Alexandra was one of the hotspots of xenophobic attacks on foreign African nationals in 2008 but this changed during the City of Johannesburg’s celebration of Africa Day at Sankopano.
The event on 25 May, which marked Africa Day, started with a parade – led by MMC for Health and Social Development, Mpho Phalatse – from 6th Avenue and Rev Sam Buti Street to 12th Avenue.
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Speaking at the event, Phalatse gave clarity on Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba’s stance on illegal immigrants, which she said she hoped sets the record straight once and for all. “Mayor Mashaba has always maintained that while the City is the city of dreams for many, including people from outside our borders, those who visit and make Joburg their home should help build a truly African city that is safe, clean and prosperous.
“Having documented foreigners will help City’s department easily and effectively do its job.”
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Among those in attendance were traditional leaders from Contralesa, Nigeria’s Embo Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Rwanda.
Local poet Sister Boss, drummer Prince Shapiro and a mass choir from Sacred Heart College’s Three2Six School project for children of foreign nationals, kept the audience on their feet with their splendid performances that portrayed African unity.
