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Home » PHOTOS Capture Heart and Soul of Alexandra Township

PHOTOS Capture Heart and Soul of Alexandra Township

“A visual essay and tribute to the good, friendly and welcoming people of Alex… where life is still so hard, but goes on,” is how Gauteng photographer CHARLES JOHNSTONE describes the emotive pictures on this page. They offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Alexandra, the famous township that borders Sandton… and which […]

“A visual essay and tribute to the good, friendly and welcoming people of Alex… where life is still so hard, but goes on,” is how Gauteng photographer CHARLES JOHNSTONE describes the emotive pictures on this page. They offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Alexandra, the famous township that borders Sandton… and which many travellers on the Gautrain breeze past on their way from OR Tambo International Airport into Joburg.

alexandra township south africa alexandra township south africa

 

alexandra township south africa
Charles Johnstone: “Pride and Joy”. Peabo Keorapetse Maema says: “This car is called “my father was rich” my dad Tshepo Motaung had this once upon a time.”

They are beautiful, grainy photos that neither glamorise nor pity poverty. They pay homage to the creative, friendly people living here… for whom life may be a struggle, but whose spirit finds a way to soar, to smile, to remain proud and dignified.

“There are some more modern parts of Alex, and there is a modern shopping Mall,” Charles pointed out to SAPeople, “but I tended to cover the older areas and the older community.”

Senior Matriach
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Corner 12th Selborne
alexandra township south africa
Semadi NM – “The internet cafe brother…?”

alexandra township south africa

alexandra township south africa
Building up
alexandra township south africa
Street Food

The community of Alex has welcomed these photos, sharing them and pointing out their tailor, barber and neighbour.

Many current residents have been grateful to see someone take the time to truly capture and honour their daily life. And former residents have enjoyed reminiscing.

alexandra township south africa

alexandra township south africa alexandra township south africa

The Tailor, 4th Avenue
alexandra township south africa
Waiting for the recyclers

Seganya Mnguni wrote on Charles’ post: “Your work Mr Charles. I must say Wonderful. This is my home… Where education doesn’t get jobs. Where self hate is dunked down with Heineken. Where artists remain undiscovered. Nonetheless it’s my beautiful home Alexandra. Thanks for the Visuals that remind me of Kasi lama Kasi! Gomora”

alexandra township south africa
That was some week-end. Whatever happened to SAB’s Castle?
alexandra township south africa
“A morning catch-up with your mates.”
alexandra township south africa
“Flamed-grilled – a favourite”
alexandra township south africa
“The Apothecary”
alexandra township south africa
“In the Sangoma’s den.”

alexandra township south africa

“The Sangoma – A wide range of services from cures for flu to medicines for broken hearts.”
alexandra township south africa
“Sangoma’s goard for dispensing potions”
alexandra township south africa
“Shootin’ the breeze”. 7 Hofmeyer Heritage Corner

alexandra township south africa

alexandra township south africa
Gym Time at 7 Hofmeyer at Heritage Corner. The owner is apparently Tumi.
alexandra township south africa
“Tyson, boxing legend, gym owner, raconteur.”
alexandra township south africa
“Waiting…”

alexandra township south africa

alexandra township south africa
Madiba’s Hood
alexandra township south africa
“”Unbeatable Whiteness” – That’s Surf”
Charles Johnstone – “Multi-Tasking”. Nombuso Fufu Nkosi – “He started to do his business at 4th avenue when I was in primary school and now it’s more than 10 years since I completed my matric wow.”
Siblings just hanging

Charles says: “I am blown away by the response. The images seem to resonate for a number of different reasons.”

alexandra township south africa
Gogo duty
The Boy Band – Cool Dancing Troupe
alexandra township south africa
The creche
The slap chip maker and his wife from Zimbabwe
Open for business
School’s out
Sartorial elegance alex
Satorial elegance
Charles Johnstone – “And this old lady.” 8th Avenue. Sefako Moloto – “Grew up right behind this house, when it was still a shop ?”
Building their business. Moved from Soweto to Alex.
The Ice Cream Van. (St Michael’s Anglican Church on the left)
sizabantu alex
“Second hand TV shop” 11th Corner Selborne

Since posting the photos, Charles has been inundated with requests asking about visiting the township.

In response, he says: “Over the 8 or so years of my exhilarating and humbling visits to Alex (Gomora) with the London Business School, I have been privileged to have been in the company of some wonderful residents and entrepreneurs who are not only keen to share their homes and their lives with me, but who also go to great lengths to make me feel welcome and secure.

“One such person is the lovely Rachel of Khavho Tours and Travel, herself a life long resident, who knows everyone in town and will guarantee you a fascinating insight into this remarkable place, the people and its history.

children alex township

“If you have never been, you should. And when you have done that, go to the Karoo, lie on your back in the sand on a clear night and look long and hard at the galaxy, and I am pretty sure that these two experiences will put a little perspective back into one’s life.”

To view more stunning photos of South Africa, please follow @charlesjohnstone on Facebook.