East London: 12 Interesting Facts You Might Not Have Known

East London is part of the Buffalo City municipality and is situated on the South East Coast of South Africa in the Eastern Cape province. I’ve only visited this city once, when I was about 5 years old. At the time my parents had friends that were living in Gonubie.

Here are 12 Interesting Facts about East London

1. East London (originally called Port Rex) was founded in 1847 when a British fort was built in the region to serve as supply port for nearby King William’s Town.

2. The existing port in East London, in the mouth of the Buffalo River (the only river port in South Africa), adjoining the Indian Ocean has been operating since 1870.

3. East London was handed city status in 1914.

4. Today the city has a population of about 400,000 people.

5. In 1959 the Prince George Circuit race circuit opened in East London. It hosted 3 Formula One South African Grand Prix races in the 1960s.

6. The Daily Dispatch (an East London newspaper) broke the story of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko’s murder in 1977. The story of paper’s editor, Donald Woods is depicted in the film Cry Freedom. Today a statue of Steve Biko stands in front of the EL City hall.

7. In 2000, the city became part of the municipality of Buffalo City, also consisting of King William’s Town and Bhisho.

8. The city’s cricket ground, Buffalo park can hold up to 28,000 people. It is also known as Mercedes-Benz Park, thanks to sponsorship from the German motor manufacturer. It is traditionally nicknamed “The Buffs”, however with the new sponsor it is humorously called “The Carpark”.

9. Mark Boucher (international cricketer),  Joan Harrison (Swimmer and 1952 Olympic champion), Mark Andrews (Springbok rugby player), Andre Vos (Rugby player), Rory Kockott (Rugby player), Jody Sheckter (1979 Formula 1 champion), Donald Woods (Anti-Apartheid Activist), Wendy Botha (4 time World Surfing Champion), Deon Opperman (Playwright), Vuyani Bungu (Boxer), Welcome Ncita (Boxer) and Derek Bauer (Cartoonist) were all born in this city.

10. It’s the 6th largest city in South Africa.

11. The city is the second largest industrial center in the Eastern Cape, with a strong focus on the motor industry. Major manufacturers like Daimler operate plants here, producing vehicles for both local and international markets.

12. Established in 1921, the East London museum houses notable exhibits, including a preserved coelacanth, a prehistoric fish thought to be extinct until its discovery near the city in 1938.

Well, there you have, 12 interesting facts you might not have known about East London. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.

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