Despatch

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Geography and History

Despatch is a small town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa situated between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage with the estimate population of 30 000. It forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality which includes Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage and has collectively a population of over 1.3 million.

The name Despatch was derived from the brick industry, an industry that this town was known for. These bricks were used to build many of Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage’s houses. Sadly, the brick industry is a remnant of the past. Dispatch was originally a railway siding in the late 19th century from where bricks were despatched for building, hence the name by which it is still known today.

Activities

The Despatch Museum boasts a mini model of a Stegosaurus, which was discovered in Despatch in 1903. The museum also displays two models of beautiful red brick chimneys built by a former town engineer. The walls of the museum are adorned with sporting memorabilia from many South African sportsmen that grew up in Despatch. Despatch still has many of the old buildings that were constructed with these bricks, including beautiful old churches, which stand as cultural reminders of its humble beginnings. Despatch obtained status as an independent municipality in 1945. Today, it is still home to fewer than 50 000 people.

Accommodation

Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch & Colchester) offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit every budget and taste whether you are a cost effective backpacker or enjoy splurging on leisure, Nelson Mandela Bay will cater for your every need.