Alexandra Bus Boycott

The Alexandra bus boycott began in January 1957 and is one of the most significant buss boycotts in South African history. Hundreds of thousands were involved and for the first time white media covered the events — with sympathy. They protested for more then just PUTCO’s decision to raise bus fares from 4 to 5 pence even though that was the official reason. A couple of years prior the forced removal of Sophiatown and other townships had started and minister of Native Affairs Verwoerd had made it no secret that he was planning on removing Alexandra from the map.