About Gqeberha

Gqeberha, long known as Port Elizabeth and nicknamed the Friendly City, is the anchor of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro on Algoa Bay, one of the few South African cities where wide sandy beaches sit within walking distance of the city centre. It has been a car-manufacturing hub for over a century, with Volkswagen and other plants in and around the metro giving it the nickname "the Detroit of South Africa." The Donkin Reserve, with its pyramid memorial and lighthouse overlooking the bay, and the Route 67 public art trail trace the city's history from 1820 Settler landing point to democratic South Africa. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup, anchors a sporting calendar that runs from rugby to athletics, while the city serves as the main gateway to Addo Elephant National Park and the start of the Garden Route.

Gqeberha's spring calendar runs from fitness to live comedy, with 144 qualifying listings keeping the city busy into the new year. Lions Bay Crossfit hosts the multi-day Fittest in PE 2026 this week, while Nelson Mandela University welcomes touring musicians for the Eastern Cape Final Exam Tour - Gqeberha. Runners can take on the Crusaders 21.1km & 10km Race & 5km Fun Run/Walk at African Sky's, and theatre returns to the Savoy when Hey Hey Divorcé opens a three-night run. South End's Tramways Building adds nightlife to the mix with Haus of Moments.