South Africa risks losing its U.S. consulate in Johannesburg if the city proceeds with renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive , a move linked to honoring a Palestinian militant . The potential closure stems from U.S. objections to commemorating Khaled, a figure associated with airline hijackings in the 1970s, which clashes with American diplomatic sensitivities .
The consulate, already operating under heightened security protocols due to recent unrest , plays a critical role in processing immigrant visas and supporting U.S. citizens in the region . Its closure would mark another blow to U.S. diplomatic presence in South Africa, following the permanent shutdown of the Johannesburg USCIS field office in 2020 .
Local officials have defended the renaming as part of a broader decolonization effort, but critics argue it prioritizes symbolism over practical diplomacy. A U.S. consulate closure could strain bilateral relations and complicate consular services for thousands .
The dispute highlights tensions between South Africa’s domestic policy priorities and its international diplomatic obligations, with the outcome poised to shape U.S. engagement in the region.
