One of South Africa's amazing rural towns

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Story by Anele Zikali 

Port St Johns (PSJ) is one of the oldest and  is smallest towns situated in the west coast of Eastern Cape province in South Africa. With a population of about 8000 people, it boasts itself with beaches located near the town, large rivers Mzimvubu and Umngazi, mud caves, pink spring waters, water falls, natural vegetation and preservation of the rich Amampondo culture.

Image source from wetu.com

Anyone who wants to take a break from flashing lights and buzzing industrious cities, PSJ is an ideal cocoon. One of the most important things has to be accommodation when it comes to exploring a place and PSJ delivers well on that. 

The area offers a wide range of accommodation places that include camping sites, self catering to on top of the beach luxurious cuisines, so sleeping are easily issues sorted out.  

Let’s take a look at some of the beautiful places to explore in the area:

1. The sea: it sea comes with a hive of activities that include fishing, short hiking trips on the rocks that surround it, surfing or simple chilled on the sand watching the blue waters and the tides or get the coolest photos and videos.

Image source from Master Chef SA season 4 contestant: Twitter and Instagram @cookingwithluyanda


Image source from Master Chef SA season 4 contestant: Twitter and Instagram @cookingwithluyanda

With the beach close to town and Mzimvubu River, there’s plenty of fish to snatch and other seafood food to enjoy from fish braai to oysters and prawns. An seafood meal whilst watching gazing sunset from the beach or river view is what guests get to indulge on. 

2. Pink waters are one of the unique places that adventurous explorers enjoy others go for spiritual connections. Afterall not everyday is pink water day, just the sight of it is makes it to the bucket list for some adventurers. 

The waters have a sulphur odour, the indigenous name of the area is called Isinuka. The place is one of the hidden gems that are a magical experience for some.

Image source from Facebook: Asithandile Ndamase 

3. Just around the same place, there are mud caves for people who enjoy mud and playing around, taking it to childhood or bringing children along for a fun experience. 

4. Cannabis also known as marijuana or dagga. PSJ is home to this natural herb that simply grows by itself. This leads to large produce and it easily available. Some local established farmers distribute the herb nationwide.

Image source from Twitter @NzuzieN

The farmers are looking into expanding their supply as the South African government legalised the selling of cannabis. The herb is also found in deep end villages surrounding and in other nearby areas like Mantlaneni, a village in Lusikisiki. 

5. Majola tea plant also known as Magwa tea. This is one of the largest tea plants in Africa, it is about 1000 hectares in size and it shares its large expansion with the neighboring town, Lusikisiki. 


Picture of Majola/ Magwa tea by Anele Zikali 

The tea is named after one of the villages where it is planted, eMajola. Similar to cannabis, the black tea just grows naturally in the area. Which is why the land is known for being blessed with natural vegetation. 

This plant employs more than 1000 people which has a good economic impact input in the highly unemployed population especially in rural communities. 

6. There are quite a lot of tourist attractions in PSJ that a person can look for on legitimate platforms. There are frequent annual tourist activities such as surfing competitions and  heritage sites, events that showcase the rich Amampondo culture and history. 

Plans to revive the town’s maritime sector turn it into an economic hub and expand the tourism sector are frequently mentioned by government officials.

Image source from Twitter 

Part of the developments is a small airport in PSJ not many rural areas have access to such. A vehicle that is more gravel fit will do for some site visit.

Plans to revive the town’s maritime sector turn it into an economic hub and expand the tourism sector are frequently mentioned by government officials.

Developments are seen from time to time such as the small airport not many rural areas have access to such. However a vehicle that is more gravel fit will do for some site visits. 

Source: https://easterncapeindustrialnews.co.za/plan-to-transform-sleepy-ec-town-into-coastal-hub-city/ 

https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/travel/2023-01-29-waterfalls-caves-pink-springs-a-dip-in-the-hidden-magic-of-the-wild-coast/

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