One of the most geographically diverse regions of the Eastern Cape, the Amathole district embraces the best of the rugged African landscape: majestic mountain ranges, dense forests and rolling hills tapering down to wide swathes of sandy beaches.
An eclectic mix of rural charm and urban bustle, the district is the most populous in the province, accounting for close to 54% of the provincial population, and is home to both the provincial capital, Bhisho-King William’s Town, as well as to the economic hub of East London, the second largest Eastern Cape city after Port Elizabeth.
Boundaries extend from the Great Fish River in the south to the Dwesa/Cwebe Nature Reserve in the east, with the region hemmed in by the south-eastern coastline and stretching as far north as Hogsback.
The most significant industrial feature of this region is the impressive, 800 000m² Mercedes-Benz South Africa automotive plant, where the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is produced for the South African and export markets. The plant, recently declared South Africa’s best, set an international record when it managed to produce 47 665 C-Class and 8 488 Mitsubishi Colt vehicles in a single production year.
In addition, the East London Industrial Development Zone, situated in a 430ha industrial park adjacent to the East London Airport, is becoming firmly established, having developed 100 fully serviced industrial sites since its inception in 2002.
Academically, the region boasts both campuses of the University of Fort Hare, whose alumni include former President Nelson Mandela, ZK Mathews, Govan Mbeki, Seretse Khama, Robert Sobukwe, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Judge President John Hlope.
Tourism
Tourism is a vibrant and fast-growing industry in this district and has been earmarked by the Amathole district council for priority development. Currently, the council’s tourism initiatives are being organised around five distinct tourism routes: Amathole Mountain Escape, Sunshine Coast, Gateway City, Friendly N6, and Wild Coast. In addition to these tourism routes, the council is developing four heritage routes in recognition of the region’s rich cultural and political legacy. Named after the influential kings and prophets associated with the region, they are the Maqoma Route, Makana Route, Sandile Route and Phalo Route.
Don’t miss
· The internationally heralded Amathole Museum in King William’s Town is most famously associated with Huberta the wandering hippo; however, this is but one of its many treasures. Other highlights include the excellent Xhosa gallery, with its lively Frontier and Settler displays, as well as 400-specimen mammal collection recognised as the second biggest in South Africa.
· The six-day, 100km Amathole Trail is one of the most strenuous but aesthetically rewarding trails in South Africa, guaranteed to deliver a bounty of wildlife and amazing waterfall vistas along the route from Maden Dam to Hogsback. For the less adventurous, there are numerous one-day options, as well as several excellent Hogsback day trails, including the spectacular Madonna and Child Waterfall Trail.
· The National Heritage Cultural Studies Centre at the University of Fort Hare in Alice boasts a substantial collection of indigenous African and contemporary South African art, as well as its highly prized Liberation Archives, which include the archives of both the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) and the Azanian People’s Organisation/Black Consciousness Movement, as well as the AC Jordan Collection and the Lovedale Press archives.
· Step back in time with a rock art tour at the Thomas River Conservancy near Stutterheim. While in the area, also enjoy authentic Xhosa rural tradition at the Mgwali Cultural Village and take in the rare wildflowers of Cathcart, about 20 minutes’ drive further along the Friendly N6.
· East London Golf Course remains one of the top courses in South Africa, and a must for any golfing enthusiast.
· The Tyelela Meander in Stutterheim encompasses a range of different cultural beacons, including the tombstone marking the grave site of Sandile, chief of the Gaikas, who was killed during the ninth Frontier War in 1878.
· Excellent game viewing is possible in any of the region’s well-stocked game parks and nature reserves, including Doubledrift Game Reserve, Dwesa/Cwebe Game Reserve and Mpofu Game Reserve.
Economic activity
The Amathole district has the second-largest economy in the province, due largely to the industrial and automotive muscle of East London and the emerging contribution of the East London IDZ. Beyond the river-port city, however, the region’s economy centres largely around manufacturing, tourism and agriculture, specifically the pineapple industry. With citrus, horticulture and livestock also being farmed, albeit on a smaller scale, the industry is estimated to create about 17 000 permanent jobs. A subsidiary canning and food-processing industry is also active.
Amathole benefits from significant forestry activity, especially in the Amathole Mountains and around Stutterheim and Butterworth, while the regions around Peddie and beyond Alice are excellent cattle-farming areas.
The textile industry traditionally was a big part of the region’s economy, and continues to contribute both in direct economic output and job creation. However, fierce international competition has seen this industry substantially restructured to meet changing global conditions, with the result that this is no longer a dominant industry in the region. Similarly, furniture manufacturing and leather processing, which also has a traditional base in the region, has become a smaller contributor to the regional economy in recent years.
However, the district is increasingly looking at diversifying its economic base and is active in several economic stimulus initiatives, most notably a R45-million blueberry project in Stutterheim. At an advanced stage of establishment, this venture is projected to employ in excess of 5 000 people at maturity, which will act as a crucial catalyst of future economic growth in the area.
Also, the region has entered into a joint venture with the National Small Industries Corporation of India to develop an SMME strategy for the district, based on the very successful Indian model.
In addition to its tourism development initiatives, the region is actively positioning itself as a prime sporting event host region. In recent months, it has welcomed national and international golfers to the inaugural Africa Open Golf Challenge at the Fish River Sun, and has hosted the prestigious Bull Of Africa Adventure Race, which this year drew participants from 13 countries .
Investment opportunities
•Forestry tourism around Stutterheim, Hogsback and Keiskammahoek, supported by the Amathole Hiking Trail.
•Eco-tourism – Amathole Mountains and Wild Coast, with possible nodes being investigated at Dwesa, Centane, and Haga Haga.
•Arts incubator development being investigated at Hamburg.
•Livestock commercialisation in Transkei.
•Horticulture in coastal areas – subtropical fruits, nuts, essential oils, berries and tree crops.
•Essential oil production.
Area: 23 675km²
Population: approx 1.7 million
Municipalities:
Buffalo City – East London, Bhisho, Dimbaza
Amahlathi – Stutterheim, Cathcart, Keiskammahoek, Kei Road
Nxuba – Adelaide, Bedford
Nkonkobe – Alice, Fort Beaufort
Ngqushwa – Peddie, Hamburg
Great Kei – Komgha, Kei Mouth, Haga Haga, Morgan Bay, Chintsa
Mnquma – Butterworth, Nqamakwe, Centane
Mbashe – Dutywa, Elliotdale, Willowvale
Tel: +27 (0)43 701 4000
Fax: +27 (0)43 742 0337
Executive mayor: Sakhumzi Somyo
Acting municipal manager: Mzwandile Gogwana
