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The rich history, culture and natural beauty that make East London a must-visit destination was on display recently as the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) rolled out the red carpet for a two-day media tour.
From township heritage to wild adventures, the tour was all about celebrating the Eastern Cape’s unique tourism attractions, starting with a bang at Heroes Park on the East London Esplanade.
Veteran tour guide Siseko Yelani led the way, teaching the group of journalists about the history of Heroes Park nestled at the beachfront in Quigney.
Heroes Park is dedicated to the province’s legends, boasting names of struggle stalwarts, boxing legends, artists and people who made their mark uplifting communities.
The park serves as a memorial to these heroes from various walks of life, showcasing the sacrifices and achievements that shaped the Eastern Cape’s legacy.
With the ocean breeze in the air, the group headed to meet Litha Ncokazi, the founder of Art Versatile Africa, a local pottery artist whose creations tell stories of the Eastern Cape’s soul.
Watching him shape clay into art was mesmerising.
Ncokazi, a fine arts graduate, has worked as a professional visual artist for 19 years and lectured in fine art at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) for more than a decade until 2022 when he started Art Versatile Africa.
This project supports not just his own work but the professional development of emerging artists.
He recently opened an art gallery in East London’s Arcadia, a stone’s throw away from the studio.
“My first love was creativity. I regard the space as my sanctuary. Most of the work that I do is placed at the gallery,” Ncokazi said.
The gallery is filled with the work of local artists as well as Ncokazi’s own creations.
Our next stop was the Duncan Village Heritage Museum at the heart of the township, founded by Nompumelelo Tshaka, a resident of Duncan Village, who transformed her family home into a vibrant heritage museum, dedicated to preserving the township’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
Tshaka, a former teacher, shared information on the township’s roots, its role in the struggle for freedom and its vibrant community spirit.
The stories shared here were raw and inspiring, painting a picture of a place that holds the past and future in equal measure.
Tshaka said: “We want to bring back and protect the forgotten memories of Duncan Village — its politics, religion, sports, arts and everyday life.
“This is more than a museum; it’s a centre for learning and research.
Lunch was served at Table 58 Brewery, where craft beer and hearty meals brought everyone together.
Fuelled up, the group took a breezy walk along Nahoon Beach, soaking in the coastal views and the energy of the ocean — a perfect way to wind down the day.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the media settled into Mpongo Game Reserve, about 35km from East London, for the night.
The reserve is a gem in the Eastern Cape, offering a mix of luxury and wild adventure.
It is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, like elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and antelope, and a variety of bird species.
It’s a haven for eco-tourists, families, and anyone craving an escape into nature.
The team had to wait around the bonfire before being taken to their rooms as elephants had blockaded the gravel stretch to the River Lodge.
The landscape is stunning, with rolling hills, lush river valleys, and bushveld that make every game drive feel like a cinematic experience.
Surrounded by nature, the reserve offered a tranquil escape, with the sounds of wildlife serenading everyone into a restful sleep.
Day two was just as poetic as the group departed the reserve and toured Mdantsane Township, starting off with a boxing heritage tour.
Vuyani Mbinda, a former boxer and secretary of the Ubuntu Boxing Fraternity, one of the founders of the organisation, aims to preserve the township’s boxing history and support former boxers.
Mbinda took us to the Mtsotso cemetery, to the grave of Nkosana “Happyboy” Mgxaji, a boxing legend whose legacy still inspires the community.
Standing there, Mbinda shared the triumphs of Mgxaji and how he inspired young people to start boxing.
Born on January 1 1949, Mgxaji stepped into the boxing ring for the first time in May 1969 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with, racking up an incredible 88 wins in his career.
His defining moment came on September 2 1972, when he fought Moses Mthembu at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in NU2.
Later at the stadium, Mbinda explained that at the time, the stadium was still half-built, but it was packed to capacity. Mgxaji went on to win the SA junior-lightweight title in 1973.
“He was a social institution to us. He would make wonderful things in the ring. Our route [showcasing the boxing history of Mdantsane] is influenced by his existence,” Mbinda said.
The group then visited Mgxaji’s home, a humble yet iconic site that added a personal touch to his story.
There, his accolades are displayed proudly. The group got to touch Mgxaji’s two white robes.
Mbinda also took the group to the Egerton Railway Station bus boycott massacre memorial.
Mbinda said the memorial was a tribute to the lives lost during one of the most harrowing events of SA’s anti-apartheid struggle.
On August 4 1983, the Ciskei police opened fire on a crowd of commuters at the Egerton station, killing 11 people and wounding 36.
These residents were part of a larger protest against a sudden bus fare increase of 50c (11%) introduced by the Ciskei Transport Corporation, which disproportionately affected working-class communities in Mdantsane and East London.
Lunch at Khula Phondo Lodge, a cosy spot tucked away in the heart of Mdantsane, was a feast of local flavours.
The lodge is a perfect mix of comfort and local charm, offering travellers a chance to experience the Eastern Cape’s vibrant culture while still enjoying modern amenities.
But the day wasn’t just about history — it was about adventure, too.
Yelani led the group on a nature walk, showcasing the hidden wilderness of Mdantsane.
His passion for the land was infectious, and the walk revealed a side of the township few ever get to see.
The walk was just over 2km, but it got us huffing and sweating, though the stunning views of the Bridle Drift Dam washed that away.
Then came the adrenaline rush: quad biking through the rugged terrain near the Bridle Drift Dam.
The thrill of speeding through the wilderness was matched only by the serenity of kayaking on the dam’s calm waters.
It was a perfect mix of action and peace, leaving everyone with full hearts and wide smiles. I watched the sun setting while sitting on a kayak, enjoying the scenic views.
That evening saw us feasting on a scrumptious supper at Tourism Shine, a homestay in Mdantsane, founded by Zelda Citwa.
The day concluded at the Mpongo Game Reserve, where the media reflected on the boxing heritage of Duncan Village and Mdantsane township.
The stories of resilience, triumph and community pride had left a lasting impression, making the tour not just a journey through places but through the spirit of the Eastern Cape itself.
The two-day adventure was a masterclass in showcasing the Eastern Cape’s treasures.
From the creative hands of Ncokazi to the wild beauty of the Bridle Drift Dam, every stop told a story worth sharing.
Daily Dispatch
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