Gqeberha (Formerly Port Elizabeth)
Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth and colloquially referred to as P.E., is a major seaport and the most populous city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It serves as the seat of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa's second-smallest metropolitan municipality by area.
Historical Background
Gqeberha was established in 1820 as Port Elizabeth by Sir Rufane Donkin, who was the governor of the Cape Colony at the time. The city was named after his wife, Elizabeth, who had passed away in India. The name "Port Elizabeth" was a tribute to her, and the Donkin Memorial in the CBD of the city stands as a testament to that dedication.
The founding of Port Elizabeth was part of an initiative by the government of the Cape Colony to settle 4,000 British colonists in the Algoa Bay area. This settlement was intended to strengthen the border region between the Cape Colony and the Xhosa people.
Geographical and Cultural Significance
Known as "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City," Gqeberha is characterized by its significant cultural heritage and strategic location as a gateway to the Eastern Cape. In 2019, the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee recommended renaming Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha, after the Xhosa and Southern Khoe name for the Baakens River that flows through the city.
Modern Developments
Gqeberha houses important infrastructure such as the Port Elizabeth International Airport, formerly known as H. F. Verwoerd Airport, and is a hub of economic activity. The city is also home to Nelson Mandela University, which originated from the merger of the University of Port Elizabeth, the Port Elizabeth Technikon, and Vista University's Port Elizabeth campus.