Learner

Why are so many People Flocking to Port Elizabeth, South Africa?

Port Elizabeth, now named Gqeberha (Xhosa: [ᶢǃʱɛ̀ɓéːxà], a bit of a mouthful to pronounce), is a beautiful coastal city in South Africa, home to a large growing economy and rich in diversity of people, attractions and quality of life.

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A Booming Industry

The Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area is home to more than 300 auto component manufacturers, the largest in South Africa. However, not everything is centered around the vehicle industry.  Property development and real estate is flourishing as Port Elizabeth becomes a major player in South Africa.  Pharmaceuticals, financial services, tourism, and food and beverages are also hot contestants. 

While there are multi-national companies in Port Elizabeth, they also work alongside ‘mom-and-pop’ stores in creating a cosmopolitan environment that is, on one hand, fast-paced but on the other hand, creating a calm-paced seaside city environment, supporting the perfect place for whichever lifestyle you may be looking for. 

Like many countries, South Africa has a concern with energy production vs energy demand, Port Elizabeth is a city that takes alternative energy solutions seriously, Grassridge Wind Farm and Coega Wind Farm are close by, making it strides ahead of the rest of South Africa in green energy production.   With overall investments of R21-billion in wind and solar energy farms, either completed or in construction, Eastern Cape is fast-tracking the green energy movement in South Africa.  

With the burgeoning green revolution, the area is also becoming a leader of artistic, organic and artisanal entrepreneurs setting up businesses, thereby carving out a lively bohemian society.

Nelson Mandela Bay is the only center with two ports: the Port of Port Elizabeth and the deep-water port of Ngqura at Coega, which are swiftly becoming a popular sub-Saharan trans-shipment hub. In 2013, Ngqura saw more significant growth than any other harbor worldwide, while volumes at Port Elizabeth climbed as well – suggesting that the new port is drawing in customers rather than diminishing its older counterpart, which has been chosen as South Africa's automotive export hub.

Not only does Port Elizabeth have a large vehicle industry, energy production and international investors but it also has a healthy farming community.  A major citrus producer in Sundays River Valley is also complimented with apples and pears in nearby Langkloof.  

South Africa produced 2.3 million kg per year of mohair,  with the ports handling 95% of the world’s mohair exports.  Eastern Cape has one of the world’s largest mohair processing plants – handling mohair from South Africa and other countries – and the world’s largest mohair blanket factory in Uitenhage.  The Eastern Cape produces 75% of the world’s mohair and is the second biggest wool producer in the world.

Job Opportunities

Jobs in South Africa for those who have the skills and required education are abundant.  There is a large skills shortage in South Africa, yet it is a booming economy, seeking skilled people to continue this upward trend. You may find that your skill set is needed in a city with huge growth and potential.

Things to do


There are so many things to do in and around Port Elizabeth.  As an example of the low cost of living and quality of life, here are a few things you can do for under $1.50!

Other fun things to do:

The list is endless, enough to keep you occupied for years!

As seen above, there are many reasons to investigate jobs in Port Elizabeth with its innovative economic growth, vibrant social scene, sporting, beaches, mountains, wildlife, artistic and vibrant atmosphere. Port Elizabeth has a lot to offer, so go ahead and see if this could be the place for you to grow yourself personally and put your career on the fast track!