Mthatha (Umtata) #CulturalTourism

Mthatha
(Umtata)

Location of Mthatha (Umtata) in South Africa.

Simplicity of destinations to some people can be more satisfying then the site of a grand hotel or lodge! I would definitely use the term ‘simple’ in a good way when describing this humble town in the Eastern Cape. Mthatha or formerly spelt Umtata, was founded as a colonial military post in 1882 and is located in the King Sabata Danilyebo Municipality district, this town has no military importance to South Africa anymore.

King Sabata Danilyebo was the king/ traditional leader of the AmaTembu people, but he was also a renowned anti-apartheids activist in the apartheid-era, and fought for the Xhosa way of life in the Transkei (today the province of the Eastern Cape). Xhosa is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa.  Apartheid only ended in April 1994, although sanctions placed on South Africa by other countries were lifted in 1990. Sanctions where brought onto South Africa because of the county’s inability to see every human being as equal.

 

The AmaTembu people, in their traditional clothes. This Xhosa-group still live in the Transkei (Eastern Cape) today.



Traditional homes (huts) in the Transkei (Eastern Cape).

Another key factor which makes Mthatha stand out over other places in Southern Africa is, in the nearby village of Qunu, South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918. This small little village just outside Mthatha is so rural the infrastructure consists mainly of dirt roads and traditional huts, former President Nelson Mandela’s retirement home since 2004, over shadows the simple way of living of the AmaTembu people, who still live in the area today!

 

The humble village of Qunu, just outside Mthatha, the childhood home of former President, Nelson Mandela.



Nelson Mandela's retirement home since 2004, in Qunu.

Nelson Mandela was born to be the prince of the AmaTembu people, before he made fighting for the rights of his people in a country that he loved, a priority. Imprisonment on Robben Island for 27 years showed his dedication. Within Qunu the Nelson Mandela Museum was created out of the old Bunga building (domed shaped building, was also the former seat of the Transkei Parliament). Qunu is still an important commercial center for the area with its fascinating history.



A young Neslon Mandela, before his imprisonment and sentence to Robben Island.

South Africa's first black President (1994-1999)!

Tata Madiba today...

The Nelson Mandela Museum consists out of three components that include:

1.      Nelson Mandela’s original home on the banks of the Qunu River, a tributary of the Mbashe River.

2.      Also the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre, where young people from all over the world come and learn his story and the story of South Africa, from his own personal point of view.

3.      The third component is the new Bunga building that displays the gifts given to Nelson Mandela (including his Nobel-prize of Freedom in 1993) and an exhibition of his autobiographical book – ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, published in 1995. This book is available electronically since 2008 (eBook).

 

Nelson Mandela's autobiographical book -' Long Walk to Freedom' was published in 1995, an electronic version of the book is available!

But for those people out there who don’t find politics, like myself very interesting, natural attractions in the area still make Mthatha a place worth visiting! Some natural attractions in the area include the Lucaba- and Nduli Nature Reserves. These reserves showcase what this region in the Eastern Cape is all about – the combination of open water and grasslands makes this a site to behold, and an extra bonus added to the region unasked for is the enjoyable weather throughout the year, making these reserves any nature-lovers dream destination.

The Nduli Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Mthatha.



The Luchaba Nature Reserve a short drive from Mthatha...



An example of a flora-species that can be seen in the Nature Reserves!



An example of a fauna-species that can be seen in the Nature Reserves!

Mthatha is that little South African town in which indirectly housed possibly one of the most famous people, who set foot on earth. Although the town’s main focus may be attracting tourist interested in history, politics and heritage, I wouldn’t count out the nature reserves within the area.  This town caters for national, but also international tourists…

Till next time…

C.R.