Johannesburg, South Africa – Nestled on the periphery of Sandton, often referred to as “Africa’s richest square mile,” Alexandra Township, or simply “Alex,” stands as a poignant symbol of South Africa’s history, challenges, and aspirations.
Established in 1912, Alexandra represents a legacy of resistance, cultural vibrancy, and stark inequality. While Sandton boasts glass skyscrapers and opulent lifestyles, Alexandra is home to a bustling community grappling with overcrowding, unemployment, and a lack of basic infrastructure.
By Nthabi NEO Lesufi, Journalist
AfricaHeadline.com
Alexandra’s origins trace back to 1912, when Herbert Papenfus, the owner of a farm near Johannesburg, subdivided his land and sold it to Black buyers. At a time when racial segregation severely restricted land ownership for non-white South Africans, Alexandra became a unique haven for those seeking autonomy and opportunity.
However, this promise of prosperity was short-lived. The Group Areas Act of 1950, a cornerstone of apartheid policy, dismantled Alexandra’s property rights and forced many into informal housing. By the 1960s, efforts to evict the township’s residents met fierce resistance, cementing Alexandra’s reputation as a bastion of defiance against oppressive rule.
In 1941, a young Nelson Mandela arrived in Alexandra seeking a new life. He found accommodation with the Xhoma family in a tin-roofed room with a dirt floor, no electricity, and no running water. Despite the humble conditions, Mandela recalled in his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom:
“It was the first place I lived away from home, and it holds a treasured place in my heart.”
Mandela’s time in Alexandra was brief, yet transformative. Decades later, in 2009, he returned to the Xhoma house, which had been preserved as a heritage site, marking Alexandra’s profound contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle.
Beyond Mandela, Alexandra has nurtured several prominent figures. Joe Modise, the first commander of the African National Congress’s armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, and later South Africa’s first Minister of Defence, hailed from Alexandra. The township also shaped Hugh Masekela, the globally celebrated jazz musician whose works encapsulated its struggles and spirit.
Historically, Alexandra has been a nucleus of activism. The 1957 Alexandra Bus Boycott, for instance, became a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid movement, showcasing the township’s capacity to mobilise against injustice.
Today, Alexandra is home to an estimated 550,000 people living in an area of just 7.6 square kilometres, making it one of South Africa’s most densely populated urban centres. Approximately 60% of residents live in informal housing, and 35% lack access to basic sanitation, according to 2023 reports. The unemployment rate stands at a staggering 44%, far exceeding the national average of 32.6%.
Despite these figures, Alexandra thrives as a community with an indomitable spirit. Grassroots initiatives, entrepreneurial ventures, and local activism provide glimmers of hope amid systemic challenges. The township embodies the philosophy of Ubuntu—a belief in shared humanity and interconnectedness.
Across a narrow boundary lies Sandton, a stark contrast to Alexandra’s struggles. Home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), multinational corporations, and high-end shopping districts, Sandton represents the pinnacle of South Africa’s economic success. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring inequalities, even decades after apartheid’s end.
While Sandton’s gleaming skyline attracts global attention, Alexandra’s residents continue to fight for improved housing, infrastructure, and opportunities. The proximity of these two vastly different worlds underscores the urgent need for inclusive development.
The Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP), launched in 2001 with a budget of 1.3 billion rand, aimed to upgrade housing, infrastructure, and economic prospects. However, progress has been uneven, plagued by mismanagement and delays. Many residents express frustration with the lack of tangible improvements, though some gains in education and healthcare access have been noted.
Alexandra’s contributions extend far beyond its challenges. The township is a vibrant cultural hub, producing renowned artists, writers, and musicians who have amplified its voice on global platforms. The creativity and resilience of its people remain key to its identity, with art and music continuing to flourish despite adversity.
Alexandra is more than its hardships—it is a testament to the power of community and the pursuit of a better future. As Nelson Mandela once said:
“Alexandra is a place of struggle, resilience, and hope—a true reflection of the South African spirit.”
The path forward for Alexandra lies in sustained efforts to address systemic inequalities and empower its people. Bridging the divide with Sandton is not just a challenge but a necessity for South Africa’s broader transformation. Alexandra’s story, deeply intertwined with the nation’s, remains a powerful narrative of resistance and the relentless pursuit of progress.
