus on delivering essential services according to critics who question its integrity. During the hijacking episodes of 1969-1970 Leila Khaled received international recognition because of her Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine membership. The ANC has continuously built strong bonds with Palestinian organizations across the ten years of the 1950s.