₦airaland Forum

Welcome, Guest: RegisterLoginWith GoogleTrendingRecentNew

Stats: 3,325,475 members, 8,422,264 topics. Date: Monday, 08 June 2026 at 12:12 AM

Toggle theme

US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter - Foreign Affairs - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralPoliticsForeign AffairsUS To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter (20107 Views)

1 2 3 4 5 Reply (Go Down)

US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by RandDigital(op): 1:19pm On Mar 15, 2025
ANC supports renaming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzNmm5AwNaU?si=VcEl9ewaor_xL1Et

South Africa could lose its United States consulate in Johannesburg if the city changes the name of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.

On Thursday, 13 March 2025, a motion to rescind renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive was dismissed after a vote during a council meeting.

Many councillors claimed that the process of renaming Sandton Drive was fraught with problems, including questionable support from residents.

These councillors argued that the city should focus on service delivery instead of wasting money on vanity projects like name changes.

They added that thousands of residents and businesses in Sandton opposed the change and that it was highly controversial.

However, other Johannesburg councillors supported the name change, arguing that it shows support for Palestine.

Most of the City of Johannesburg councillors voted against the motion to rescind the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.

US RESPONSE

Joel Pollak, the frontrunner to become the United States Ambassador to South Africa, warned that this name change could have severe consequences.

It will see the United States close its consulate in Johannesburg, which is located at 1 Sandton Drive in Sandhurst.

“The consulate will be closed and not be reopened. It will not be moved and go to another office. The United States will not do business with Johannesburg,” he said.

Pollak added in a post on X, “Helpfully, the renaming would create another savings for DOGE: close the consulate.”

WHO IS LEILA KHALED

Leila Khaled is a controversial freedom fighter for Palestinian rights and a former Palestinian militant and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Khaled gained prominence after her role in the TWA Flight 840 hijacking in 1969 and one of the four simultaneous Dawson’s Field hijackings the following year.

She was imprisoned for the hijackings but was released in a prisoner exchange for civilian hostages kidnapped by other PFLP members.

Gauteng premier supports renaming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmXilLzURsU?si=2cFKoDNwIm0V2VHz

ANC's SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE

The ANC is an ally to Palestine. Since the 1950s, the ANC has enjoyed strong ties with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO).

Last year, the ANC in the City of Joburg Council, supported by the EFF, proposed renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.

The ANC’s first deputy secretary general, Nomvula Mokonyane, was particularly keen on the name change.

She reportedly said, “We want the United States of America embassy to change their letterhead to Number 1 Leila Khaled Drive”.

“We are sending a message that they cannot dominate us and tell us what to do. It must be in their face, it must be in their computers, in their letterheads,” she is quoted as saying.

IMPLICATIONS OF CONSULATE CLOSURE

Should the name change go through and the consulate closes, as Pollak warned, it will greatly impact South Africans.

The United States Consulate in Johannesburg provides consular services in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North-West Provinces.

These services include helping Americans with emergencies and assisting them with documents like passports and reports of birth.

The Consulate helps non-Americans, mostly South Africans, with non-immigrant and immigrant visas to the United States.

South Africans will have to travel to Cape Town and Durban to get the services they currently receive from the United States consulate in Johannesburg.

Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Righteousness2(m):
Gracais...

Ramophosa and His gang may end up crippling SA to its knees in the Name of a Manufactured entity that has no REALITY

SA has lots of wonderful people who are against these NONSENSE unfortunately it's leadership are out to destroy.

I Would not be surprised if we begin to here of stories and news of SA dividing and people wanting to form their own nations.


Because every nation that tries in anyway to Divide GOD'S LAND ISRAEL will not Escape GOD'S JUDGEMENT


JOEL 3:2 (NKJV)
I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage ISRAEL, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Svoboda(m):
The US is overbearing. It continues with its age long policy of violating an independent countrys sovereignity. Let the city council effect the street change. The US should not dictate who bears what. The RSA wouldn't dictate whose name is placed on a street in NY as well. By the time they realize how much they're losing in visa fees, the consulate will be reopened.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Heffalump(m):
South Africa will soon learn that they have been chasing shadows, thinking they are in support of freedom fighters.

When you think 'woke' but you're still empty headed.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Chimarto: 1:43pm On Mar 15, 2025
This SAs I don't know where they got their backward brain from.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by RandDigital(op): 1:43pm On Mar 15, 2025
Righteousness2:
Gracais...

Ramophosa and His gang may end up crippling SA to its knees in the Name of a Manufactured entity that has no REALITY
sad
Most of the world believes in a 2 state solution, including SA. Those who believe in 'Israel takes all approach' are the evil ones who believe in domination and violence - the bloodthirsty rednecks in the White House included.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Righteousness2(m):
RandDigital:
Most of the world believes in a 2 state solution, including SA. Those who believe in Israel takes all approach are the evil ones who believe in domination and violence - the bloodthirsty rednecks in the White House included.
THE CREATOR, INNOVATOR , OWNER AND SUSTAINER of the World and Everything in it , The Source of the Very Breath in your Nostrils says Don't dare!

You are talking about mere dust Ordinary creatures saying blablabla.

This is why many are Destroyed !
A Lack of Knowledge of GOD, their CREATOR and HIS Word.

Just dey play! By the time your nation is rendered useless! Your eyes will be clear.

You and Ramaphosa will understand that in this Life, you don't stand with the Crowd! You Stand with GOD ALMIGHTY And HIS Word.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by SalamRushdie: 1:49pm On Mar 15, 2025
South Africa bid to become terrorist sympathetic will lead them to ruin
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by givedemwotowoto: 1:51pm On Mar 15, 2025
The world watching SA destroy itself with unnecessary fights

Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Righteousness2(m): 3:26pm On Mar 15, 2025
Friendly reminder that not that long ago, the word "Palestinian" meant JEWISH.

Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Botragelad: 4:27pm On Mar 15, 2025
RandDigital:
Most of the world believes in a 2 state solution, including SA. Those who believe in 'Israel takes all approach' are the evil ones who believe in domination and violence - the bloodthirsty rednecks in the White House included.
Young man! Haven't Hamas and the so called fake Palestinianss repeatedly declined the two-state solution?

What two-state solution are you referring to? Why should such a solution be entertained after October 7?

I hope you get real about this Palestine nonsense. The situation in Gaza and so called Palestine is pretty clear, and proper plans are being put in place to deport out the Arab terrorists in Gaza, Judea, Samaria, Bethlehem, and whatnot. Truth is, there never was a Palestine, it's a made up concept, and it's going to get destroyed.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by RandDigital(op): 4:52pm On Mar 15, 2025
Botragelad:
Young man! Haven't Hamas and the so called fake Palestinianss repeatedly declined the two-state solution?

What two-state solution are you referring to? Why should such a solution be entertained after October 7?

I hope you get real about this Palestine nonsense. The situation in Gaza and so called Palestine is pretty clear, and proper plans are being put in place to deport out the Arab terrorists in Gaza, Judea, Samaria, Bethlehem, and whatnot. Truth is, there never was a Palestine, it's a made up concept, and it's going to get destroyed.
If i was living under an apartheid system i would also commit Oct 7 - why is Israel surprised? Adhere to the 2 state, abandon apartheid policy and Palestinians won't be hateful of Israel and its allies.

Eveytime one Israeli is killed their name is splashed all over the media. When 1000s of Palestinians are killed no one is named. No wonder you were all surprised Oct 7 happened, Palestinians have been living under subjugation for decades.

Take stock of Israel's crimes for once.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by EmperorIsaac(m): 5:43pm On Mar 15, 2025
Svoboda:
The US is overbearing. It continues with its age long policy of violating an independent countrys sovereignity. Let the city council effect the street change. It should not dictate who bears what. The RSA wouldn't dictate whose name is placed on a street in NY as well. By the time they realize how much they're losing in visa fees, the consulate will be reopened.
This is why Putin vowed to prevent its border countries from joining NATO. They can interfere in people's business and cannot tolerate it from anyone.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Botragelad:
RandDigital:
If i was living under an apartheid system i would also commit Oct 7 - why is Israel surprised? Adhere to the 2 state, abandon apartheid policy and Palestinians won't be hateful of Israel and its allies.

Eveytime one Israeli is killed their name is splashed all over the media. When 1000s of Palestinians are killed no one is named. No wonder you were all surprised Oct 7 happened, Palestinians have been living under subjugation for decades.

Take stock of Israel's crimes for once.
Lol.! So, according to your logic, living under what you imagine to be an "apartheid system" justifies the brutal massacre of innocent civilians on October 7th? Let me guess, if your neighbour parks in your spot, you’d burn down their house, right? Because that’s essentially the level of proportionality you’re endorsing here.

What's with this “apartheid” nonsense. Israel is a democracy where Arab citizens serve as judges, MPs, and even in the military. Meanwhile, Hamas, the lovely guys you’re indirectly defending, openly call for the annihilation of Jews in their charter. But keep pretending Israel is the problem here.

You say Israel should “adhere to the two-state solution” ! Hamas has repeatedly rejected any two-state solution, and their idea of “peace” involves rockets and tunnels, not negotiation tables. Kindly enlighten me: how exactly do you negotiate with a group whose founding principle is your destruction? Should Israel just hand over and hope for the best?

Where’s your outrage when Hamas uses civilians as human shields or diverts aid money to build rockets? Or when they execute political opponents in the streets? Funny how those “crimes” never seem to make your list.

You claim that “no one names” the Palestinians who die ,perhaps because Hamas doesn’t exactly keep meticulous records unless it suits their propaganda. Again,if Israel laid down its arms today, what do you think would happen? And if Hamas laid down theirs? Be honest, we both know the answer.

Now, since you’re so keen on “taking stock of Israel’s crimes,” you should explain why every time Israel offers peace, it’s met with violence? Or why the Palestinian leadership has rejected every two-state proposal since 1947? Or why Hamas spends millions on terror tunnels instead of schools and hospitals?

I’ll wait for a response. Take your time .
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by RandDigital(op): 6:26pm On Mar 15, 2025
Botragelad:
Lol.! So, according to your logic, living under what you imagine to be an "apartheid system" justifies the brutal massacre of innocent civilians on October 7th? Let me guess, if your neighbour parks in your spot, you’d burn down their house, right? Because that’s essentially the level of proportionality you’re endorsing here.

What's with this “apartheid” nonsense. Israel is a democracy where Arab citizens serve as judges, MPs, and even in the military. Meanwhile, Hamas, the lovely guys you’re indirectly defending, openly call for the annihilation of Jews in their charter. But keep pretending Israel is the problem here.

You say Israel should “adhere to the two-state solution” ! Hamas has repeatedly rejected any two-state solution, and their idea of “peace” involves rockets and tunnels, not negotiation tables. Kindly enlighten me: how exactly do you negotiate with a group whose founding principle is your destruction? Should Israel just hand over and hope for the best?

Where’s your outrage when Hamas uses civilians as human shields or diverts aid money to build rockets? Or when they execute political opponents in the streets? Funny how those “crimes” never seem to make your list.

You claim that “no one names” the Palestinians who die ,perhaps because Hamas doesn’t exactly keep meticulous records unless it suits their propaganda. Again,if Israel laid down its arms today, what do you think would happen? And if Hamas laid down theirs? Be honest, we both know the answer.

Now, since you’re so keen on “taking stock of Israel’s crimes,” you should explain why every time Israel offers peace, it’s met with violence? Or why the Palestinian leadership has rejected every two-state proposal since 1947? Or why Hamas spends millions on terror tunnels instead of schools and hospitals?

I’ll wait for a response. Take your time .
I'll dedicate time to read a paragraph a day of this pro-apartheid israel vitriol. Starting tomorrow.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Botragelad: 6:36pm On Mar 15, 2025
RandDigital:
I'll dedicate time to read a paragraph a day of this pro-apartheid israel vitriol. Starting tomorrow.
Lol. Another predictable Hamas supporter, and a black one at that.🤮🤮
Where was your outcry when your fellow African was brutally killed(shot multiple times) and stabbed by Hamas terrorists on October 7?

If you've got nothing meaningful to say, perhaps it's best not to engage. Feel free to believe your pro-Palestine nonsense, but don't expect everyone to indulge in your fantasy.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by ClassicMan202(m): 7:13pm On Mar 15, 2025
South African trying to sound relevant in world affairs 🤣🤣🤣
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by meobizy(m): 7:14pm On Mar 15, 2025
Noise. The only way they’ll leave there is if money gotten from the institution could be foregone. I believe that is the case. Nigerians spend a lot more than their South African counterparts for foreign visas. Watch the US relocate the building’s operations this way. Let the South Africans do as they want. It is their country.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by tunapawizzy: 7:15pm On Mar 15, 2025
All these gragra, US will demystify herself. It will reveal to the whole world that you don't need US to do good. The sanctions will come and heavens will not fall...respect lost, big brother status lost
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Nahunger(m): 7:17pm On Mar 15, 2025
grin grin grin
Southy mind go soon dey
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by lexy2014: 7:19pm On Mar 15, 2025
Righteousness2:
Gracais...

Ramophosa and His gang may end up crippling SA to its knees in the Name of a Manufactured entity that has no REALITY

SA has lots of wonderful people who are against these NONSENSE unfortunately it's leadership are out to destroy.

I Would not be surprised if we begin to here of stories and news of SA dividing and people wanting to form their own nations.


Because every nation that tries in anyway to Divide GOD'S LAND ISRAEL will not Escape GOD'S JUDGEMENT
if you say "Ramophosa and His gang may end up crippling SA to its knees in the Name of a Manufactured entity that has no REALITY", what is Donald Trump and his gang doing?
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by CommonSense1967: 7:20pm On Mar 15, 2025
SO?
Let them shut it and leave.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by casualobserver:
Svoboda:
The US is overbearing. It continues with its age long policy of violating an independent countrys sovereignity. Let the city council effect the street change. It should not dictate who bears what. The RSA wouldn't dictate whose name is placed on a street in NY as well. By the time they realize how much they're losing in visa fees, the consulate will be reopened.
SA sef should move softly. The street of the US embassy you want to name after a palestinian terrorist? haba!
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by wiseone28: 7:21pm On Mar 15, 2025
The news doesn't concern us

But i will suggest they should name it after Tinubu for peace to reign
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by CXLVII: 7:22pm On Mar 15, 2025
Rubbish!

Dictating to a sovereign country about a street!

Trump is a blessing to world peace. He will isolate the US and other countries will learn from it

The douchebag has become a nuisance in the White House and it’s healthy.

Now it’s certain that the day the oppressed will laugh at the US is close.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Mirasteel: 7:22pm On Mar 15, 2025
Hypocrites
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Pickieox(m): 7:23pm On Mar 15, 2025
Please who can help? I'm seeking information on the post-civil war experiences of Igbos who returned to Lagos. Specifically, what was their situation regarding reintegration into the civil service and the status of the properties they had left behind?
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by jojothaiv(m): 7:23pm On Mar 15, 2025
These councillors argued that the city should focus on service delivery instead of wasting money on vanity projects like name changes.

😁😁😁😁😁😁
Africa is basically the same thing.
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by GiftofGod77(m): 7:24pm On Mar 15, 2025
For me i think it is better to be non aligned in international matters especially if the party one is supporting employs terrorists' tactics. NO one would ever support any state or party that employs terrorism as a tool to achieve aims. It really baffles me the intervention of South Africa in the Palestinian Struggle for statehood. They tend to be extreme and one sided. Of course it is understandable due to the Statehood of Israel and how Israel tends to respond with brute force of unequal proportions to serve as a deterrent but what can one do against a State? One should use tact and wisdom to achieve goals especially in these times of global peace and prosperity. My take though....and note the US is a global super power....
Re: US To Shut Joburg Consulate If Street Is Named After Palestinian Freedom Fighter by Flame333: 7:25pm On Mar 15, 2025
Some of this guys are just doing things without considering the future consequences of their actions..

What places the Palestinians Hamas as terrorists should be argued in a very constructive way before taking side.. South Africa is rushing to much.. The world has grown beyond the days of using radical approaches for freedom wins.. What we have today is dialogue and sanctions.. Hamas be living in the past and nobody in modern world needs those tactics..

Everybody win learn
1 2 3 4 5 Reply

Five African Countries Named After The DeadSA Plans Renaming Road After 'Plane-Hijacking' Palestinian Freedom Fighter (PIX)Teenager Who Beheaded French Teacher Gets Hero's Funeral, Street Named After Him234

New Wildfires Breaks Out In Los Angeles, 31,000 People Evacuated (Photos)Islamic Jihad Publishes Video Of Israeli Hostage In Gaza(photos)US Raises Tariffs On China To 245% As Trade War Escalates