The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) proudly joins millions of South Africans in welcoming the City of Johannesburg’s decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, a powerful gesture of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

COSATU commends the city council for adopting this resolution in 2018, which also included renaming William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive, the latter officially renamed last year. We fully support the city’s initiative, recognising the importance of honouring individuals and organisations who contributed to our struggle for freedom from apartheid. The Palestinian people stood by our side during our fight against apartheid; South African freedom fighters shared guerrilla training camps with Palestinians in Algeria, cementing their comradeship in the shared struggle against settler colonialism.

The ANC-sponsored resolution reflects the overwhelming support in South Africa for the Palestinian cause. Across all spheres of society—from government to broader civil society—the Palestinian quest for freedom resonates deeply.

Renaming streets is a vital act of commemoration, paying tribute to those who embody our values and ethos. By naming these streets after freedom fighters, we acknowledge the interconnectedness of our struggles. Leila Khaled and the Palestinian people are our comrades in the global fight against oppression, colonialism, imperialism, and exploitation.

COSATU has always been a key part of the international solidarity movement, standing with struggles worldwide, including the Palestinian people’s fight against occupation and oppression. Global solidarity is a fundamental pillar of working-class struggles against all forms of exploitation and injustice. This commitment is not only rooted in the South African experience of apartheid and colonialism but also in our moral obligation to oppose all crimes against humanity.

We celebrate the City of Johannesburg’s courageous decision to stand in solidarity with Palestine, a move that is both heroic and necessary in our collective pursuit of justice and liberation for all oppressed peoples. We look forward to the official unveiling of Leila Khaled Drive in the coming weeks.

Issued by COSATU

For more information contact:

Noxolo Bhengu (COSATU Deputy International Secretary) on +2772 866 7046