Biography of linguist, educationalist, academic and anti-apartheid struggle veteran Neville Alexander (1936-2012). Neville Alexander was born in Cradock. As a teacher and anti-apartheid activist he was involved with the Non-European Unity Movement and the Teachers’ League of South Africa. Arrested for his activities, he spent 10 years on Robben Island and a further five years under house arrest. After his release he did pioneering work in the field of language policy and planning, and founded The Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa (PRAESA), where he was director from 1992-2011. In 1981, he was appointed Director of the South African Committee for Higher Education (SACHED).