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Alexandra township is buzzing once more

BEST BRAAI IN TOWN: Joe's Butchery in Alexandra township has helped transform the area into a popular entertainment spot once again. PHOTO: VATHISWA RUSELO
BEST BRAAI IN TOWN: Joe's Butchery in Alexandra township has helped transform the area into a popular entertainment spot once again. PHOTO: VATHISWA RUSELO

ALEXANDRA township is one of the oldest townships in the country.

In the olden days it was the place where great leaders and soccer players met and had a good time at local shebeens.

But due to the area's high crime rate, people eventually sought entertainment venues in other areas.

But thanks to restaurants having opened in the township, Alexandra is buzzing once more.

Joe's Butchery in 11th Avenue is one of the most popular shisanyama's in Alex.

Every Sunday you will find well-known people with their flashy cars dining at the place.

The eatery mainly serves African food, including pap and tripe, as well as braai meat. This is the place where you can relax while you enjoy a cold beer on a Sunday afternoon.

Paying a visit to the place, I was welcomed with open arms by joint owners Lali Vilakazi and Willie Mathebula.

I felt like I was in Melrose Arch, northern Johannesburg, right in the suburbs. It was hard to believe I was in the middle of Alex.

Vilakazi said her late husband decided to open the place because he wanted to create an atmosphere that would be relevant to people from different places to come and mix with locals.

"Over the years, we have managed to reach our goals of making sure that Joe's Butchery is where we wanted it to be," the energetic Mathebula, who leads the marketing department for the venue, said.

While chatting, I was served pap and braaied meat - the restaurant's main attraction.

"Another aspect that has made us popular is our excellent service.

"We go the extra mile to ensure that our customers leave satisfied," Mathebula said.

"We are also the only place in the township that brings the best artists and DJ's here - many of whom come here to launch their albums, such as Zakes Bantwini.

"Culoe de Song's CD was recently launched here too, attracting more than 500 people," Mathebula said.

He said the popular venue has helped turn Alexandra into the happening place it once was.

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