Born and raised in Alexandra Township, I have continually witnessed the potential of this community to thrive. However, the living conditions here remain deplorable due to a lack of cleanliness, space, and adequate resources for families. We long for and deserve a township where families can raise their children in a safe, spacious and sanitary environment.

NOTICE TO PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA: TRANSFORM ALEXANDRA TOWNSHIP INTO A MODEL FOR INNOVATION & PROSPERITY

To: President Cyril Ramaphosa

From: The Residents and Stakeholders of Alexandra Township

Honorable President Ramaphosa,

As proud residents and stakeholders of Alexandra Township, we recognize your administration’s commitment to transformation, particularly in addressing South Africa’s housing crisis. Your promise of one million houses and the recent Land Expropriation Act present a groundbreaking opportunity to rebuild and redefine Alexandra Township as a beacon of urban innovation, economic growth, and sustainable living.

For too long, Alexandra has suffered from overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of public infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities. The township, despite its rich history and vibrant culture, remains trapped in poverty due to spatial planning injustices that date back to apartheid. We now demand bold, next-level solutions to address these systemic issues.

OUR NOTICE TO PRESIDENCY OF SOUTH AFRICA: HOW TO TRANSFORM ALEXANDRA INTO A MODEL TOWNSHIP

We are not merely asking for improvements—we are demanding an integrated transformation strategy that utilses government resources, public-private partnerships, and innovative development models to turn Alexandra into a high-functioning, prosperous urban center. AND TO THIS EFFECT THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA IS PUT ON NOTICE 

1. URBAN REDEVELOPMENT USING THE LAND EXPROPRIATION ACT

Expropriate underutilized and abandoned land surrounding Alexandra to de-densify the township and provide modern housing developments.

Create a smart, sustainable urban plan that includes high-rise social housing, commercial spaces, and green parks to create a balanced, livable city.

Implement horizontal and vertical housing solutions (mixed-use high-rises with integrated public services) to maximize space and accommodate more families while preserving Alexandra’s social fabric.

2. BUILD 100,000 SMART, AFFORDABLE HOMES

• Align Alexandra’s housing needs with your one million houses commitment, ensuring at least 100,000 modern, well-equipped housing units are built for residents.
• Prioritize energy-efficient, low-cost building technologies (modular housing, solar-powered infrastructure) to reduce costs and make housing affordable and sustainable.
• Utilize public-private partnerships to accelerate construction and train local builders, ensuring job creation during the process.

3. ESTABLISH A FORMALIZED LOCAL ECONOMY

• Convert Alexandra into an economic hub by supporting township-based micro-enterprises, artists, tech innovators, and industrial suppliers with funding, infrastructure, and business incubation programs.
• Build a state-of-the-art innovation center and digital hubs where youth can be trained in technology, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship to prepare for the future economy.
• Develop township industrial zones that provide local businesses with subsidized access to manufacturing and logistics facilities.

4. FIX INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

• Expand Alexandra’s road networks and integrate it fully with Gauteng’s transport system (Gautrain and Bus Rapid Transit) to improve mobility and economic accessibility.
• Implement smart sanitation solutions such as waste-to-energy recycling plants and community-run waste management systems to keep the township clean.
• Upgrade all electricity and water systems to provide reliable services and end illegal connections by formalizing service delivery with affordable township-specific rates.

5. EDUCATION, HEALTH & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Build state-of-the-art schools and vocational training centers focused on arts, tourism, technology, and entrepreneurship, preparing Alexandra’s youth for future careers.
• Establish community-run clinics with telemedicine access, mental health services, and substance abuse support programs to improve public health.
• Create safer community spaces with well-lit streets, sports facilities, public parks, and libraries to combat crime and uplift the township socially.

IF THIS NOTICE IS IGNORED, THE COSTS TO SOUTH AFRICA WILL BE SEVERE

If Alexandra remains neglected:

• Overcrowding will worsen, increasing the spread of diseases like cholera and tuberculosis.
• The youth unemployment crisis will deepen, leading to increased crime and social unrest.
• The economic gap between urban centers and townships will widen, blocking transformation goals.
• Alexandra’s rich cultural and historical value will be lost, and its potential as a global tourism and investment hub will remain untapped.

OUR ASK: PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA, MAKE ALEXANDRA A PRIORITY

We, the undersigned, demand that your administration:

✅ Allocate immediate resources to expropriate land and decongest Alexandra.

✅ Commit to building 100,000 modern homes aligned with your housing promise.

✅ Establish economic incentives to formalize and grow township businesses.

✅ Fix infrastructure & services so Alexandra can become a clean, safe, and connected Township.

✅ Create youth-driven opportunities to break cycles of poverty.

It is time for Alexandra to evolve from an informal, neglected township into a world-class urban model for sustainable development—not only for Gauteng but for the entire country.

Sign this NOTICE today and stand with us for a better, prosperous Alexandra Township!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEXANDRA TOWNSHIP CLICK HERE