It has had a long and multifarious history, in apartheid 1948, the township became a "black spot" and residents were threatened with removal.

People from across South Africa and from neighboring countries flooded into the area seeking work and shelter.

[3] Nevertheless, the area suffers from the lack of municipal services from the local authorities and has high level of crimes.

[5] Political issues in Marlboro include framework area development, growth of population and working power, opening of additional public schools and revision of property taxes.

However, residents of Alexandra have often complained to the authorities about the potential health risks emanating from the company's recycling plant.