One of the major problems facing the suburb’s youth is the high rate of school dropouts because of pregnancy, poor academic performance and hopelessness. It still attracts new arrivals to the city even today, with many foreigners and people from other provinces settling in the township. It is characterised by high levels of unemployment, crumbling homes and rundown infrastructure, although there have been some notable developments recently.Īlex is home to a diversity of people speaking many languages, practising their traditions and cultural heritage. Sandwiched between Johannesburg’s north-eastern suburbs Sandton and Bramley and the N3 highway, which outlines the eastern periphery of the metro, Alexandra is a sprawling ghetto township some 12 km northeast of the Johannesburg city centre. In addition, a culture inextricably linked to its rich heritage has also emerged, setting the township apart as one of Jozi’s cultural hotspots.Īlex counts among its prominent former residents, former President Nelson Mandela, former cabinet ministers Alfred Nzo and Joe Modise writer Mongane Serote, musician Hugh Masekela, soccer boss Irvin Khoza, church minister Reverend Sam Buti, former President of Mozambique, Samora Machel, and former First Lady Zanele Mbeki. This spirit of enterprise runs through the community of Alex, with spaza shops, street vendors and informal businesses flourishing. Many people learned to survive by their wits. It was largely ignored for many decades before the onset of democracy. At the launch of Celebrating 100 Years of Alexandra, government has reflected on the rich history of the township to mark this historic milestone.Īlexandra, or Alex, has become a densely populated settlement inhabited by a cosmopolitan mix of people from around the country. This significant suburb of Johannesburg has been home to many, both notable leaders and citizens, and has withstood the worst of many struggles. It has been a turbulent ten decades for the township that has survived apartheid. Sport Following decades of adversity and years of uncertainty, struggle and triumph, Alexandra, the oldest township in South Africa, shines as it celebrates its centenary this year.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |