Alpoa’s past and present leaders honoured

Alexandra Land and Property Owners Association (Alpoa) has honoured a number of its fallen and living heroes and heroines of the land and property rights struggles in Alexandra.

The honours were handed out during the 10th anniversary celebration to mark 10 years of the court interdict against the City of Johannesburg and its implementing agencies of the Alex Renewal Project.

The interdict sought to stop any form of demolition and alteration of any properties within the old Alex until such time as land and property rights had been resolved.

Members of Alpoa and the community of Alexandra came out in their numbers to support the celebration at Entokozweni, which used to be the birthplace of artistry in the township.

Some 36 stalwarts, among them JB Marks, and members of the past leadership and organisations that played a crucial role in the resurgence of Alpoa as a force to be reckoned with in the fight for land and property rights, were recognised and handed certificates. Many of these legends were represented by their families, as they had since passed on.

The awards were handed out by legendary musician, Caiphus Semenya, one of the few Alex musicians of yesteryear still alive. Semenya is a member of Alpoa and is also in the struggle for the return of his family’s land and property rights.

Master of ceremonies on the day, William Volmink, a former resident of Alexandra who is also struggling for the return of his family property in 3rd Avenue said, “We needed to add some cream to this event and what better cream to have in the name of the veteran Mr Semenya.”

Among the current members of the Alpoa leadership honoured were Gerald ‘Dodo’ Shiburi and Jacky Segopa in recognition of their dedication and hard work for the organisation.

Alpoa originated from the Alexandra Stand Holders Protection and Vigilance Association in 1953. Segopa, secretary general of Alpoa, said the interdict that was served was to assure members that none of their properties would be subjected to any form of demolition, and the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Parks Tau was well aware of that.

Dustin Tusnovics, who is an architect and development partner of Alpoa, presented a future plan to take Alexandra forward to a new era, post the restoration of title deeds

Tusnovics, who said he was honoured to be at the ceremony, urged the members of Alpoa to believe in this plan.

“I am only an architect who designs the plans and it is up to the community to make those plans a reality.”