Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Gqeberha, previously referred to as Port Elizabeth, serves as a significant seaport and is the most populous city within the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Nestled on the nation’s southeast coast, this city serves as Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality‘s administrative hub. Though it is the second-smallest metropolitan region in South Africa by land area, it is quite important in the financial, cultural, and business spheres of the country. Sixth most populated city in South Africa, Gqeberha is a vibrant hub reflecting the rich Eastern Cape legacy.

The history of the city begins in 1820 when Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin founded it. Donkin set aside the city as a memorial to his dead wife, Elizabeth. Celebrating this historical link, the Donkin Memorial is a major landmark in the core commercial area of the city. Aiming at reinforcing the border area between the Cape Colony and the Xhosa territories by means of the settlement of 4,000 British colonists in Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth was founded as a strategic move by the Cape Colony government. Indicative of its friendly surroundings and breezy coastal temperature, the city has adopted the nicknames “The Friendly City” and “The Windy City.”

A major cultural change occurred in 2019 when the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee suggested renaming Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha. Originating in the Xhosa and Southern Khoe languages, the name reflects the Baakens River that runs throughout the city. The official gazetting of the name change on February 23, 2021 marks a new chapter in the history of the city; yet, the acceptance of the new name has been slow and still less common in local use as of 2023.

About 670 kilometers east of Cape Town, on the western side of Algoa Bay, sits Gqeberha. Situated east of the well-known Garden Route, it views the Indian Ocean from 251 square kilometers inside the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area. This advantageous location adds to the city’s economic value and helps to explain its reputation for one of the most pleasant year-round temperatures worldwide. Gqeberha‘s oceanic temperature draws both local and foreign visitors who offer a suitable setting for outdoor sports and adventures.

The city’s coastline boasts several blue-flag beaches, which helps to explain why beachgoers and water sports aficioners choose it. Perfect beaches combined with a thriving cultural environment make Gqeberha a highly sought-after vacation spot. The many communities in the city show their rich cultural legacy and help to define the customs, dialects, and traditions of the area.

Gqeberha acts as a gateway to Eastern Cape adventure and safari travel. The area is known for its chances to participate in African big five game safaris, therefore enabling guests to see the continent’s famous species in their natural habitats. This aspect of tourism improves the local economy and emphasizes the need of sustainable practices and preservation of the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.