Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

when Fort Hare was built there. The University of Fort Hare was later erected
near the fort, the ruins of which now lie within the campus grounds. The town
itself was named after Princess Alice, daughter of Queen Victoria. Wool,
cattle, citrus, timber and tobacco farming are the major economic activities of
the area.
ART AND CRAFTS
De Beers Centenary Gallery: The gallery exhibits some exquisite publications,
graphics, sculptures and paintings, works of international as well as local
artists.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
FS Malan Museum: Enjoy the publications, costumes, beadwork and wooden
sculptures exhibited at the FS Malan Museum. Guided tours are available on
request.
Sandile Kop (Hillock): The hillock is named after the Xhosa Chief Sandile, who
led his people in battle against the British during the last three Frontier Wars.
A memorial to Rev James Stewart, one of the original Scottish missionaries in
the area, was also erected on the hill.
University of Fort Hare: The university was opened in 1916 and was the first
South African university exclusively for black students. President Nelson
Mandela and many other African leaders studied at this university. Today, the
university is the repository of the ANC archives and also houses an
outstanding collection of African Art.
BALFOUR
In 1828, the Glasgow Missionary Society founded a mission station near the
Didima Mountain Range. The station was named after Robert Balfour, the
society’s first secretary. Throughout the nine Frontier Wars, the town
experienced some heavy fighting but peace has long since reigned and today
tobacco, citrus, wool and beef farming are practised in the area.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
Anglican Church: The stately Anglican Church has exquisite architectural
features and is well worth a visit.
Fort Armstrong: The fort was built at the end of the Sixth Frontier War in 1835
and was designed to withstand any form of attack. The fort was overrun by
Khoi-Khoi during the Eighth Frontier War and much of it was destroyed.
Post Retief: The site lies on the banks of the Koonap River on Piet Retief’s
farm, 25km west of the town. In the 1830s, Retief was one of the leaders of
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