Kula Marolen Foundation Celebrates Africa Day in Alexandra With Unity, Sustainability and Community Growth

KulaKultuur Africa Day Activation Launches Green Corridor Vision in Alexandra

Africa Day was celebrated with colour, culture and community spirit in Alexandra this May as the Kula Marolen Foundation NPC hosted its inaugural KulaKultuur Africa Day Courtyard and Kula Loves Alex Activation.

Designed as a heritage, arts and environmental awareness initiative, the event brought together residents, artists and creatives to honour African unity while advancing the long-term vision of the Alexandra Heritage Art Precinct (AHAP).

The day began with a vibrant street parade through Kula Loves Alex Street, where participants proudly carried the flags of African nations. More than a symbolic display, the procession served as a call to strengthen African solidarity, celebrate cultural diversity and raise awareness of the Foundation’s vision for a thriving heritage and arts precinct in Alexandra.

The parade concluded at The Underground – Kula House, where guests gathered to install colourful Flags of Africa bunting donated by Friends of Kula. Suspended across the courtyard, the installation transformed the space into a striking visual celebration of African identity, pride and unity.

Growing More Than a Garden

A key highlight of the activation was the official opening of Kula’s Vertical Garden, developed as part of the KulaKasiKitchenAid programme.

While the installation introduces a new green space within the community, it also represents a broader commitment to food sovereignty, environmental stewardship and community resilience. By encouraging residents to grow their own food and participate in urban greening initiatives, the project seeks to create sustainable solutions that benefit future generations.

The Vertical Garden marks the first phase of Kula’s ambitious three-year vision to develop the Kula Loves Alex Green Corridor Boulevard along the AHAP route. As part of a shared commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable Alexandra, SUNCASA and GESI, through a recommendation by Gender CC, have invested in the initiative to help transform and beautify the community.

The proposed green corridor aims to connect heritage, public art, tourism, food security and environmental sustainability, creating a vibrant destination that serves both local residents and visitors while enhancing the public realm.

Driving Impact Through Sustainable Development

The initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• No Poverty
• Zero Hunger
• Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Climate Action

Through urban agriculture, environmental education and community participation, Kula continues to demonstrate how grassroots initiatives can create meaningful social, cultural and environmental impact.

Conversations Around Heritage and Community

Following the activation, attendees shared a communal meal and participated in an open dialogue exploring themes of heritage, sustainability, identity and Alexandra’s future.

The gathering concluded with the sharing of traditional African beer, honouring ancestral customs and creating a moment of reflection on community, gratitude and collective responsibility.

Promoting Unity Through Responsible Inclusion

At the heart of the activation was the Flags of Africa installation, a symbol of the continent’s shared history, diversity and interconnectedness.

KulaKultuur’s vision of African solidarity is rooted in responsible inclusion, lawful migration and social cohesion. The Foundation advocates for properly documented participation in society and recognises the positive contributions that legal migration can make to entrepreneurship, tourism, cultural exchange and local economic development.

Its focus remains on fostering stronger communities through heritage preservation, environmental action and meaningful dialogue.

How You Can Get Involved

As work continues on the Kula❤️Alex Green Corridor Boulevard, the Kula Marolen Foundation is inviting members of the public to support the initiative through donations of plants, seedlings, gardening equipment and candles.

Each contribution will help expand the Vertical Garden, activate public spaces and strengthen community-led sustainability efforts throughout the AHAP corridor.

Every donated plant contributes to a greener Alexandra. Every donated candle represents hope, remembrance and community spirit.

The Africa Day activation marks the beginning of a larger journey leading up to Kula’s flagship annual celebration on 24 September, where the Foundation will continue showcasing the Alexandra Heritage Art Precinct vision while mobilising support for heritage preservation, environmental sustainability, tourism development and community empowerment.