A growing list of unresolved challenges, ranging from corruption and substance abuse to housing shortages and safety concerns, has prompted Alexandra residents to mobilise under the Ziyakhala Community Movement for a march to the City of Johannesburg’s Region E offices in Sandton.

Residents, representing various civic organisations, delivered a memorandum of demands to municipal officials on Tuesday, calling for the city to address multiple issues they are grappling with.

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Malibongwe Sibiya, secretary general of Ziyakhala, presented the memorandum to city officials. He cited persistent housing challenges, including illegal structures, poor infrastructure, and the misallocation of housing units.

The memorandum also raised concerns about deteriorating conditions in local schools. “Schools are being used for non-educational purposes, classrooms are overcrowded, and there’s a lack of qualified teachers,” Sibiya noted.

The memorandum further highlighted the pressing issue of crime and drugs in Alexandra schools, urging the city to prioritise safety and educational quality.
Economic stagnation was another challenge the residents raised in the memorandum, citing the closure of training centres and limited business opportunities that have left many residents without viable employment paths. “We need business support programmes and job creation initiatives,” Sibiya read, proposing short-term interventions to stimulate local economic growth.

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Furthermore, Sibiya emphasised that healthcare access remains constrained, pointing to understaffed clinics in Alex and overburdened medical personnel. He also noted the influx of undocumented migrants as a contributing factor to service strain.

The memorandum also flagged basic services, such as electricity and water, describing electricity tariffs as unaffordable and water supply as inconsistent. Sibiya called for support in maintaining Alexandra’s rivers and parks and proposed funded community-led environmental conservation projects.

Some of the short-term solutions included in the memorandum, include the establishment of a community task team to prioritise and address the community’s pressing issues.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Tired of persistent challenges ranging from substance abuse and environmental neglect to housing shortages, Alex residents marched to the City of Johannesburg’s Region E offices in Sandton to air their grievances. #Alexandra ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

The long-term recommendations focused on sustainable housing development, support for local initiatives, and the creation of robust governance structures to promote accountability.

Charity Mapholi, speaking on behalf of Regional Director Thaba Makhafela, acknowledged receipt of the memorandum. “We have received the memorandum. We did sign it. We made copies and gave them to some of your leaders. We will go through the memorandum and respond accordingly.” She also confirmed that they have noted the seven-day deadline set by residents for a formal response.

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