Oliver Tambo District
OLIVER TAMBO DISTRICT
Local municipalities are: King Sabata Dalindyebo (Mthatha, Mqanduli); Mhlontlo (Tsolo, Qumbu); Nyandeni (Libode, Ngqeleni); Port St Johns; Ingquza (Lusikisiki, Flagstaff); Ntabankulu (Tabankulu); Mbizana (Bizana).
The Oliver Tambo District covers most of the former Transkei. With Mthatha as the main centre, the district includes most of the beautiful Wild Coast and Pondoland. The coastal belt is sub-tropical, especially from Port St Johns northwards, and holds a number of nature reserves with indigenous forests. Hills beyond the coast gradually rise to 1,500 metres. The district is well watered, with many rivers and rainfall above 700mm per annum in most areas. Pondoland is one of the most fertile areas of South Africa, with warm temperatures, frost-free conditions and good soils. The district has an area of 15,535 square kilometres.
Oliver Tambo has the second highest population, estimated at 1,676,480, with a high population density for a mostly rural district of 108 people per square kilometre. The population has an African majority of 99.5%, with Xhosa the predominant language.
Oliver Tambo has a relatively small formal economy compared to the rest of the province, providing 11% of value added. The Transkei, however, has a significant subsistence and informal economy that is not measured by statistics. Agriculture is the major private sector activity, contributing 13% of value added and 8% of formal employment. Forestry is the main formal agricultural enterprise, with large forests to the north and west of Mthatha, mainly leased by the private sector but with community plantations also present. Beyond the statistics, there are significant numbers of small commercial farmers in the area, concentrating on mixed farming of livestock and crops (mostly maize). Some commercial farmers have invested in small-scale irrigation, with cabbage and potatoes the most popular crops. Subsistence agriculture makes a major contribution to household food security. Most production is for home consumption or limited local sale. Manufacturing is a small sector with 4% of value added and 6% of employment, centred on Umtata. Food processing, wood products and furniture are the largest manufacturing sectors in Umtata. A small maize mill draws some maize from the surrounding areas. Furniture and wood products draw from the large forests close to Umtata.
Tourism is centred on the spectacularly beautiful Wild Coast, which provides a series of resorts and provincial nature reserves. Increasing numbers of tourists are recognising the attractions of the Transkei. Port St Johns is a developing tourism destination, with new investment in facilities and a planned marina. The Pondoland coast, one of the most beautiful eco-tourism destinations in South Africa, will host an expanded nature and marine reserve. In Umtata and Qunu, the Mandela Museum showcases the history of the struggle against apartheid and the life of the Eastern Cape's most famous resident. Government services play a major role in the economy, providing 46% of value added and 50% of formal employment. Government is the major employer in the economy, reflecting an inherited bureaucracy from the former Transkei.
OPPORTUNITIES
Local municipalities are: King Sabata Dalindyebo (Mthatha, Mqanduli); Mhlontlo (Tsolo, Qumbu); Nyandeni (Libode, Ngqeleni); Port St Johns; Ingquza (Lusikisiki, Flagstaff); Ntabankulu (Tabankulu); Mbizana (Bizana).
The Oliver Tambo District covers most of the former Transkei. With Mthatha as the main centre, the district includes most of the beautiful Wild Coast and Pondoland. The coastal belt is sub-tropical, especially from Port St Johns northwards, and holds a number of nature reserves with indigenous forests. Hills beyond the coast gradually rise to 1,500 metres. The district is well watered, with many rivers and rainfall above 700mm per annum in most areas. Pondoland is one of the most fertile areas of South Africa, with warm temperatures, frost-free conditions and good soils. The district has an area of 15,535 square kilometres.
Oliver Tambo has the second highest population, estimated at 1,676,480, with a high population density for a mostly rural district of 108 people per square kilometre. The population has an African majority of 99.5%, with Xhosa the predominant language.
Oliver Tambo has a relatively small formal economy compared to the rest of the province, providing 11% of value added. The Transkei, however, has a significant subsistence and informal economy that is not measured by statistics. Agriculture is the major private sector activity, contributing 13% of value added and 8% of formal employment. Forestry is the main formal agricultural enterprise, with large forests to the north and west of Mthatha, mainly leased by the private sector but with community plantations also present. Beyond the statistics, there are significant numbers of small commercial farmers in the area, concentrating on mixed farming of livestock and crops (mostly maize). Some commercial farmers have invested in small-scale irrigation, with cabbage and potatoes the most popular crops. Subsistence agriculture makes a major contribution to household food security. Most production is for home consumption or limited local sale. Manufacturing is a small sector with 4% of value added and 6% of employment, centred on Umtata. Food processing, wood products and furniture are the largest manufacturing sectors in Umtata. A small maize mill draws some maize from the surrounding areas. Furniture and wood products draw from the large forests close to Umtata.
Tourism is centred on the spectacularly beautiful Wild Coast, which provides a series of resorts and provincial nature reserves. Increasing numbers of tourists are recognising the attractions of the Transkei. Port St Johns is a developing tourism destination, with new investment in facilities and a planned marina. The Pondoland coast, one of the most beautiful eco-tourism destinations in South Africa, will host an expanded nature and marine reserve. In Umtata and Qunu, the Mandela Museum showcases the history of the struggle against apartheid and the life of the Eastern Cape's most famous resident. Government services play a major role in the economy, providing 46% of value added and 50% of formal employment. Government is the major employer in the economy, reflecting an inherited bureaucracy from the former Transkei.
OPPORTUNITIES
- Livestock:The district has large numbers of cattle, sheep and goats. Improved marketing infrastructure and animal productivity and community partnerships can increase commercial livestock production.
- Crops: Small-scale irrigation, including commercial schemes, is possible in many areas. The coastal belt can grow sub-tropical fruit and Pondoland has rich crop potential. Again, community partnerships can unlock these productive opportunities.
- Forestry can expand greatly through larger plantations and community led trusts, providing rural incomes and the raw material for wood processing and furniture.
- Fishing has potential for development, possibly through a small fishing harbour at Port St Johns and community partnerships in aquaculture in a limited number of areas.
- Food processing can develop as small-scale community-driven industries, focusing on a 'Transkei' brand and linked to the tourism market. Speciality cheeses, canned fruit and preserves and meat products offer potential. As commercial agricultural production grows, larger enterprises can develop.
- Wool production is growing in the Transkei through a network of wool co-operatives. Small-scale craft industries knitting garments can provide a base for future growth.
- Furniture has a raw material base close to Umtata and can develop with investment in small high quality hand-crafted furniture. Larger industries are possible.
- Leather and Leather goods: Animal skins are mostly sold outside the area. A small local tanning industry can be developed, focused on craft leather products and linked to tourism.
- Tourism can become a major income source through protection of the environment and investment in facilities along the Wild Coast. Port St Johns is already developing as a destination, and the provincial reserves provide opportunities for upgraded facilities. New resorts can be sited in carefully zoned areas. Community and cultural tourism, including festivals, can grow further.
- Roads: The Wild Coast Toll Road will divert the N2 between East London to Durban close to the coast and Port St Johns. It will greatly improve access to Pondoland, creating opportunities for agriculture and tourism. Improved rural access roads close to the Wild Coast will boost tourism. Better rural access roads throughout the district will provide access to markets, schools and clinics.
