Linda Twala has spent more than five decades uplifting the community. Since 1967, Twala has been a constant presence in Alexandra, feeding the elderly, empowering the youth, building homes, and reminding the community of its worth. His work has never been about recognition, but about restoration. Even now, at a time when many would consider slowing down, Twala is still dreaming bigger.

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“I have been doing this type of work since 1967,” he said, “and, up until now, I am still continuing.” His vision for Alexandra is bold. He wants to take senior citizens to Robben Island, not just for leisure, but to reconnect them with the history they helped shape. He also dreams of helicopter rides for children, not for spectacle, but to ignite their interest in aviation.

Twala was speaking on the sidelines during Afrika Tikkun’s unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and the launch of Twala Ama-Afrika heritage project at Phuthaditjhaba Centre on October 17. The event was meant to honour and celebrate his legacy.

During his engagement with the media, Twala touched on issues plaguing the community of Alexandra, particularly overcrowding, stressing that there is need for more land. He said Alexandra township was originally designed for a population of about 60 000 people, but today, it houses over a million residents in a single square mile. The consequences are visible everywhere, overcrowded homes, strained infrastructure, and limited opportunities. “We need more land. Let us make sure that everybody is in a habitable home, like the homes that I have built in Alexandra. Those houses are much stronger than the RDP houses which were built by the government.”

Twala has fed the elderly, not just spoken about hunger, and he’s mentored young people, not just lamented the state of youth. Now, he wants to take 50 children to America, for educational exposure. “With the power God vested in me to take children overseas to get the best education, I am sure that the centre will produce future leaders.” One child, Katlego Mokalake, has already visited Washington DC.

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Skhumbuzo Mnculwane, who works alongside Twala at the Phuthaditjhaba Centre, shared more of Twala’s goals. Among them is a campaign to steer young people away from harmful choices and toward careers, like aviation. “We need a campaign to educate young people about the dangers of what they are doing. There is a need for us to make sure that we also give those young people an opportunity to do something positive, [through] teaching them about things like becoming pilots.”

Another initiative close to Twala’s heart is the Meals on Wheels programme, designed to deliver food to elderly residents who are unable to reach the centre. It’s a simple idea with profound impact, ensuring that no elder goes hungry simply because they can’t walk the distance.

Twala’s legacy is already etched into Alexandra’s streets and stories. Lawrence Ruele, of the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy, credited Twala with changing his life. “I am one of the products of what it is when people care, and nurture, and build you.” Ruele recalled his journey from working at a carwash to leading youth programmes.

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