MM PORT ELIZABETH
INTRODUCTION

The new Eastern Cape province, a region of intriguing contrasts, typifies two key words: diversity and convergence.

The region uniquely portrays the differing scenic, cultural, historical, climatic, marine, wildlife and floral riches which make up the South African experience.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

It was here that the Xhosa, Dutch and British had their first encounters - a history-making convergence of civilisations, cultures, languages and lifestyles.

At the industrial and commercial hub of the province is Port Elizabeth. It was so named by acting Governor of the Cape, Sir Rufane Donkin, whose beloved wife, Elizabeth, had died in the Far East and never actually reached this destination.
The arrival of ± 4000 British Settlers in the late eighteenth century significantly affected the economy of the area and by about 1800 Port Elizabeth had begun to function as a small town. The Divisional Council of Port Elizabeth was established in 1856 and the Chamber of Commerce was founded eight years later. Leading industries now began to recognize the young city's potential and the economy began to burgeon.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Thus the ground work had been laid and an infrastructure created which would form a strong support base for future investors.

Port Elizabeth, the country's fifth largest city in terms of population and second largest in terms of area offers much more than just an abundance of sunshine and a beautiful coastal environment: with all its unique and important features Port Elizabeth is a most attractive venue for investment and development.

Historical row of houses stand in front of mndern city buildings[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
The Donkin Memorial

CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION

Port Elizabeth is a major seaport situated in Algae Bay whose shores are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its location on the south eastern coast of Africa is equidistant (800km) from Cape Town and Durban, and 1064km from Johannesburg.
The area enjoys all the advantages of a temperate and equable climate and is bathed by sunshine and invigorating sea breezes. It has a year round rainfall and is never too wet, too hot or too cold. The average temperatures for summer and winter are 25° and 17° respectively - truly an ideal place to live.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

DEMOGRAPHICS

The latest population figures available record a total population of 1 089 238 (see fig I)This figure illustrates a trebling of the population during the previous ten years - an increase which was easily sustained within the municipal ground of 441 square kilometres. The population of the greater Port Elizabeth area is predominantly urbanised with only 2% living in rural areas.

DURBAN
EAS LONDON[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
PORT ELIZABETH
CAPE TOWN

Aerial view of Port Elizabeth harbour
AGE CATEGORY
POPULATION % DISTRIBUTION
0-14 313 378 28.77
15-64 718 230 G5.93
65+ 55630 5,30
TOTAL 1 089 238 100,00[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Fig ! Supplied by The Unit for .Statistical Analysis Port Elizabeth - 1993

1. Main Library
2. City Hall
3. Settlers Park[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
4. St George's Park
5. Humewood from Shark
Rock Pier
6 The beachfront at sunset 7. 1820 Settler Monument 8. War Memorial 9. Pearson Conservatory, St
George's Park
10. The Harbour 11. Settlers Park 72.-I5. Old Central 16 At the beachfront
16
15
9[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

ECONOMY

The Port Elizabeth/Uitenhage area is a manufacturing powerhouse for South Africa. Companies located here are also ideally placed for exporting to the international market. They are especially equipped, in terms of labour and infrastructure, for value-added assignments in every sector of the formal economy, but particularly manufacturing. THE G.G.P OF THE AREA IS OVER R11 billion per annum. Sectoral contributions (as a percentage) can be seen in the pie chart below.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

KEY INDUSTRIES

The Automobile industry[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

The Motor Industry is a massive contributor to the local and South African economy. Begun in the 1920s, it now has an investment of over R1 billion. Volkswagen and Delta Motor Corporation (manufacturers of Opel, Isuzu and Suzuki) plus Samcor's Engine Plant together employ over 12 000 people and produce approximately one third of all vehicles in the RSA. Valkswagen and Delta are both very successful participants in the international market covering completed vehicles as well as a variety of automotive components.

Motor component manufacturers

Serving the motor industry is a supply industry to the local, national and international markets that covers a wide spectrum of automotive components.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

GROSS GEOGRAPHIC PRODUCTAT CURR}?;ti I PRI(:I;'S 199;
Fig 2 Supplied by The Unit for Statistical Analysis Port Elizabeth - 1993
Tyre manufacturers
Motor vehicle assembly ,!me
The three major plants of Tycon, Firestone and Gentyre Industries collectively produce almost 70% of the country's requirements and are responsible for the bulk of South Africa's tyre exports.
MANUFACTURING 34.18% AGRICULTURAL 2.70%
- SERVICES 23.40% FINANCE 12.89%[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
TRANSPORT 10.00% TRADE 12.86% CONSTRUCTION 2.34% ELECTRICITY 1.45% MINING 0.18%

Wool, mohair, spinning and weaving

One of South Africa's oldest industries is based in this area. Both the Wool and Mohair Boards are in Port Elizabeth. The washing and scouring of wool has been done here for over 100 years because of the area's especially clear and pure water that gives a unique quality and lustre to the semi-processed product making it highly sought after in the fashion capitals of the world.
The spinning and weaving industry employs more than 2 000 workers in the area and produces the largest amount of woven cloth for men's wear in South Africa.
O"I"III;R INUI ti'I'RIES[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

The scope of commerce and industry is reflected in the corporate profiles of companies featured in this publication. The area is well known for its footwear, chocolate and pharmaceutical industries both nationally and on the export market. Many industries have found the region an excellent launching pad for their products and companies.
THE INF<)RNiAL SECTOR

Small businesses and the informal sector are becoming increasingly evident in the economy and their importance is being recognised and encouraged. The "Hive of Industries" belonging to the Small Business Development Corporation provides space which can be rented by small businesses. "Factory Flats" is a similar concept designed to accommodate heavier industry and is also run by the SBDC.

INVESTMENT INCENTIVES[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Incentives are available in various industrial sectors. Specifically, the Regional Industrial Development Incentive Scheme, with its establishment grants, relocation allowances and profit-based incentives, is attractive to new investors and capacity expansions. Land prices prices are subsidised, and are considered to be the lowest in South Africa. The General Export Incentive Scheme is in operation until 1997, whereafter it will be phased out under the GATT agreement (Uruguay round). However, the authorities are placing a high priority on export trade development, and support to exporters is recognised as a very necessary cause. To assist manufacturers, duties on imports are refundable for export production. (More detailed information is available from the Port Elizabeth Marketing Manager.)

According to recent surveys, the Port Elizabeth/Uitenhage area with its versatile labour force is the most intensive manufacturing area per capita in the country.
The wool It[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Constant expanuion:Building sites at Greenacres

Algorax factor_ry

INFRASTRUCI'[ "Rl?

Port Elizabeth has a sound infrastructure which includes sophisticated services, communication systems and health care. In the formation of new local authorities since the general election in 1994 it has been a leader in the creation of its Transitional Local Council and may be regarded as an example to the rest of the country in its constructive efforts to make Port Elizabeth one of the most growth-oriented cities in the new South Africa.

The financial infrastructure of Port Elizabeth is well established. All the major banks, building societies and insurance companies as well as the post office and telephone companies have their provincial regional offices in Port Elizabeth. They are connected with all the major financial centres of South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world. Their managements have international exposure and their administrations are based on the most advanced technology.
Vain Street: 7be Established CBD[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Greeuacres: The New Ct3D

Port Elizabeth has an extremely efficient urban freeway system which presently is not used to capacity. This system of freeways has supported Port Elizabeth's reputation as the "ten minute city". In addition, it is serviced by a proficient urban and municipal road system, well able to cope with traffic t1ow.Access to the harbour is possible from all industrial areas of the region.

A regular and well-serviced passenger and cargo rail network connects the Port Elizabeth/ Uitenhage area to the remainder of South Africa. The connection to the national network commences from the harbour in Port Elizabeth and proceeds via the industrial areas of the north.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

The city is serviced by a modern airport which lies no more than ten minutes from the CBD. The airport has the runway length to accommodate aircraft of the size and capacity of boeings up to 747 and the airbus. Port Elizabeth does not presently have an international terminal rating and overseas travellers tranship from Johannesburg or Cape Town.

The domestic passenger services (which also carry freight) provide a frequent, regular and extensive range of flights with direct links daily to other South African cities.

Part of Port Elizabeth's highu,a), system

The harbour with city backdrop[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

The harbour falls under the auspices of Portnet which is a gateway for expanding markets of Southern Africa. It promotes both national and international trade by providing for cost-effective cargo, maritime and other related services through modern port infrastructure, equipment, expertise and a dynamic business approach.

Rail network inloSoutbern Africa
( ;,mi, /it /r)(Lwiv'w='.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
Where sailing ships once landed their cargoes, a modern port now caters for the maritime fleets of the world.The harbour has an enclosed water area of 115 hectares with a depth of 11 metres at the major quay facilities, the deepest of all South African ports.

The port comprises six operating sections - marine services, container terminal, general cargo/ro-ro, bulk installation, ship repair facilities and infrastructure.

The total harbour lies adjacent to the "downtown" city area. Major exports from here include manganese ore, automobiles, deciduous and citrus fruit, wool and mohair, and hides and skins. The flexibility in serving client's needs has led to a record amount of 88 424 500 cartons of fruit being shipped through the port during the 1993 season.

EDUCATION[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

There is a broad range of tertiary education facilities available in the region, including the University of Port Elizabeth (which is the largest campus in the southern hemisphere) commonly known as "campus by the sea". Vista University is South Africa's only multi-campus university for contact tuition. The Port Elizabeth campus currently has 3 000 students enrolled and is one of the fastest growing campuses in South Africa.

School built by the Vusisiswe Trust
Grey High School
PE Technikon, East Cape In-Service Training Centre and three technical colleges cater for varying skills and levels of competence.

A long established tradition of schools is now being complemented by a rapidly increasing numher of new schools.

Among the older schools are Grey School for Boys, founded in 1856, situated in Mill Park in the centre of Port Elizabeth and close by its sister school, Collegiate School for Girls, founded in 1874. Woodridge College, a private co-educational school, is situated at Van Stadens Nature Reserve.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Between 1991 and 1993 over 20 schools have been built and/or restored in Port Elizabeth under the auspices of the Vusisiswe Trust, a voluntary community education initiative.

II iinrl~7~l~~~' S'Chuul

Aerial view of the University of Port Elizabeth

LIVING

.... And the living is easy..."[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Take some of the most desirable features of life in South Africa: relaxation, outdoors, sunshine, family centred activities, and roll them all into the Port Elizabeth lifestyle. Considered the safest of the large cities in South Africa, security is not as big an issue as elsewhere and houses are not hidden behind impenetrable walls. It may well be this atmosphere which gives Port Elizabeth its nick name of the "Friendly City".

One of Port Elizabeth's greatest advantages is its endless possibilities for the most satisfyingly casual way of life.

ENTERTAINMENT[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Port Elizabeth offers a lively fusion of recreational activities cncompassing sport, nature, culture and restaurants.

One of Port Elizabeth's more popular beaches, Kings Beach, stretches for 1.6km from the harbour to Humewood. The pools, water chutes, go-carts, fast-food outlets, the Putt-Inn mini golf course, Supertube and the Sea Breeze Express miniature train are among the attractions here. The fact that not only tourists but also locals frequent the beachfront ensures a constantly lively atmosphere which spells success.

Close to the beachfront, in Humewood, locals and tourists alike are always fascinated by the unique complex housing the Aquarium, Snake Park, Dolphinarium, Tropical House, the main and Children's Museum n entertainment area with an educational slant hut a sure hit with kids.

Turning to the more cultural side of the city one cannot miss out the Opera House. Since it was built in 1892 the Opera House has been a major entertainment venue. With the Eastern Cape headquarters of CAPAB in Port Elizabeth, the Opera House is used extensively for live theatre and music recitals. It is here where the Gilbert & Sullivan Society produces their annual musical - a highlight of the theatre year. Port Elizabeth has an outstanding tradition of amateur dramatics and the main venue for these productions is the Ford Little Theatre at the top of Castle Hill - another good venue for theatre goers.
The Benchfrou([ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
While on the theatre theme one must note the annual Summer Shakespeare Festival held at Manville Open Air Theatre in St George's Park. This same park comes alive-on the first Sunday of every month with a large gathering of arts and crafts stalls - Art in the Park as it is called is a favourite spot for bargain hunters, inveterate shoppers or those simply seeking a Sunday morning diversion.

The Opera House[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Cinema complex at the Bridge
As South Africa is visited by more and more international stars, Port Elizabeth is increasingly being placed on their concert programmes. The outside events are usually staged

Night time on the bectcbfi•ont
in St George's Park while the sports hall at UPE is generally the indoor venue.
Whether it is dinner, dancing, cinema or theatre you prefer, the nightspots in Port Lairahc;th offer it all.
A good selection of restaurants from the city centre to the outlying suburbs will satisfy any palatc. Restaurants of historical as well as culinary interest are dotted all over the city although in and around Parliament Street in Central one finds the greatest concentration of Port Elizabeth's eating houses.
So whether most of your activities are of the daytime variety or whether you come alive at night there is bound to he somewhere which will become your favourite spot.
c I[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
Art in the hark

SPORT AND RECREATION

Port Elizabeth is noticeably a sporting enthusiast's city. And apart from all the more mainstream sports, a temperate climate, unspoilt beaches and the warm water of Algoa Bay make it home to thrilling water sports, from diving and sailing to fishing and surfing. Algoa Bay is world renowned for safety, particularly in sailing circles.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

While Kings Beach offers a remarkable diversity of amusements, each of the smaller beaches caters for a variety of sporting activities. One of these is the popular scuba diving trail which includes colourful reefs and shipwrecks for the experienced and inexperienced alike.

Volley ball at llobie Beacb

Riding the crest of the ulave
Hobycat gathering

An MOM Golf (Mb
Bowls on a Saturday[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

If your sport is observing the habits of other people a good time to do this would be in the early morning, long before most are thinking of starting their working day. Port Elizabeth is veritably buzzing with activity as fitness fanatics don their walking, running and cycling gear and take to the streets in their droves; a pattern which is repeated in the early evening.

It is easy to become part of one of these groups if that is where your interest lies.
From a scuba divers perspective
jogging in the park

There is no shortage of tennis and golf clubs here. Both are extremely popular and well catered for. Soccer is a sport which is growing in popularity and games are played at various stadia in and around the city. The Oval in Central is a popular venue for well attended matches.

Port Elizabeth is home to both the Eastern Province Rugby Union and the Eastern Province Cricket Board. The city boasts two internationally recognised stadia, namely St Georges Park Cricket Oval and Boet Erasmus Rugby Stadium.

The recently built Duckpond Pavilion (recipient of the Award for Excellence from the Institute of South African Architects) in St George's Park has a seating capacity of 22 000 while the Boet Erasmus Stadium is equipped to seat double that number. There are also several indoor and outdoor sports facilities. As a result the city is fast becoming known as "Sport Elizabeth".

Internatirurul nr,;hj n( I;,,,/ l:aasimi,[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

During cricket match against India

Duckpond pavilion
15

SHOPPING

Port Elizabeth caters for the entire spectrum of shoppers. Shopping complexes, whose popularity continues to grow, range from the small suburban complexes to the massive all-encompassing city (11alls.

At The Bridge and Greenacres, probably Port Elizabeth's best-known and most patronised complexes, the atmosphere is almost tangible as eager spenders purposefully criss-cross the malls in pursuit of new acquisitions. sometimes essential and at other times merely indulgent.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Pier /4 shopping centre, Main ,Street[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
Virtually all the major national chain stores are represented in Port Elizabeth and whenever the time is right, new ones open. It is in the historical area of Central that speciality shops abound. Here the shopping experience is unique. Instead of "doing the mall" one can stroll up and down the tree-lined streets which accommodate businesses, private houses and the most interesting array of shops - all existing side by side in perfect equilibrium. Food shops abound: bakeries, fresh farm produce, home cooked goodies. One proprietor described a particular block as the "area of delicious scents": fresh flowers, fresh fruit and the heady aroma of freshly roasted coffee.
W)ol,,J)hW Mall at the Bridge
Aerial rfert u( <:reenucres Shopping Centre

Shopping al 6thAvenue, Wahner
Shops specialising in interiors reign supreme - from artists to enthusiastic accumulators of recycled goods, to trained consultants in the field of interior decorating.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

One can spend endless hours digging in treasure troves or browsing through catalogues of luxurious upholstery, looking at comprehensive collections of paintings displayed for sale or commissioning ceramicists for exquisite original pieces.
If the more traditional shops are not high on the agenda, the informal shopper can have an equally satisfying spree at the beachfront where stall holders provide an amazingly comprehensive array of goods with something appealing to everyone.

Roadside hawkers are also increasing their supply of wares as the informal sector grows rapidly.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Walmer Park, Shopping Centre

Old Treasures for sale in Central Shop

Street Vendor

Kings beach, stalls
African Art

ACCOMMODATION[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
Port Elizabeth offers accommodation in numerous establishments ranging from luxury hotels to historic inns, guest houses, cottages, apartments, timeshare, self-catering chalets, caravan and camping sites, youth hostels, resorts, bed and breakfast establishments. One simply has to ascertain the main requirements, whether business or holiday, and the right situation is sure to be found.
This city boasts outstanding conference venues. The recently revamped Feather Market Centre is equipped with up-to-date facilities and can host up to 1 200 delegates. Of course there are many smaller venues available to meet whatever the requirements are, and because of the ease with which one can move around the city use may be made by delegates of all the local sport and entertainment facilities on offer.
For more information contact the Group Sales Division at the Port Elizabeth Publicity Association. They put together entire packages for highly successful conferences.

Beach Hotel, ShmmerArand

The Edward Hotel. Central

Aiailland,kiper Mouth[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Sundays River dunes

WITHIN 30 MINUTES

For hiking enthusiasts, weekend walkers and nature lovers in general there are plenty of paths to tramp along on the outskirts of the city, just inland or along endless stretches of beautiful coastline. This is one of the few cities where one can be close to nature and close to home at the same time. There are more than 20 walks and hiking trails in and around Port Elizabeth.

South of the city one finds the Sacramento Trail, a beautiful area rich in indigenous flora. Sardinia Bay is surrounded by protected dunes but has a beach which invites strollers, especially those who want to take their dogs for a walk. Maitland River Mouth is another spot where one can explore nature.

The coastline to the north of Port Elizabeth includes the Sundays River Mouth which is surrounded by spectacular dune formations.[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]

Also within 30 minutes of the city, is a network of six wildlife conservation farms where lion, kudu, blesbok and many other species are available for trophy hunters.

Schoeninakerskop Trail

Maitland Trail

Sunset at Sardinia Bay

WITHIN TWO HOURS

A distinct advantage of being based in Port Elizabeth is that weekend getaways are within easy reach. A little known fact is that Port Elizabeth is the closest city in Africa to elephant and other interesting game. Approximately 1 hour away by car are the Addo Elephant Park (the most concentrated elephant reserve in Africa), the Zuurburg National Park and the Shamwari Game Reserve where one may view wildlife's "big five".[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
To the south one cannot ignore Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay both renowned for the "perfect wave" a veritable surfers' paradise And in the heart of the Garden Route, less than two hours by car from Port Elizabeth, is the spectacular Tsitsikamma Forest.
The coastline north of Port Elizabeth is known as the Sunshine Coast. Here one finds Kenton-on-Sea at the mouth of the Bushman's River and not far from that is Port Alfred wellknown for its Marina
evelopments.

Isilsikama Forest
M hwwk My
jefft~ys Bay -,Suifer

Carriage Rock[ 南非故事 Cooltang.com ]
Port Alfred yachts & harbour