Trucks and Music mark Alex’s 110 years
Art lovers join together to celebrate 110 years of Alexandra.
The Alexandra community recently commemorated the township’s fascinating history as it turned 110 years old in a Trucks and Music event hosted by local creative Refilwe Pieterse at her home.
Pieterse said that the Alexandra Township Company registered Alex as a private township and named it after the wife of the company’s director, Alexandra Carter. “In Alexandra, many people young and old have never seen Lady Alexandra. I too have been wondering but I knew that one day, I was going to meet her in the form of a story, now that day has arrived,” she added.
The guest speaker, King Bungane III WamaHlubi, spoke highly of the beauty of Alexandra’s arts. He described a fascinating history of drummers, pianists, and bands that he was a part of during his time as a drummer-boy.
“Alex created Marabi Music, Kwela Music, and that is the style of music that has impacted the international space today, but it appears that Alex no longer cares about their contribution to the international arena.
“Hugh Masekela was from Witbank, but he was inspired by Alex, and his memorial service was held in Sankopano in honour of the man who shared so much with Alex. ”
The former Mrs Commonwealth South Africa 2019, Fortunate Twala, shared a few tips to the younger generation in Alex as a person who was born and raised in the township.
“My advice for both girls and boys is that no matter your surroundings and challenges, possibilities are endless. Never give up, believe in yourself, and surround yourself with peers who will always push you to be the best version of yourself.”
