Researched, written and edited over a period of six years, Alexandra: A History is a product of the Social History Project, a component of the Alexandra Tourism Development Project (ATDP). The ATDP was initiated by the Gauteng Tourism Authority in 2001, implemented by the Heritage Agency and funded by the Alexandra Renewal Project and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. As an integrated heritage tourism development initiative, the ATDP embraced the development of infrastructure and facilities, research, interpretation and presentation, training, capacity building, public awareness programmes, institutional development, the formation of partnerships and the creation of economic development opportunities for local residents.

The first step taken to get the Alex community involved with the preservation of its own history was the establishment of the community-based Alex Heritage Team, comprising young residents who, while lacking formal heritage experience and skills, were committed, enthusiastic and eager to learn. The primary tasks of the Heritage Team were to establish a formal presence in Alexandra, represent the project in the community, draw on their established contacts with existing organisations and develop a network of support for the Social History Project. While some members of the team focused on other ATDP programmes, four people were selected to dedicate all their time to the Social History Project, working as interns with the professional team of project managers, academics, historians and researchers. These interns were incorporated into the Project for three reasons: firstly, they had an intimate understanding and knowledge of the community and could facilitate community participation in the Project; secondly, they would benefit from acquiring new skills; and thirdly, they would help to sustain the project in the long term.

The second step was to establish a Community Reference Group, comprising well-respected and informed senior members of the Alexandra community with a particular knowledge and interest in the history and heritage of the township. The primary tasks of the Reference Group were to act as project champion, to guide and monitor research, and to evaluate and approve the book through the various stages of preparation. The Heritage Team has benefited greatly from the wisdom of the Reference Group and the inter-generational interaction has provided many opportunities for members to share information that might otherwise have been lost.