My Town: Alan Toweel has spent 57 years in Linden
Alan Toweel loves taking his dogs to Delta Park and Johannesburgh Botanical Gardens.
Meet: Alan Toweel
Boxing gym owner and coach – Linden
Q: How long have you lived in your suburb?
Fifty-seven years, from the day I was born.
What do you love most about your area?
It is peaceful and safe, and there are many amenities close by. Some of the South Africa’s greatest fighters trained in 2nd Street Linden under my father’s guidance, Alan Toweel Senior, – namely Pierre Coetzer, SA heavyweight champion and world title contender; Pierre Fourie world-rated light-heavyweight contender in the 70s and two-time SA national champion. Also Gerrie Coetzee, many more and the tradition continues with my fighters. It is nostalgic for my family.
What makes your area unique?
Linden is surrounded by a green belt of beautiful parks. The openness of Linden as an area, the view of Norhcliff Hill from my home, the centrality of Linden to many economic and social hubs in Johannesburg. Neighbours are supportive, relaxed and understanding
Where do you go locally to unwind or spend the afternoon?
To unwind, definitely Delta Park, Emma Park and Emmarentia Dam (Johannesburg Botanical Gardens). As I run a dog club, they are great parks for walking our German shepherds and Rottweilers on a daily basis. The parks are clean and safe and suitable for our furry friends. These are reasons why this suburb is so special. Linden feels like a small village in a big town. From a security perspective, we feel free to walk and train our dogs in the parks and streets.
In what ways has your area improved recently?
There has been a refurbishment of older buildings offering us more coffee shops, restaurants and shopping opportunities.
What would you like to see change in your area, and how can you contribute to this?
I would love to see zero litter. We collect litter in the park down the road from my house and in my street.
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