Gqeberha’s Living Heritage: St Peter’s Rainbow Village Opens
From its position on a hill in South End, St Peter’s Rainbow Village offers a unique, 180-degree view of Nelson Mandela Bay. The site also provides another kind of perspective, one shaped by its history and role in the lives of local communities. Tomorrow, 23 September 2025, this restored heritage site officially opens to the public, inviting the people of Nelson Mandela Bay to experience its beauty, learn its stories, honour its legacy and renewed purpose as a space for connection and community life.
Located in the historic heart of South End, Gqeberha, the site is home to the former St Peter’s Anglican Church whose ruins remain as a lasting reminder to generations of families and their descendants. For decades, it stood as a quiet witness to the city’s evolution. Now, after careful planning and restoration work by the Mandela Bay Development Agency, an entity of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the site has been brought back to life as St Peter’s Rainbow Village.
The ceremonial opening of the site will be attended by many stakeholders representing generations that lived in the area, national and local government representatives, civil society leaders and community representatives to celebrate the legacy of South End and the role St Peter’s played as a cornerstone of the community. We are also honored to have the National Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Honorable Gayton McKenzie who will deliver the keynote address. His presence is significant in positioning St Peters Rainbow Village as a key element of national cohesion and an example of restoration and celebration of diversity”
“This is a place where history meets hope,” says Mr Anele Qaba, Chief Executive Officer of the MBDA. “St Peter’s Rainbow Village is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in spaces that bring people together. This facility will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the history and heritage that binds so many of our communities in Nelson Mandela Bay. St Peter’s Rainbow Village has been restored to preserve the memory of South End.”
The history of South End is highlighted by a once united, multi-racial community that was a victim of forced removals of the 1960’s. The project forms part of the MBDA’s broader commitment to human-centered urban renewal that pays respect to the history of the city.
The MBDA’s work on the site included structural rehabilitation, landscaping, and the creation of public amenities designed to support inclusive use. Special care was taken to preserve the architectural character of the original building while introducing new elements such as a viewing deck, seating area, and a small ampitheatre. Walkways through the site provide the opportunity for guided tours celebrating South End’s rich history and culture. An on-site kiosk will provide coffee and refreshments to the public. Designed as an outdoor event space, it can accommodate between 50 and 100 people. The area is secured around the clock by MBDA-contracted security personnel, and entry is free to the public.
The site will be open to the public on weekdays from 08h00 to 16h00, and on Saturdays and public holidays from 10h00 to 15h00. The Village invites walking clubs, families, schools, and social groups to explore its tranquil walkways. It offers a safe and welcoming environment for informal gatherings, educational visits, and cultural programming.
“Tomorrow’s event brings the key roleplayers together to celebrate what St Peter’s was, and what it will now become,” says Mr Anele Qaba. “By preserving the legacy of St Peter’s, we keep the vision of unity alive, inspiring pride and fostering a deep connection to our cultural heritage.”
Site enquiries can be directed to stpeters@mbda.co.za
Opening Hours:
08h00 – 16h00, Monday to Friday
10h00 – 15h00, Saturdays and Public Holidays