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 Stirling Primary School,
East London, South Africa
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this school
Project coordinator:
Claire Dean
Participating teachers:
Mr.
Matthews, Mr. Whitelaw, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Webb, Mr. Posthumus, Mr. Malherbe |
The Flowers Of
Namaqualand
 Namaqualand
is a region in western South Africa, part of the Northern Cape province.
Namaqualand contains three distinct
terrains: a sandy coastal plain along the Atlantic, a central mountainous area
with peaks up to 1700 m and a high plateau in the east. It is an arid region,
with 50 to 300 mm of annual precipitation. Average temperatures along the coast
remain in the 12° to 18° range throughout the year, while inland locations have
warmer summers and more variable weather. The cold Benguela Current, an ocean
current that sweeps northward along the southwestern coast of Africa, is
responsible for the low precipitation, frequent fog, and lower temperatures
along the coast.
Because of low precipitation and soil
infertility, Namaqualand has sparse, stunted semidesert and desert vegetation.
Nevertheless, the region is known for the profusion of wildflowers that bloom
briefly after the spring rains. It is a huge tourist attraction in South Africa,
as people come to Namaqualand to see the wild, colourful and extremely beautiful
mixes of flowers, which are an extraordinary sight.
Namaqualand is a true gift from Mother
Nature!
by Gareth
(Stirling Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Game Reserves
 Some
of the most amazing places to visit in South Africa are the many game reserves.
The most famous of these is the Kruger National Park.
The Kruger National Park is one of the
10 largest national parks in the world. Around 600 000 people visit the park
each year. The temperatures range from 15 degrees to 28 degrees. Although this
is the biggest and most well known game reserve, smaller ones nearer to East
London are also wonderful.
My favourite of these is the Lion Park.
You are able to spend the whole day there and have a braai with your family or
friends. In one small enclosure are the baby lions. You can go in and pat them
anytime. They are very relaxed and one even fell asleep with its head on my lap!
In the next enclosure there are two rare white lions. It’s hard to believe that
these lazy animals will grow up to become killers
Another game reserve I have enjoyed
visiting is the Addo Elephant Park. You can stay at this game reserve for a
weekend and enjoy seeing all the animals. One of my favourite things to see are
the baby elephants playing in the water. Seeing all these wonderful animals
makes me think how lucky I am to live here. I am proudly South African.
by Jessi (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Transkei
Nelson Mandela is a true South African
statesman, and he was the world’s most famous political prisoner. 27 years after
his imprisonment, he was South Africa’s first black president. You must be
wondering where this great man was born, well I’m proud to tell you he comes
from the place of my birth, the Transkei.
The Transkei is a beautiful place where
great leaders where born. The Transkei is not only a place where great leaders
were born, it is also rich in Xhosa culture and tradition. The Transkei also has
various beaches such as, Hole in the Wall and Coffee Bay. It is a place where
you can de-stress and cool down without thinking of the troubles of the big
city. Even though I don’t live there anymore, the Transkei will always be a
great part of my history. If you visit South Africa then take my advice, The
Transkei is not to be missed!
by Zikho (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
 The
Transkei is one of the towns in the Province of the Eastern Cape and is just
outside East London. Our former black president Nelson Mandela was born in the
Transkei. There are not many western things. In the Transkei kids don’t have
modern things like play stations, computers, CD players. At the age of 9 yrs the
boys have to learn how to herd cattle. They take them to the fields and then
bring them back later in the day, if they lose even one they will be in serious
trouble. The girls learn how to make beads. The most common traditional food in
the Transkei is the samp and beans, which is umqusho traditional food.
The Transkei is the poorest town in S.A. last year Oprah Winfrey came to S.A to
the AIDS concert and gave the Transkei kids some gifts for Christmas. In South
Africa we might have some negative things but we also have some positive things.
In the Transkei there are beautiful sights to see .
My name is Bongo. I also used to have a
family in the Transkei, my father grew up there, and his ancestors lived there.
He moved to E.L to make something of himself and make money. A Sangoma is a
person who connects with people ancestors, helps them with messages from their
ancestors. A Sangoma is chosen at a very young age at about 15 years of age.
That is all I can probably have to tell you about the beautiful Transkei.
by Bongo (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Drakensberg
 The
Drakensberg, a mountain range paralleling the south-eastern coast of Africa.
Located mostly in South Africa, it extends for about 1,125 km from Mpumalanga to
Eastern Cape Province and forms the eastern boundary of Lesotho, in part of the
Free State. It is the highest portion of the eastern escarpment of the South
African plateau.
Among its peaks are the Twelve Apostles, the Policeman’s Helmet, Cathedral Peak
and many more.
Black Mountain (3,482 m above sea level, the also
containing the highest pub in Africa) and Mont-aux-Sources (3,299m above sea
level and a National Park) are two of the highest and most spectacular peaks in
southern Africa. They are popular destinations for both tourists that just wish
to savour the breathtaking scenery and hikers that enjoy the challenge of
conquering trails at high altitudes.
The climate of the Drakensberg has many surprises and experiencing four seasons
in one day is not uncommon. These vary from raging thunderstorms of hail, to a
beautiful sun that peers over the mountain range. The Drakensberg has many
secrets also including the San cave dwellings. It was nominated a World Heritage
Site in 2000. The range is crossed by a rail at two points; Van Reenen Pass
(1,646 m) and Laing's Nek. (1,250 m)
For the tourists there are a number of hotels or self-catering chalets,
including the Sani Pass Chalet, which is 2874m above sea level. To reach this
chalet you need a 4x4 vehicle but there are also quad bikes that take tourists
up the pass. Passports are required. The Drakensberg is definitely the most
beautiful mountain range in the world.
By Jason (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Kenton-on- Sea
 On
South Africa’s East Coast you will find Kenton-On-Sea nestling between the
Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers. The average temperature for summer is 25 degrees
Celsius and winter 17 degrees Celsius. The summers are dry and warm and the
winters mild. Sea temperatures vary between 16 degrees in winter and 23 degrees
in summer. The rivers are very safe for swimming and are well suited for
fishing, canoeing and even skiing. For bird watchers this is a wonderful place
to view a variety of bird species living in the lush vegetation along the river
banks.
The village of Kenton is small and the locals friendly and
only too happy to welcome visitors. The most popular attraction that brings
people back year after year is the magnificent unspoilt beaches. Kenton was
rated as the best beach in the country, which certainly is true. You can spend a
lazy day at the lagoon or swim in the many alcoves and bays along Kenton’s
shore. For young children the rock pools are full of sea life and give hours of
pleasure to people of all ages.
To get a real taste of Africa we recommend you take a tour
into the local township on the outskirts of Kenton, where you can experience a
true African way of life. Kenton-On-Sea is truly a wonderful destination for
anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the beauty of this little jewel of the
Sunshine Coast.
By Lauren (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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East London Factories
 Today,
East London has a population of about half a million citizens, including the
people living in the surrounding townships. The biggest employer is the Daimler
Chrysler AG, which manufactures here Mercedes cars and trucks for the South
African market and for export.
Daimler Chrysler is said to be supporting 80% of the jobs in East London. The
Nestle’ Factory, on the West Bank, supplies a huge majority of the shops in East
London with absolutely delicious different kinds of chocolate. The schools in
East London are often allowed to spoil their taste buds by visiting Nestle’,
going on a tour of the factory and get to taste samples of the quality
chocolate.
Many world-famous companies have made major investments in East London. These
include Volkswagen, Daimler Chrysler South Africa, Goodyear Tyres, Nestle,
Cadbury's, Firestone Tyres, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, Dulux Paints.
By Garth (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Port of East London
 The
harbor of East London is South Africa’s only remaining river port and is
situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River in East London. Its original name was
Port Rex.
East London has a dry dock capable of handling ships of up to 200m and a maximum
beam of 24,8m.
The port is serviced with fleet of three kinds of tugs- two 1978- built 43 ton
bollard pull Z-Peller tugs, 1980 built 43 ton bollard pull Vioth Schneider tug
and a workboat tug of the Tern class, which has a 19 ton bollard pull.
The East London Port consists of a Multi-Purpose Terminal, a Bulk Terminal
(Grain Elevator) and a Car Terminal.
The Grain Elevator, with a storage of 76 000 tones, is the largest in South
Africa. In the 1970’s the Elevator handled 3,8 million tones of exports.
East London Port handled a total of 323 ships in 2001,made up of 227 ocean
going, 65 coasters, 3 trawlers and 28 miscellaneous vessels, with a gross
tonnage of 21 256 478.
Many people don’t go to the harbor just to work and travel on ships but also for
the great harbor festivals we have. The festival normally carries on for about 2
days.
By Nikita (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Aquarium in East
London
 In
1912, the council first considered a proposal to construct an aquarium. However
it was only in 1930 that the actual construction started. The assistance of Dr
Jacob Nanni ,a zoologist of note, was obtained to advise the council on the
final designs, construction and equipment of the building.The aquarium was
officially opened by the mayor of East London N.O. Norton on the 2nd of December
1931 and is situated on the Esplanade. At present the aquarium boasts 27 tanks
which holds an array of fish, mostly from the Indo Pacific and West Indian
ocean.
The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 and costs a mere R13 for an adult
and R8.30 for children under 16 years. Pensioners also pay only R 8.30 and
school tours cost merely R 4.40 a child. Besides the array of fish, there are
also 4 seals at the aquarium and seals shows are held daily at 11:30 and 15:30.
The aquarium is also home to a number of penguins and pelicans.
The East London aquarium is a small, but lovely place to visit.
By Nabeel
(Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Robben Island
Robben Island is situated about 12 km into the sea in the middle of Table Bay.
Separated from the Cape mainland by a narrow channel of seawater, the island is
an isolated place, considered inaccessible for centuries. The island has been a
prison ever since the Dutch settled at the cape in the mid-16th century. During
World War II (1939-1945), the island was a training & defence station, & in
1961, it was converted to a maximum-security prison. African, Muslim leaders,
Dutch & British soldiers & civilians & even women were all imprisoned on the
island.
South Africa’s first democratic president, Nelson Mandela
& the founding leader of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Robert Sobukwe, are
among the well-known political figures who served their prison sentence on
Robben Island during the Apartheid era (separation period). The last prisoner
was released in 1991 & today, the prison houses around 700 medium security
inmates. Springbok, ostrich, rabbits, penguins & Cape Fur seals are among the
wildlife found on the island.
On December 1st, 1999, UNESCO listed Robben Island as a
world heritage site. Today the island has a thriving population that lives in a
quaint village with a bank, post office, museum & grocery store. Ferries sail
daily, taking visitors to the island. The entire trip lasts 3 ½ hours, including
the guided tours. For many South Africans, Robben Island is a place alike with
leaders, & the struggle for freedom in this beautiful country.
By Tamir (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Buffalo Park – Cricket Stadium in East London
 I will be writing to you about the cricket
stadium, which is in our city East London. The cricket stadium is only walking
distance from my house. The name of the stadium is Buffalo Park. The Cricket
World Cup was played in South Africa and four matches were played at Buffalo
Park. I went to watch all of the matches. The cricket stadium can seat 30
thousand people. I play cricket for my province, so at times we go and practice
at the stadium. Recently, there was a provincial tournament being played here
and I went to watch the final with my friends. When I go to watch the cricket I
go with my friends. I was even on Television once, and my parents and friends
saw me, I was waving like mad. I have a friend whose father works at the cricket
stadium and whenever there is a cricket match they always give us free tickets.
I will be pleased if you come and I am sure you will have a wonderful time here.
By Jacob (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Nahoon River
 The
Nahoon River has always been a lovely place for water sports and swimming. There
are stories about treasure being hidden on one of the islands. Very few people
believe this myth though, but you never know if you weren’t there at the time. I
have grown up there always skiing on the water. There were times when the water
was extremely cold but then higher up the river it was warm again. My family
always jumps off the boat and swim for minutes. I remember skiing once and a
fish jumped right into me. When I fall the blue and green water moves around me
so calmly and I start fearing. But then when I lye still in the water you feel
as if your being protected by the beautiful river. Nahoon River has always been
a great river for family events and peaceful times and I hope it stays like
that.
By Mathys (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Nahoon Reef
 Nahoon
Reef is another famous South Africa surf spot. It is situated in Nahoon suburb
of East London. The wave breaks on a point and can be very gnarly. The waves do
get quite big, but the sheer power and speed is what separates the groms from
the surfers. The paddle out is fairy tough, as you paddle out from the beach and
go around the waves to the break. It is quite shallow here, and you are surfing
on a reef. Stay away if you aren’t prepared to surf this reef wave. Ask any
South African surfer about Nahoon Reef and his eyes will light up as he
describes it as an awesome right-hander and one of the most consistent spots on
the coast. Nahoon Reef was once the scene of the Gunston 500 Competition (now
the Mr. Price Pro).
By Jason (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Top Schools in
East London
 East
London has a variety of excellent schools such as Stirling, Selborne, Hudson and
many more. Selborne is an all boys' school. They are known for their excellent
sport. They have produced 55 Springbok players in a variety of sport and even a
famous champion Formula one driver. Stirling is also very good at sport but is
better known for there technical achievements. They have excellent computer
labs. They have also produced a few springbok players.
Clarendon is an all girls' school so I do not know much about them as I am a boy.
Those are just three of the high schools in East London. The primary schools are
also very good. Selborne and Stirling are very strict in discipline. Both are
very good at cricket, rugby and hockey. Hudson High is Stirling High’s worst
rivals. So now you know a bit about the schools in East London just in case you
transfer.
By Jason
(Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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Yellow Sands
 Yellow
Sands is a popular seaside resort on the East Coast, close to East London. It
has much to offer to the holiday makers who love seaside vacations.
There are cottages, a caravan park and camping sites close to the sea and the
bathers can enjoy the water right on their doorstep. The camping sites are
leveled grass sites, with the choice of sun or shade.
It has a tidal river excellent for fishing and boating. There are also many
different species of birds to be seen.
The fishing is good in all areas. It has some of the best surfing spots in the
area.
All in all, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy a scenic, relaxing holiday.
By Josh (Stirling
Primary School, East London, South Africa)
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