Gqeberha history

The city known today as Gqeberha was founded in 1820 by British settlers. The Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Donkin, named the settlement in honour of his late wife, Elizabeth. Thus, the name Port Elizabeth appeared on maps. However, in 2021, the city was restored to its indigenous name Gqeberha — the Xhosa name for the Baakens River, which flows through the region. The very first European structure on this site was Fort Frederick, built by the British in 1799.

A key factor in the establishment of Gqeberha was its strategic location on the shores of Algoa Bay in the Indian Ocean. This made it an important seaport, which quickly transformed into a bustling trade hub. Founded to strengthen the British presence on the frontier of the Cape Colony, the city served as both a military and an economic outpost. Rapid development began after the construction of the railway to Kimberley in 1873, which further strengthened its trading position.

From the very beginning, the city's economy was closely linked to maritime trade. Gqeberha became a centre for wool exports, which contributed to its prosperity in the 19th century. Later, in the 20th century, the city gained fame as the automotive capital of South Africa, hosting factories of leading global manufacturers. The city's cultural heritage reflects its multi-layered history: from British colonial architecture to the influence of the various communities that have lived here. The city is also known by its nicknames — "The Friendly City" and "The Windy City".

Key Dates in the History of Gqeberha

• 1799 — British forces build Fort Frederick to protect Algoa Bay from a possible French invasion.
• 1820 — Arrival of British settlers and the founding of the settlement, named Port Elizabeth by Acting Governor Sir Rufane Donkin in honour of his late wife.
• 1861 — Port Elizabeth receives autonomous municipality status, strengthening its administrative importance.
• 1873 — Construction of the railway to Kimberley begins, giving a powerful boost to the port's development and turning the city into a major trade hub.
• 1885 — Completion of the railway line to Kimberley, significantly accelerating the transport of goods and passengers.
• 1913 — Port Elizabeth officially receives city status.
• 1924 — Ford opens an assembly plant in the city, laying the foundation for its future status as the automotive capital of South Africa.
• 1926 — General Motors opens its plant, strengthening the city's position in the automotive industry.
• 1936 — Firestone opens a tyre manufacturing plant, contributing to the further development of the industrial cluster.
• 2005 — Nelson Mandela University is created through the merger of three educational institutions, becoming the largest in the province.
• 2021 — The city is officially renamed Gqeberha, which is the Xhosa name for the Baakens River.

Major Milestones in the Development of Gqeberha

The history of Gqeberha is a journey from a strategic military post to one of South Africa's key industrial and cultural centres. Each stage has left its mark on the economy, architecture, and character of the city.

• Founding as a port centre (1820s). Initially created as a settlement for British immigrants, the city quickly defined its main role — a maritime gateway to the interior of the continent. This laid the foundation for its future economic prosperity.
• The "Wool Boom" (mid-19th century). Gqeberha became the main port for wool exports, which brought the city significant revenue and contributed to its rapid growth. During this period, many historic buildings were constructed, shaping the architectural appearance of the centre.
• Railway construction (1873). The laying of the railway line to the diamond fields of Kimberley turned the city into a crucial logistics hub. The main flow of goods, equipment, and people heading to the country's interior regions passed through its port.
• The rise of the "South African Detroit" (1920s). With the opening of Ford and General Motors plants, the city became the centre of South Africa's automotive industry. This radically changed its economic profile, attracted thousands of workers, and led to the expansion of urban areas.
• Post-war industrial growth (1940s – 1960s). After World War II, the automotive industry and related manufacturing (such as the Firestone tyre factory) continued to develop actively, strengthening Gqeberha's status as an industrial giant.
• Development of tourism infrastructure (late 20th – early 21st century). In an effort to diversify the economy, city authorities began to actively develop tourism. The waterfront was modernised, and new hotels and entertainment complexes appeared, making Gqeberha a popular holiday destination.
• Educational centre (2005). The creation of Nelson Mandela University through the merger of several educational institutions turned the city into the largest educational and scientific hub of the Eastern Cape province.
• Cultural reimagining (2021). The official renaming of the city to Gqeberha became an important symbolic act aimed at recognising the indigenous heritage of the Xhosa people and reflecting cultural transformations in modern South Africa.

The architectural appearance of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) is a visual history of its development from a British colonial outpost to a major industrial centre. The city does not boast medieval styles such as Gothic or Renaissance, as its history only begins in the 19th century. The foundation of its architectural heritage consists of buildings from the Victorian era and the Art Deco period.

Colonial Period: Victorian and Edwardian Architecture

The city's flourishing in the second half of the 19th century, linked to the wool trade and railway construction, left a rich legacy of Victorian architecture. This style is characterised by complex asymmetry, an abundance of decoration, and the use of cast iron. The historic city centre, especially the area around Market Square and Donkin Street, has preserved many remarkable buildings from this era.

• City Hall: Built between 1858 and 1862, with a clock tower added in 1883, it is a striking example of Victorian eclecticism with elements of classicism.
• Main Library: A 1902 building with a facade clad in terracotta tiles, representing a fine example of Edwardian architecture.
• Donkin Reserve: This complex, including a lighthouse and a stone pyramid laid in 1820, serves as the starting point of urban development and demonstrates early colonial planning.
• St Mary's Anglican Cathedral: Construction began in 1825. The building is designed in the Neo-Gothic style, popular in the Victorian era.

Industrial Rise: Art Deco

In the 1920s and 1930s, as Gqeberha was becoming the automotive capital of South Africa, the Art Deco style appeared in its architecture. It reflected the spirit of industrialisation, optimism, and modernity. It is characterised by strict geometric forms, stepped facades, and decorative elements made from modern materials.

• The Campanile: Built in 1923 to commemorate the arrival of British settlers, this 51-metre tower with an observation deck is one of the city's most recognisable symbols and bears features close to the Art Deco style.
• Residential and commercial buildings: In some older districts, one can find buildings from the 1930s with balconies, windows, and ornaments characteristic of Art Deco.

Modern Development

Post-war and modern urban development focused on the expansion of industrial zones and residential areas. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the emphasis shifted to developing tourism infrastructure along the waterfront and modernising public spaces. One of the iconic modern landmarks is the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which demonstrates modern approaches in architecture and engineering.

Prominent Figures Associated with Gqeberha

The city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) has been the birthplace or an important stage in life for many iconic South African figures in politics, the arts, and sports. Their activities have left a significant mark on the country's history and brought the city global fame.

• Govan Mbeki (1910–2001) — A prominent politician and anti-apartheid activist. As one of the leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) and an associate of Nelson Mandela, he spent 24 years imprisoned on Robben Island. In the 1950s, Mbeki moved to Port Elizabeth, where he worked as the editor of the New Age newspaper and played a key role in the region's political life. He is buried in Gqeberha.
• Siya Kolisi (born 1991) — A world-renowned rugby player who grew up in the Zwide township of Gqeberha. In 2018, he made history by becoming the first black captain of the South African national rugby team (the "Springboks"). Under his leadership, the team won the Rugby World Cup twice, in 2019 and 2023, making him a symbol of national unity and hope.
• Athol Fugard (born 1932) — One of South Africa's most significant playwrights. He grew up in Port Elizabeth, and the city became the setting for many of his world-famous plays, in which he sharply criticised the apartheid system. His works, such as "Master Harold"...and the Boys, are largely based on his childhood memories of life in the city. Fugard has received numerous awards, including a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement.
• Shaun Pollock (born 1973) — A legendary cricketer born and raised in Gqeberha. Considered one of the greatest all-rounders in history. He captained the South African national team and made a huge contribution to the development of cricket in the country.
• Danny Jordaan (born 1951) — An influential sports and political administrator born in Gqeberha. He was a key figure in organising the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, serving as the CEO of the organising committee. His work contributed to the successful hosting of the first World Cup on the African continent. Later, he served as the Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
• Schalk Burger (born 1983) — A famous rugby player born in Gqeberha. As part of the Springboks team, he became a world champion in 2007. In 2004, he was named Player of the Year by the International Rugby Board (IRB).