Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth, South Africa–now officially part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality–offers a unique blend of cultures, coastal beauty, and South African history. This area is home to a diverse population, including Xhosa (pronounced KOH-sah), Afrikaans (pronounced af-ri-KAHNS), English, and mixed-heritage communities, each contributing to a rich cultural mosaic seen in everything from language and music to cuisine. Life here tends to be more relaxed compared to bigger cities, with a strong sense of community and a slower pace influenced by the nearby ocean. Economically, the region balances industrial sectors, like automotive manufacturing, with tourism and service industries, though unemployment and inequality remain ongoing challenges. Religion plays a central role in many people’s lives, with Christianity being the dominant faith, alongside smaller Muslim, Hindu, and traditional African spiritual communities. People are generally warm and welcoming, often eager to share their stories and local traditions with visitors. Please pray for the salvation of the people of Port Elizabeth.

sjensen@imb.org