Cofimvaba

Cofimvaba, Karoo Heartland

Set among the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, Cofimvaba is a small town with a history stretching back to 1877. It came into being when the magisterial seat for Thembuland was moved from St Marks to a more central and accessible site, creating a focal point for governance and community life in the region. Though modest in size, Cofimvaba holds an important place in South African history as the birthplace of Chris Hani, the influential anti-apartheid activist and leader of the South African Communist Party.

The town’s name carries a distinctly local flavour, drawn from the life and sounds of the land. One explanation traces it to a nearby stream, which after heavy rains turns white and frothy like milk. Another links it to the Xhosa words cofa (press) and mvaba (milk-bag), describing the traditional method of pressing goat-skin bags to break up sour milk. A third tells of the way the water gurgles over the rocks, echoing the rhythmic splash of milk being shaken in a bag. Each version, whether poetic or practical, connects Cofimvaba to its rural roots.

In more recent times, the town has faced its share of struggles. In September 2022, a wave of vigilante killings shook the community, with locals accusing the police of failing to address crime. These events, while troubling, speak to the deep frustrations that can take hold when safety and justice feel out of reach.

Today, Cofimvaba continues to serve as an administrative and trading centre for the surrounding villages. It is a place where history, culture, and the challenges of rural life converge, offering a glimpse into both the resilience and complexity of the Eastern Cape.