Mopasi is the designated expert on Alex history

It’s official, Alex historian and cultural activist Thabo Lerato Mopasi has been recognised as the go-to person on all matters relating to the heritage of the township, and in particular the indigenous knowledge systems.

This was contained in a letter from the principal cultural officer of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gabriel Tsolo.

Tsolo said through its Division of Living Culture and Heritage, the department had recommended that Mopasi be considered as the go-to person on issues pertaining to data collection on local artists, the revival of indigenous games, food, attire, promotion of language, myth and legend through oral history, preservation of traditional ceremonies and rituals as well as compiling information on Alexandra tourism.

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The department said Mopasi had worked with them since 1996 and was introduced to the effective functioning of museums. “The department appreciates his dedication as he is presently encouraging his community to establish the Alexandra Heritage Society which will be responsible for the management of heritage in Alexandra,” Tsolo said.

In reaction to the recommendation, Mopasi said he was humbled by the gesture of confidence shown in him by the department. This after many years of working together for the betterment of the community of Alexandra and also to preserve their artistic and cultural achievements since the township came into being in 1912.

“Over the years, I have done this course and that course and lived and volunteered my time so as to build and preserve their [community] heritage, oral history and culture as a source of their wealth which needs to be protected for prosperity,” Mopasi told Alex News.

The historian said he would guard this honour jealously and ensure that his legacy lived on by endeavouring to pass the baton to the youngsters. “I am already receiving numerous invitations from the youth of our township who want me to share the knowledge and community stories of myths and legends with them, which I have also learnt from others before me.”

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