Alexandra residents declare their place in global conversations
Days before the G20 started in Sandton, Alexandra’s residents staged their own mini-summit, drafting a bold declaration meant to amplify their voices on the global stage and accelerate local economic growth.
Alexandra residents have, for years, felt like they live in the shadow of neighbouring Sandton’s skyscrapers.
Close enough to see global wealth, yet too often excluded from the policy tables where decisions are made.
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On November 19 that changed, when a group of residents, entrepreneurs, and activists convened for the Alex G20 mini-summit at the Alex-SanKopano Community Centre. The mini-summit, held days before the main G20 summit in Sandton, was meant to assert Alexandra’s relevance and voice in global conversations.
Community activist Thabo Mopasi, of Alex Ambassadors, emphasised that the mini-summit was designed to ensure policy discussions, beginning at the grassroots. It also sought to produce a report highlighting the key recommendations for G20 leaders in accelerating local economic growth. “By prioritising community engagement and participation, the mini-summit ensures that development initiatives respond to local needs and priorities, and that communities are empowered to take ownership of their development agendas.”
The event, sponsored by Fibertime, drew support from institutions such as the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa, the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa, and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud, among others.
Abby Sechoaro, founder of Abby’s Township Tours, framed the gathering as a silent protest, defined by deliberation, not destruction. “The [G20] summit and delegates will come and go, but Alexandra will still stay here. We cannot afford to wait for the next summit before we raise our issues.”
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He said they are calling on leaders in the main summit to meet residents halfway. He pointed out to local businesses and collaborations, noting that they are emblematic of a community already building its own economy. However, the local collaborations, though important, are not enough, at least according to business owner Nzwaki Geleba.
She explained that they need recognition from policymakers, and access to international platforms. “So that our voices can be heard, and for them to be impactful enough. We want to voice out in the declaration that we are here, we matter, and they need to stop putting us on the back burner.”
At the heart of the draft declaration lies the stimulation of the local economy, particularly through small businesses. Jacky Dikgale, public relations officer of Region E business solutions, highlighted the systemic barriers facing township entrepreneurs. “We come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but when you want to invent or manufacture something, the first thing they ask is collateral. They know you grew up in a shack – how will you have collateral?”
He said this is one of the pressing issues that must be addressed for local enterprises to grow, and with it, the local economy.
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