The Eastern Cape is located on the east coast of South Africa between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Inland, it borders the Northern Cape and Free State provinces, as well as Lesotho. The region boasts remarkable natural diversity, ranging from the semi-arid Great Karoo to the forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley, the fertile Langkloof, and the mountainous southern Drakensberg region. The Eastern Cape’s main feature is its spectacular coastline bordering the Indian Ocean.
It covers an area of 168 966km² and has a population of 6 996 976. It is the second-largest province in South Africa by surface area and has the third-largest population. The capital is Bhisho. Other major cities and towns include Port Elizabeth, East London, Makhanda (previously Grahamstown), Mthatha (previously Umtata), Graaf Reinet, Cradock and Port St Johns.
Xhosa women, Eastern Cape, South Africa
The Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s poorest provinces incorporating large areas of South Africa’s former homelands. The Eastern Cape has excellent agricultural and forestry potential. The fertile Langkloof Valley in the south-west has enormous deciduous fruit orchards, while the Karoo interior is an important sheep-farming area. The Alexandria-Makhanda area produces pineapples, chicory and dairy products, while coffee and tea are cultivated at Magwa. People in the former Transkei region are dependent on the farming of cattle, maize and sorghum.
The metropolitan economies of Port Elizabeth and East London are based primarily on manufacturing, the most important industry being motor manufacturing. The province is the hub of South Africa’s automotive industry.
The Eastern Cape is divided into two metropolitan municipalities (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality) and six district municipalities, which are further subdivided into 31 local municipalities.
Eastern Cape Municipalities
Buffalo City Metropolitan Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan
Alfred Nzo District Matatiele Ntabankulu Umzimvubu Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Amathole District Amahlathi Great Kei Mbhashe Mnquma Ngqushwa Raymond Mhlaba
Chris Hani District Dr AB Xuma Emalahleni Enoch Mgijima Intsika Yethu Inxuba Yethemba Sakhisizwe
Joe Gqabi District Elundini Senqu Walter Sisulu
OR Tambo District Ingquza Hill King Sabata Dalindyebo Mhlontlo Nyandeni Port St Johns
Sarah Baartman District Blue Crane Route Dr Beyers Naudé Kouga Koukamma Makana Ndlambe Sundays River Valley
