Mthatha history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Mthatha (formerly known as Umtata) dates back to the second half of the 19th century. The settlement emerged as a buffer zone on the banks of the Mthatha River, established to stabilise relations between the neighbouring Thembu and Pondo tribes.

The year 1879 is generally considered the official date of the town's proclamation, although European settlers began developing this territory as early as 1869. The city's name derives from the river of the same name, which, according to one version, translates from the Xhosa language as "The Taker" (due to the turbulent nature of its waters and frequent floods in the past).

Key Factors of Development

Several circumstances contributed to the transformation of the small settlement into an important regional centre:

• Administrative Status: In 1882, the town became the seat of the Chief Magistrate of the Transkei territory, which attracted administrative staff and a military garrison.
• Geography: Its location in the centre of a fertile plain and the presence of a permanent water source made this place ideal for agriculture and living.
• Transport Hub: The town quickly became a key point on the trade route connecting the inland areas with the coast.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its existence, Mthatha developed as a trading and missionary centre. The economy was based on the exchange of goods between colonial traders and the local population, as well as serving civil servants.

Religious institutions played an important role in the cultural appearance of the city. The construction of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in the early 20th century secured the city's status as the spiritual centre of the region. Educational infrastructure also began to develop here early on, which subsequently made the region an important centre of learning for the Xhosa people.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1879 — Official proclamation of the town of Umtata (historical name) as a colonial administrative centre.
• 1882 — The town becomes the seat of the Chief Magistrate of the Transkei territory, cementing its status as a regional capital.
• 1908 — Completion of the sandstone City Hall building, which became an architectural symbol of that era.
• 1916 — Launch of the railway line connecting the city with the seaport of East London, accelerating economic development.
• 1976 — Umtata is declared the capital of the nominally independent Transkei homeland.
• 1976 — Foundation of the University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University), which became a training ground for the region.
• 1994 — After the fall of the apartheid regime, the city and region are reintegrated into a unified South Africa.
• 2000 — Grand opening of the Nelson Mandela Museum in the historic Bhunga Building in the city centre.
• 2004 — Official change of the city's name from "Umtata" to "Mthatha" to correspond with the correct pronunciation in the Xhosa language.
• 2013 — The city becomes a logistics centre of global scale during the farewell to Nelson Mandela, who was buried in the neighbouring village of Qunu.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

Mthatha's evolution from a colonial outpost to the modern commercial hub of the Eastern Cape province has passed through several key transformations that defined the city's current appearance.

• Establishment of the Administrative Centre (1882)
  The transfer of the Chief Magistrate's residence turned the small settlement into a management centre for a vast territory. This event launched the process of urban planning and the construction of substantial administrative buildings made of sandstone, which today constitute the historical core of the city.
• Railway Revolution (1916)
  The opening of the branch line connecting the city with the port of East London had decisive economic significance. This turned Mthatha into the main logistics hub of the region, allowing for the export of agricultural products and the import of industrial goods.
• Urbanisation of the "Capital" Period (1976)
  Obtaining the status of the capital of the Transkei region caused a construction boom. During this period, a significant part of the modern infrastructure was created: government buildings, residential areas for employees, and the K.D. Matanzima Airport, which significantly expanded the city's boundaries.
• Formation of the Educational Cluster (1976)
  The founding of the University of Transkei (now part of Walter Sisulu University) changed the demographic and cultural landscape. The city began to attract youth and academic staff, turning into the intellectual centre of the region.
• Cultural Branding (2000)
  The opening of the Nelson Mandela Museum in the historic Bhunga Building was a turning point for the tourism industry. The city officially secured its status as the "gateway" to Mandela's legacy, which attracted an international flow of tourists.
• Restoration of Historical Toponymy (2004)
  The official renaming from Umtata to Mthatha had important cultural significance. This symbolised a return to roots and respect for the linguistic traditions of the Xhosa people, harmonising the urban environment with local identity.
• Commercial Modernisation (2010s)
  The construction of large shopping centres (such as BT Ngebs City) and the renovation of the airport marked the transition to a modern consumer economy. This consolidated the city's role as the main trading hub for millions of residents of the surrounding rural areas.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Mthatha represents an eclectic combination of colonial heritage and administrative modernism of the second half of the 20th century. The urban development clearly reflects the change of political eras: from a British outpost to the capital of a homeland and a modern trading hub.

Colonial Period: The Sandstone Era (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

The historical centre of the city is formed by buildings constructed from local sandstone. This material defined the visual style of early Mthatha, giving it a monumental and austere look. The style leans towards Colonial Classicism and Neo-Gothic.

• City Hall (1908): A striking example of colonial civic architecture. It is distinguished by a strict facade of hewn stone and symmetry characteristic of administrative buildings of the British Empire of that time.
• Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist: A dominant feature of the city's spiritual life, designed in the Neo-Gothic style. The use of stone and lancet windows highlight the European influence at the early stage of the city's development.
• Bhunga Building: Originally built for the United Transkeian Territories General Council, it combines elements of classicism and functionality. Today, it houses the Nelson Mandela Museum.

"Transkei Capital" Period: Modernism and Brutalism (1976–1994)

Obtaining the status of the capital of the Transkei homeland provoked a boom in the construction of government and administrative buildings. During this period, the International Style and Functionalism prevailed, focused on the rapid erection of large-scale facilities.

• Administrative High-rises: The appearance of multi-storey office buildings changed the city skyline. The most notable is the Botha Sigcau Building — the tallest building in Mthatha, which became a symbol of administrative power of that era.
• University Campus: The complex of buildings of Walter Sisulu University (formerly the University of Transkei) demonstrates features of Brutalism with the use of concrete and strict geometric forms characteristic of educational architecture of the 1970s.

Modern Development (21st Century)

Currently, the urban planning vector has shifted towards commercial architecture. Modern buildings are predominantly shopping centres and logistics complexes, made of glass and concrete in a utilitarian style.

• Shopping Malls: Complexes like BT Ngebs City represent examples of modern commercial development, integrating the city into the global consumer culture.

Notable People of Mthatha

Mthatha and its surroundings are the birthplace or place of development for many iconic figures of South Africa. This region has given the world political leaders, cultural icons, and talented artists.

• Nelson Mandela
  First democratic President of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
  Although Mandela was born in the nearby village of Mvezo, Mthatha is inextricably linked with his name. The city serves as the main gateway to his ancestral home and resting place in Qunu. In the very centre of Mthatha lies the main branch of the Nelson Mandela Museum, preserving the history of his life and struggle.
• Walter Sisulu
  Political figure, anti-apartheid activist
  One of Mandela's closest associates and a key figure in the history of modern South Africa. His contribution to the development of the region is immortalised in the name of Walter Sisulu University (WSU), the main campus of which is located in Mthatha and serves as the centre of the city's academic life.
• Bantu Holomisa
  Politician, leader of the UDM party
  A well-known South African political figure. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he led the government of Transkei, based in Mthatha. His activities during this period had a significant impact on the political landscape of the region prior to the democratic transition.
• Simphiwe Dana
  Singer, composer
  An acclaimed star of Afro-soul and jazz, often referred to as the "new Miriam Makeba". Simphiwe spent her school years in Mthatha, studying at St. John's College, where her musical talent began to form.
• Zozibini Tunzi
  Miss Universe 2019, model
  A native of the nearby town of Tsolo, Zozibini is closely linked to Mthatha culturally and geographically. Her victory in the global beauty pageant brought immense pride to the residents of the Eastern Cape, and she often visits the region to participate in charitable projects.