Musician Nokwazi at home in Alex

A partnership initiative between local musician Nkiyase Mondlana and Alex FM radio station to profile Alex positively to the outside world, may be gaining ground.

The initiative, which has the potential spin-off of tourism, brings celebrities, notable figures and leaders to the area to savour and help sell the township’s vibe, help out where there is a need and to expose and make the area look better and more investor friendly.

It seeks to leverage the township’s existing rich music, art, sport and struggle history which produced renowned music icons such as Hugh Masekela, Caiphus Semenya and Condry Zixubu. The initiative also seeks to follow the footprints left by former late presidents Nelson Mandela and Samora Machel of Mozambique whose leadership qualities were partly shaped by their life experiences while residing in Alex.

Famed musician, Nokwazi Dlamini from KwaZulu-Natal was the latest invitee for the meet-and-greet initiative with residents. With her traditional warm, engaging demeanour and disarming smile, Nokwazi mingled with residents at Naledi Sly and Takeaway, a place with its own rich history as a transit point for many leaving the country to join the liberation struggle.

She engaged with crowds of residents and schoolchildren who received her friendly, but stern and meaningful, advice which they hopefully will integrate to improve their behaviour, such as respect for the elderly and parents, the values of education and a commitment to schoolwork.

“Education and respect are important weapons for progress in life. They are your defences against temptations to drugs, substance abuse, crime and teenage pregnancies. Learn to use your time wisely and always seek advice,” Nokwazi said while warning them off a life on the streets.

“Sixteen-year-olds should focus only on studying, attending life skills sessions and sporting activities for brighter futures and for healthy bodies and minds. Stop walking about aimlessly on the streets,” she begged.

She applauded residents’ friendliness but was saddened by their living conditions. “The local authority should replace the degrading and dehumanising bucket toilet system. Residents deserve better through flushing toilets. They should also improve and widen streets to decrease traffic congestion and risk to children playing and sharing roads with vehicles,” she said.

“There should be ample places for children to play safely, learn information technology skills to be part of the technology and information-driven world.” She implored local artists to hold benefit concerts to raise resources to support those in need.

Alec FM station manager, Takalani Nemangowe, said the initiative was a long-term platform and part of a people’s programme to inspire and get help for them. “They should regard celebrities as normal people who are keen to help, and with the help of the media which assists through information dissemination, educating and entertaining the public,” Nemangowe said.