About Mthatha

Mthatha, formerly known as Umtata, sits on the banks of the Mthatha River in the Eastern Cape and served as the capital of the former Transkei homeland, giving it a lasting role as an administrative and commercial centre for the surrounding Xhosa heartland. The town holds deep significance in South African history as the region where Nelson Mandela was born and raised nearby, in the villages of Mvezo and Qunu, and it now anchors the Nelson Mandela Museum and much of the broader Nelson Mandela heritage route. Mthatha functions today as the main urban hub of the OR Tambo District Municipality, serving as a gateway to the Wild Coast for travellers heading toward Coffee Bay and Port St Johns. Its streets carry the name of another local icon, struggle stalwart and former ANC president Oliver Reginald Tambo, whose legacy is honoured throughout the town.

Mthatha's calendar opens with the UCR FM 30 YEARS CELEBRATION at Nkandla Lifestyle Mthatha on 29 August, followed by the O.R.Tambo Gospel Music Festival in town on 12 September. Runners can take on the Sun 20 Sep Elliot Madeira Marathon Mthatha Eastern Cape Marathon Half Marathon 10km 5km the same week, while families gather for the Ligugu Family Festival at Confluence Mthatha on 26 September. Later in the year, MOMENTS OF BEGINNING: The Tour brings a concert to Mthatha Stadium on 3 December.