Mthatha facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mthatha Umtata
City
Mthatha's Small CBD
Mthatha Location in Eastern Cape Show map of Eastern Cape Mthatha Location in South Africa Show map of South Africa Mthatha Location in Africa Show map of Africa
Country	South Africa
Province	Eastern Cape
District	O.R. Tambo
Municipality	King Sabata Dalindyebo
Area
• Total	91.45 km2 (35.31 sq mi)
Elevation	698 m (2,290 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	96,114
• Density	1,051.00/km2 (2,722.08/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	94.6%
• Coloured	2.7%
• Indian/Asian	1.2%
• White	1.0%
• Other	0.5%
First languages (2011)
• Xhosa	85.0%
• English	8.6%
• Afrikaans	1.1%
• Other	5.2%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	5099
PO box	5099
Area code	047
Website	http://www.mthatha.co.za

Mthatha (pronounced əm-TAH-tah) is a major city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is the main city of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and the capital of the OR Tambo District Municipality. The city has an airport, which was renamed Mthatha Airport. Mthatha gets its name from the nearby Mthatha River. This river was named after the sneezewood (umtati) trees, which are known for their strong wood and healing properties.

History of Mthatha

A 1913 view of Mthatha with the Mthatha River in front and the Drakensberg mountains far away.

Mthatha started in the 1870s as a neutral area. This was to help with disagreements between the Mpondo and Thembu groups. In 1875, a magistrate's office was opened. A magistrate is like a local judge.

The town grew and became a military base for the British forces in 1882. Mthatha was officially founded in 1883, next to the Mthatha River. Many years later, the Mthatha Dam was built about eight kilometers upstream.

Mthatha became an important center for administration. It had both Anglican and Catholic churches. The town also became the main office for the Transkeian Territories General Council, known as the Bunga. The building used as a parliament was built in 1903. The town hall followed in 1908.

A part of the University of Fort Hare was set up in Mthatha. When the Transkei became independent in 1977, this part became the University of Transkei. In 2005, the University of Transkei joined with other colleges to form the Walter Sisulu University for Technology and Science. This university campus was also home to the region's first community radio station, UCRFM, which started in 1996.

Mthatha's Role in Transkei

In 1976, Transkei became a "bantustan." This was a state that was said to be independent by South Africa, but most other countries did not agree. Mthatha was its capital city, and it was called "Umtata" at the time. During this period, an airport was built and named after the leader, Kaiser Matanzima. Later, in 2012, the airport was officially handed over to the South African government and was renamed Mthatha Airport.

After the end of apartheid (a system of racial separation), some businesses and professionals moved to other areas. This caused some economic challenges for Mthatha. However, new building projects have brought hope for the city's future.

Nelson Mandela's Connection to Mthatha

Many important South African leaders come from this area. These include Walter Sisulu, Sabelo Phama, Bantu Holomisa, and Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela lived in his home village of Qunu, which is just a few kilometers south of Mthatha.

Mthatha is a key part of the Nelson Mandela Route. This route celebrates the life of Nelson Mandela. There are three Nelson Mandela Museums that show different parts of his life story. These museums are in Mvezo, Qunu, and the Bunga Building in Mthatha. The Bunga Building museum tells the story of his Long Walk to Freedom and displays many gifts he received.

On March 2, 2004, Umtata was officially renamed "Mthatha."

Local Businesses and Innovation

Mthatha has two main taxi businesses: Uncedo Taxi Association and Border Taxi Association. These groups had disagreements over routes, which led to some taxi ranks being closed by the government. In 2018, the Minister of Police Bheki Cele worked to help resolve these issues.

In 2019, two students from the Walter Sisulu University, Siphosethu Mgwili and Zanodumo Godlimpi, created affordable prosthetic limbs. They won an award for their amazing and innovative idea.

Religion in Mthatha

Mthatha is an important religious center. It is the main city for both the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mthatha and the Anglican Diocese of Mthatha.

Mthatha's Economy

Mthatha is part of the OR Tambo District Municipality. This district faces economic challenges. Many people in the area live in poverty, and there are high rates of unemployment. The literacy rate (how many people can read and write) is also lower than in some other areas.

The local government, the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, has faced financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, Mthatha is seeing new developments. Large construction projects, like the BT Ngebs Mall and Mayfair Hotel, are bringing new hope and growth to the city.

Important Facilities

The Sinawe Thuthuzela Care Centre is a special place that helps people who have experienced trauma. It was started in 2001 and helps many patients each month, some coming from far away. It even won an award for being "the best-run care centre in South Africa." The name Sinawe means "we are with you" in Xhosa.

Notable People from Mthatha

Many well-known people come from Mthatha or the surrounding area:

• Nelson Mandela
• King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo
• King Sabata Dalindyebo
• Moneoa Moshesh
• Amanda Black
• Lwazi Mvovo
• Odwa Ndungane
• Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
• Akona Ndungane
• Alan Barrow
• Bongani Mayosi
• Nkosinathi Mankayi
• Bubele Mhlana
• Carlo Del Fava
• Jeff Hawkes
• Jessica Haines
• Masibusane Zongo
• Ngazibini Sigwili
• Odwa Ndungane
• Sean Park
• Siya Mdaka
• Vusumuzi Masondo
• Sabelo Phama
• Nambitha Mpumlwana
• Zola Nombona
• Jet Novuka
• IFani
• Busiswa
• Black Coffee
• Athi-Patra Ruga
• Kaneez Surka
• Jerry Masslo
• Wendy Woods
• Ntlanganiso Liminathi
• Zikhona Sodlaka
• Anele Mdoda

Climate in Mthatha

Mthatha has a warm oceanic climate. This means it has mild winters and warm summers. The city can also experience strong thunderstorms, and sometimes even tornadoes. Several tornadoes have hit Mthatha between 1995 and 2023, causing damage to homes and even the airport.

See also

In Spanish: Mthatha para niños