Culture and Heritage of the Eastern Cape

Amathole

The Amathole district extends from the Indian Ocean coastline in the south to the Amathole Mountains in the north, and from the Mbolompo headland in the east The narrow southern part of the Transkei Wild Coast) expands westward to the Great Fish River.

The land is dotted with rivers and fertile floodplains, rolling grasslands, valley jungles, clean estuaries, sandy beaches, forests and waterfalls. People often talk about the area's biodiversity, as well as its possible future socio-economic development and competitive advantages.

Four new heritage routes have been established here and named after Xhosa kings and heroes: Makana, Sandile, Makoma (Maqoma) and Phalo (Phalo) lines. More than 350 sites have been identified in the area, dotted with ruins of castles, mission stations, places of historical significance and burial places of Xhosa kings and war heroes.

This region has deep historical roots and visitors are easily enchanted by the legends of Xhosa kings and stories of early settlers. Here you can explore the San paintings of the Cathcart region and visit the world-renowned collection of African art at the University of Fort Hare. You can also experience various African traditions in the village of Mgwali and the art commune of Hogsback.

Maqoma Route

Maqoma was born in 1798, the eldest son of King Ngqika of Rharabe. He strongly opposed the expansion of the British colonial empire on his country's borders. During the Border War of 1834-35, he was hailed as the great leader of Lalaba.

Some interesting places on this route include:

Olive Shreine’s house

Olive Shreine Rainer was born in 1855, the daughter of a missionary who went to South Africa for missionary activities. While working as a governess in the arid highlands of South Africa, she completed her famous novel, The Story of an African Farm, published in 1883.

Ntsikana's grave

Ntsikana was the first person to promote Christianity in Africa. He conducted preaching activities between 1818 and 1822. He was buried in the Kat Valley. Two of his great songs: Ntsikana's Bell and Uthix'omkhulu, were inspired by spiritual experiences. Today, these two songs are still being sung.

Site of the Christmas Massacre

Sir Harry Smith established a series of so-called military villages in the fertile Tyume valley to maintain the white population the right to possess them. In 1950, the Xhosa suddenly launched a vicious attack on unarmed white families. All the residents of Woburn village were killed. The warriors then attacked the Juanasburg Mission, but instead of killing the women and children, they allowed them to escape to Fort Hare.

Ten heritage and cultural tours

Ten cultural tours:

The Cradle of Humankind (World Heritage Site), Tsitsikamma coast ) and the Kouga Mountains where modern humans originated.

The rock art site located in Ukhahlamba Park (World Heritage Site) in the Drakensberg.

The Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, Mvezo and Qunu (Mandela's birthplace).

The Amatola Mountains are famous for their important role in the Anti-Japanese War.

The inn on the Wild Coast plays an important role in the Xhosa legend.

The site of one of the most important battles in South African history: Egazini in Grahamstown.

Graaff Reinet - the oldest town in South Africa.

Missionary station in the Eastern Cape.

The place where white nationalism in South Africa began - Slagters Nek.

The clock tower in Port Elizabeth - the place where the colonists landed in 1820.

Not to be missed – the Alexandria Coastal Dunes and the Klasier River Caves (both are included in the tentative list of South Africa’s World Heritage sites revised by the Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism.

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