Step into the rich and layered history of East London and its surrounding regions, from the earliest indigenous communities to the rise of Mdantsane and the modern city we know today.
This archive is a digital tribute to the people, places, and events that shaped Buffalo City. It is inspired by the pioneering work of the late Dr. Keith Tankard, whose historical website preserved invaluable local knowledge.
This new platform continues that journey, expanding, updating, and making it accessible to new generations.
Here you can explore timelines, discover forgotten stories, learn about the region’s heritage, and contribute your own memories to help preserve the shared history of the Buffalo Coast.
Purpose of the Heritage Archive
The Heritage Archive aims to preserve, organise, and share the historical and cultural stories of the Buffalo Coast. It brings together research, archival material, community knowledge, and museum resources to create a clear and accessible record of the region’s past.
Geographic focus
The portal focuses on the broader Buffalo Coast region, including East London, Mdantsane, the surrounding rural areas, the coastline, and the river systems that shaped settlement and development.
How the archive is organised
Content is arranged into key areas so visitors can easily explore:
Each section guides readers through different historical layers, subjects, and personal stories.
Contributors and partners
The archive grows through contributions from researchers, museums, cultural organisations, and members of the public who share documents, photographs, and personal histories.
The Timeline of Local Heritage provides a chronological overview of key historical developments in the region. It highlights significant events, social changes, and infrastructural milestones across different time periods. This section serves as a starting point for exploring the area's past through dedicated pages for each era.
Take a look at how the region has grown and changed over time. The Timeline of Local Heritage offers a clear, easy-to-follow overview of key historical events, from early settlements to major social and political shifts. Each section gives you a snapshot of the past, with links to explore more details from each era.