Joe Gqabi District Municipality covers the Eastern Cape’s northernmost, high-lying corner along the Lesotho border and the Free State boundary. The 2022 census recorded 393,048 people across three local municipalities, up from 348,672 in 2011. Barkly East is the district seat, and the district was renamed from Ukhahlamba on 1 February 2010 in honour of ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe figure Joe Gqabi.
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Seat | Barkly East |
| Local municipalities | 3 |
| Population (2022) | 393,048 |
Local Municipalities in Joe Gqabi
| Municipality | Seat | 2022 Population |
|---|---|---|
| Elundini | Maclear | 141,762 |
| Senqu | Lady Grey / Sterkspruit | 147,073 |
| Walter Sisulu | Burgersdorp / Aliwal North | 104,213 |
Major Towns
Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Ugie, Tlokoeng, Maclear, Barkly East, Lady Grey, Steynsburg and Venterstad are Joe Gqabi’s largest towns, spread across its three member municipalities.
- Aliwal North
- Burgersdorp
- Ugie
- Tlokoeng
- Maclear
- Barkly East
- Steynsburg
- Lady Grey
- Venterstad
- James Calata
- Ekhephini
Geography
Joe Gqabi is the smallest of the Eastern Cape’s district municipalities by population but among the most mountainous, rising from the Orange River valley around Aliwal North to the Drakensberg high country around Rhodes and Barkly East, on the Lesotho border. The district borders the Free State to the north and west and the Chris Hani District to the south. Winters are cold across the district, with snow common on the higher ground around Rhodes, Barkly East and the Senqu highlands each year.
Economy and Local Life
Wool, mohair and livestock farming dominate the rural economy across all three local municipalities, with irrigated agriculture along the Orange River near Aliwal North and Gariep Dam. Tourism contributes around Aliwal North’s hot springs, Rhodes’ trout fishing and hiking, and the Tiffindell winter-sports resort in the Senqu highlands. The Gariep Dam, one of South Africa’s largest reservoirs, also supports boating, angling and small-scale hydropower generation on the district’s western edge.
FAQ
What is the seat of Joe Gqabi District Municipality?
Barkly East.
How many local municipalities are in Joe Gqabi?
Three: Elundini, Senqu and Walter Sisulu.
What is the population of Joe Gqabi District?
393,048 people at the 2022 census, up from 348,672 in 2011.
Why is it called Joe Gqabi?
It was renamed from Ukhahlamba District Municipality on 1 February 2010, after Joe Gqabi (1929–1981), an ANC journalist and Umkhonto we Sizwe member.
What is Joe Gqabi District known for?
Its high-altitude farming country, Aliwal North’s hot springs, and Rhodes’ trout fishing and winter snow sports near the Lesotho border.