Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
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LIBODE<br />
This town lies about 25 km east of Umtata on the road to Port St Johns.<br />
According to legend the town got its name from Libode, an Mpondo Chief,<br />
who was killed in the area more than a century ago. Today the town is<br />
renowned for the beautiful beadwork created by the Mpondo and Mpondomise<br />
people who inhabit the town and the surrounding area. This traditional craft<br />
goes back many years and was used to compose many ardent love letters at<br />
a time when there was no written Xhosa language in which to communicate. A<br />
selection of these “love letters”, as well as other fascinating items dealing with<br />
traditional Xhosa culture, can be seen at the Port St Johns Cultural Museum in<br />
Port St Johns.<br />
ART AND CRAFTS<br />
Beadwork: The Mpondo and Mpondomise people are renowned for their<br />
exquisite beadwork, which they sell at most of the shops and stalls in the<br />
town. Come prepared to bargain and haggle over the price.<br />
NATURAL WONDERS<br />
Mhlengana Mountain Rock: The cliffs of the towering Mhlengana Mountain<br />
appear to hover protectively over the valley. One of its massive outcrops is<br />
shaped like a loaf of home-baked bread and was mistakenly christened<br />
”Executioner’s Rock” because English-speaking people in the area were<br />
under the impression that the cliffs had once been used for Xhosa executions.<br />
The executions were in actual fact carried out at a nearby cliff.<br />
LUSIKISIKI<br />
Lusikisiki, a trading, transport and labour-recruiting centre, about 40 km north<br />
of Port St Johns, derives its name from the Xhosa word for the sound of the<br />
wind rustling through the reeds at a nearby marsh and along the rivers in the<br />
area. The area between Lusikisiki and the coastal spots of Msikaba and<br />
Mbotyi are characterised by spectacular views of natural vegetation and lovely<br />
waterfalls.<br />
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE<br />
Mount Nelson: The home of Khotso Sethuntsa, a wealthy and respected<br />
herbalist, is in the area. Khotso is reputed to have fathered more than 200<br />
children.<br />
Seat of the Paramount Chief: Qawukeni, meaning “the elevated place”, the<br />
seat of the Paramount Chief of East Pondoland, is situated here.<br />
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