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MOLO, MOLWENI, the traditional welcoming exchange between people, when meeting, in the Xhosa language, the predominate language of the Eastern Cape, however, English is understood by all. |
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East London, affectionately called Buffalo City by the locals, is situated 1000 kilometres from Cape town on the South East coast of South Africa. Lying in between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo river to the south it is the only river port in South Africa. The shores are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and with its sub-tropical climate is a sought after tourist destination for local South Africans and international tourist alike.
East London, itself, has some 400 000 residents, the metropolitan area has 1.4 million, and is the second largest city in the province of the Eastern Cape. |
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This site or the owner is not connected to any government agency in any shape or form.
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East London Town Hall |
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With a genuine sense of hospitality and laid back style of living the inhabitants of East London will make you feel more than welcome. There are only a few hotels in the city which has opened up a niche for local Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering establishments, to fill the void, where you will find great service and true South African cordiality. Overseas visitors will find the prices most agreeable, just check our currency converter to find out why. East London is at the northern end of a 300 kilometre stretch of coastline refereed to as the "Sunshine Coast" which has St Francis Bay at the southern end. The Sunshine Coast is renowned for it's many kilometres of beautiful unpolluted and un-crowded beaches |
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Long before written history the banks of the now Buffalo River and the seashore were inhabited by early man, the Nahoon footprints have been dated at been 200 000 years old, the oldest fossilized human footprints found in the world. In more recent history the area was home to the Khoisan or Bushman tribe who were pushed out of the region by the later white settlers.
It was in the area around East London that the Xhosa and white setters met for the first time and a century long battle ensured for the right to the prime grazing lands of the Eastern Cape. A British fort, Fort Glamorgan was constructed in 1847 around which present day East London developed, this was to protect the vital river port which was essential in supplying the army's and settlers in the region. For more history information on East London please visit Dr Keith Tankards archive at http://www.eastlondon-labyrinth.com/index.html
The economy of East London is heavily dependent on the motor manufacturing industry, Daimler Chrysler http://www.chrysler.co.za has a plant that produces for the local market and exports to England, Japan and Australia which is situated, not surprisingly, near the harbour, nevertheless the Eastern Cape remains one of the poorest regions of South Africa but with intervention by the government and the growth of the tourist industry by leaps and bounds the situation is improving.
Both Nelson Mandela and the former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, have their roots in the Eastern Cape. Thabo Mbeki attend high school in Lovedale until been expelled for his participation in the struggle for freedom. |
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Memorial to Steve Biko |
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| Swimming pool at Orient Beach |
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East London has a small but busy national airport that has between 20 and 30 flights a day into it and brings in 350 000 people a year to the city. For more information on the airport please visit the website at http://www.acsa.co.za/home.asp?pid=232
Originally called Port Rex the port on the Buffalo River plays a huge role in the economy of the city and serviced 399 ships in the 2005/2006 fiscal year, for more information please visit http://www.ports.co.za/east-london.php
East London, Bhisho and King Williams Town municipalities have been incorporated into one and is now known as the Buffalo City Municipality which is in the Amatole District of the Eastern Province. For more information on exactly how this city is governed please visit http://www.buffalocity.gov.za/
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SURFING REPORT:
Here is a link for all you surfers wanting to know the conditions at Nahoon Reef, its run by Kevin Harris who will keep it updated:
http://www.everyspot.com/surf/spots/440/south-africa/nahoon/
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Volunteer in South Africa offers a significant mix of Volunteer opportunities for Volunteers that are walking alongside God and want to make a meaningful impact in South Africa and Africa at large.
Our Volunteer Projects are designed to provide continuous Solutions to help the Poor communities of South Africa. We aim to Disciple Children and walk alongside Children and Adults bringing them to their God given Talents. We aim to Create an Environment where people Flourish in their God-Given Gifts and are Encouraged to Pursue their dreams by adding ‘HOPE’ into their lives.
Our purpose is to serve humanity by facilitating ways and resources in which people can get involved to help improve ways of living in South Africa and Africa at large.
Hello we are launching a new ministry in Coffee bay, TRANSKEI, south africa. We will be teaching 100 poor children to SWIM, SURFING AND SOCCER SKills. We have a team of 35 missionaries coming to help Launch this Project and so I was wondering if you would be interested in coming to do a Story? We will be bringing many to Christ through Sports and new skills and helping many Poor people
http://www.volunteerinsouthafrica.co.uk/
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EL PETPALS ANIMAL SANCTUARY
( EAST LONDON)
Pet Pals was formed by a group of animal loving volunteers who see the need for shelter animals to receive
human interaction, exercise and affection in a calm, peaceful environment for as long as they remain.
http://www.elpetpals.co.za/ |
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