Gqeberha is the former Port Elizabeth, renamed in 2021, and part of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro. It is a centre of South Africa’s car industry and has a long-established Chinese community. Consular matters in the Eastern Cape are handled by the Chinese Consulate-General in Cape Town.
The city and its Chinese community
Nelson Mandela Bay’s economy is built on car manufacturing and port logistics, with the Coega Special Economic Zone and the deep-water Port of Ngqura nearby. Chinese carmaker BAIC has a plant in Gqeberha, which Engineering News reported has been assembling the B30 model since 2025. There are also jobs in parts manufacturing, logistics and trade.
Gqeberha’s Chinese community goes back a long way, and descendants of early migrants have lived here for generations (see a 2020 Wits University study of the community). More recently, traders and staff of Chinese companies have arrived too.
The Cape Town Consulate-General’s district includes the Eastern Cape. It sometimes holds consular visits or pop-up service days in Nelson Mandela Bay, so watch its notices. Consular protection line: +27 21 674 7668. See Chinese embassy and consulates.
Where people live
- Summerstrand: by the sea, near Nelson Mandela University and the Boardwalk.
- Walmer, Newton Park and Mill Park: established suburbs with schools and shops nearby.
- Lorraine: in the west of the city, with more affordable rents.
Check security and water storage before you sign; see our renting guide.
Getting there
The airport is Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), mainly served by domestic flights. As of October 2026, from China you would usually fly to Johannesburg and take a domestic flight (about 1.5 hours), or connect via Cape Town. Driving from Cape Town along the Garden Route is beautiful but long, so spread it over two days. Since 1 July 2026, all travellers must complete an online SARS traveller declaration. See the visa section and getting around.
Safety basics
- The pace is relaxed, but burglaries and thefts from cars do happen, so never leave valuables in your car.
- Avoid walking at night and use ride-hailing apps; keep an eye on your things at beaches and attractions.
Emergency numbers: police 10111, ambulance 10177, 112 from a mobile. More in our safety guide.
Chinese food and shopping
Gqeberha has some Chinese restaurants and Asian grocers, but the choice is limited, and many people stock up on trips to Johannesburg or Cape Town. See Chinese supermarkets and the Chinese associations directory.
Weekends and casino resorts
Addo Elephant National Park, about an hour north, is an easy day trip for close-up elephant viewing. The city’s beaches and beachfront promenade are good for a stroll.
The Boardwalk on the Summerstrand beachfront is the local licensed casino resort, with a hotel, restaurants, shops and a cinema. The casino is 18+ only, and online casinos are illegal in South Africa. See our casino guide, the gambling section and responsible gambling.
FAQ
Are Gqeberha and Port Elizabeth the same place?
Yes. Port Elizabeth was renamed Gqeberha in 2021, and the airport is now Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport.
Which Chinese mission serves Gqeberha?
The Eastern Cape is in the Cape Town Consulate-General’s district. Consular protection line: +27 21 674 7668.
Are there Chinese companies in Gqeberha?
Yes. BAIC has a plant there, and the Coega Special Economic Zone hosts car and logistics companies.
Sources
- 中华人民共和国驻开普敦总领事馆 – 领区概况
- 中华人民共和国驻开普敦总领事馆
- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Engineering News – BAIC builds B30 in South Africa, Gqeberha plant expands local footprint (10 Nov 2025)
- Wang, D. (2020) The sea wind is still blowing: stories of a Chinese South African community in Port Elizabeth (Wits University)
- 驻南非使馆提醒入出境南非提前完成旅客申报（2026-07-06）
- SARS – Traveller Declaration (online declarations from 1 July 2026)
- Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)
- Western Cape Government – Know who you can call in an emergency
- National Gambling Board (NGB)