Alex festival on the cards
ALEXANDRA - A youth movement in Alexandra, Creative Minds Movement based at Motsweding Centre, has developed a project that aims at putting the spotlight on Alexandra.
A youth organisation, Creative Minds Movement based at Motsweding Centre, has developed a project that aims to put the spotlight on Alexandra.
The project will be in the form of a festival known as the Love Alex Festival to be staged in Alexandra from 22 to 30 November, and will feature various activities including a soccer match between the township’s arch rivals, FC Alexandra and Alex United.
Both teams play in the newly-formed ABC Motsepe League. FC Alex is owned by former Bafana Bafana midfielder and ex-Ajax Cape Town sensational player, Alfred Maimane Phiri; while United has a long history of existence dating back to the ’40s.
Creative Minds Movement is an NPO established in 2010 by Levi Ledwaba and Sakhile Shabangu in Alexandra. Since its inception, it has hosted and managed a variety of events in Alex, from matric after parties to cheese and wine functions.
The festival kicks off with an Entertainment and Music Workshop and Expo on 22 November at Club Neh. This will be a workshop to uplift upcoming DJs and artists. It aims to facilitate, grow and develop new artists into sustainable brands.
“Our target is mainly the youth, in whichever field of the entertainment industry. The aim is to create an environment where they learn more, network and access work to earn a living,” said co-director, Ledwaba.
On 24 November, the festival officially opens with a ceremony where community leaders will speak. An educational seminar to teach the youth and visitors about the history of Alexandra will follow.
An Alex Art Exhibition will also be hosted at the only artists’ home in township, the Alexandra ITC Centre in Marlboro, which seeks to educate, nurture and promote young artists. The exhibition will run from 24 to 28 November.
On 27 November, a Love Alex Comedy Show, featuring the best of South African comedy names, will be held at the Eastbank Hall and will be followed by an after party at a party house in Alex still to be named.
On 28 November, Alexandra Stadium will be abuzz with a Love Alex Soccer Derby between FC Alexandra and Alex United. A Love Alex Music Concert will be hosted at the same stadium on 29 November.
The festival will close on 30 November with The Pop Up Social Market Place in Tsutsumani next to the Engen garage, which will be an entrepreneurial event that bridges the gap between sellers and buyers, while incorporating social interactive vibes that make it comfortable for both parties to sell and buy.
Details: Sakhile Shabangu 071 972 9042; Levi Ledwaba 078 598 6026.
