Happy TravellerWelcome to Mthatha, the main city of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Eastern Cape province of South Africa and the capital of OR Tambo District Municipality. This city has a rich history and is named after the nearby Mthatha River which was named after the sneezewood (umtati) trees, famous for their wood and medicinal properties. Mthatha has an airport, previously known as the K. D. Matanzima Airport after former leader Kaiser Matanzima.
History:
The settlement existed in the 1870s as a buffer-zone, in response to reported tensions between Pondo and neighbouring Thembu groups, and in 1875 a magistrates office was opened. The settlement developed during the next few years, becoming a military post for the British colonial forces in 1882. The town itself was founded in 1883, along the banks of the Mthatha River. Nearly a century later, the Mthatha Dam was constructed about eight kilometers upstream of the town. Mthatha became the leading administrative centre of the area, having both Anglican and Catholic cathedrals. The town became the headquarters of the Transkeian Territories General Council (known as the Bunga), and the building which served as a parliament was erected in 1903. This was followed by the construction of the town hall in 1908. A branch of the University of Fort Hare was established in the town, and after the independence of the Transkei in 1977 it became the University of Transkei. In 2005, the University of Transkei with the Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon were merged to form the Walter Sisulu University for Technology and Science.
Nelson Mandela Route:
Mthatha is a focal point of the Nelson Mandela Route which celebrates the life of Nelson Mandela. There are three Nelson Mandela Museums. Spread across three sites, they collect, interpret and exhibit key aspects of the story of the life and times of Nelson Mandela. The three historical sites of the museum are at Mvezo, Qunu and the Bunga Building in Mthatha itself. In the Bunga Building is the story of the Long Walk to Freedom and an exhibition of the many gifts received by Nelson Mandela.
Economy:
Mthatha falls under OR Tambo District Municipality which is the poorest district in the Eastern Cape by all poverty measures. It has the lowest HDI (0.45) and the highest poverty gap (2 231 million) in the Eastern Cape. The number of people living in poverty is also high in this district (64.6%), unemployment is at 65.5% and the literacy rate 42.2%. Despite all that, a new dawn is beckoning for Mthatha with the construction of infrastructure like BT Ngebs Mall and Mayfair Hotel.
Notable people from Mthatha:
Nelson Mandela, King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, Aa! Zwelibanzi!, the King of the AbaThembu Kingdom, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Aa! Jonguhlanga!, the King of the AbaThembu Kingdom, Moneoa Moshesh, Amanda Black, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Akona Ndungane, Alan Barrow, Bongani Mayosi, Nkosinathi Mankayi, Bubele Mhlana, Carlo Del Fava, Jeff Hawkes, Jessica Haines, Masibusane Zongo, Ngazibini Sigwili, Odwa Ndungane, Sean Park, Siya Mdaka, Vusumuzi Masondo, Sabelo Phama, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Zola Nombona, Jet Novuka, IFani, Busiswa, Black Coffee, Athi-Patra Ruga, Kaneez Surka, Jerry Masslo, Wendy Woods.
Climate:
Mthatha has a warm oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) closely bordering on both a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and a semi-arid climate (BSh/BSk).
Come and explore the rich history and culture of Mthatha, and experience the warmth and hospitality of its people.
