Policy Resistance

Alexandra

This map shows Alexandra’s various policies attempts for de-densification. Alexandra was founded in 1912 as a non-European settlement with free hold ownership. Since the 1930’s the population increased rapidly, creating a higly densified area. Due to its proximity to the inner city and high density Alexandra underwent a number of failed programs to either erradicate it, de-densify it or transform it. The first attempt was in 1963, when the government wanted to transform it into a single-sex hostel city. Only 3 hostels were built, 2 for men and 1 for women. In the 1980’s two more renewal plans failed due to the active relocations of informal and backyard dwellers outside of Alexandra. In 1986 Seswetla was established as a transit camp, however its settlers were never relocated and it became the largest informal settlement of the township. During this period the East Bank and Far East Bank started to develop but failed shortly after in 1990. However after 1994 they were retaken as part of the RDP housing program. In 1998 The Grater Alexandra Development Framework attempted to build super blocks in the Old town and the East Bank. In 2001 new RDP extensions were added to the Far East Bank as part of the Alexandra Renewal Plan.