About Malabar

Malabar, Port Elizabeth

Malabar is an old area of Port Elizabeth, situated in the northern areas of the city. As such, it is surrounded by other suburbs; such as Gelvandale, Schauderville, Linton Grange, and Morningside. This is an important area in terms of the history of the Eastern Cape and the country itself.

In the mid-20th century, the Apartheid regime that was ruling South Africa at the time dictated that all non-white citizens be forcibly removed from certain areas and into other, completely undeveloped parts outside of the city centre. Malabar was one of these outlying suburbs, assigned to the Indian folk. As they were moved here, their former homes were destroyed along with all of their memories and belongings.

Therefore, Malabar is an important part of the local heritage; its homes and mosques telling the stories of the many people that have lived here for generations. There are several Islamic places of worship in Malabar, which are a real treat to visit and learn about.

Malabar is surrounded by a number of important highways. These lead to the N2 (which, eventually goes to Jeffrey’s Bay, the Garden Route and, eventually, Cape Town), as well as to the city centre of Port Elizabeth and the beachfronts for which the Friendly City is so well-known and loved around the country.