Happy TravellerWelcome to Uitenhage, officially renamed Kariega, a charming town located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Known for its rich history, large industries, and beautiful landscapes, Uitenhage is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Let’s dive into what makes this town so special.
History:
Uitenhage was founded in 1804 by Jacob Glen Cuyler and named after Jacob Abraham Uitenhage de Mist by the Dutch Cape Colony governor. It was declared a municipality in 1877 and became a center for resistance against apartheid in the 1980s. In 2021, it was officially renamed Kariega.
Geography:
Uitenhage is located 30 km north-west of Port Elizabeth and forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. It is also located at the beginning of the Mohair Route which stretches to Graaff-Reinet.
Industries:
Uitenhage is known for its large industries, including the Volkswagen of South Africa and Goodyear factories. An automotive supplier park, Alexander Park Industrial, has also been created directly next to the Volkswagen factory.
Transport:
Uitenhage is at the junction of regional and metropolitan routes and has access to many roads. The R75 links to Despatch and Port Elizabeth in the south and Jansenville and Graaff-Reinet in the north. The M19 links to Despatch, Ibhayi and Swartkops in the east. The R334 links to Motherwell and Coega to the east and KwaNobuhle and the R102 in the south-west. The M10 links to Despatch, Bethelsdorp and Port Elizabeth in the south.
Notable People:
Uitenhage has produced many notable people, including Loyiso Bala, a South African R&B singer, and Anrich Nortje, a South African cricketer.
Notable Buildings:
Masjid al-Qudama, one of the oldest mosques in the country, and Cuyler Manor, a historic house museum, are two notable buildings in Uitenhage.
Coats of Arms:
Uitenhage has had several coats of arms throughout its history, including the De Mist arms and the Uitenhage divisional council arms.
In conclusion, Uitenhage, now known as Kariega, is a town with a rich history, large industries, and beautiful landscapes. It is a hidden gem waiting to be explored and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Come and discover the charm of Uitenhage for yourself!
