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Port Nolloth
Port Nolloth town, 2005
Port NollothShow map of Northern CapePort NollothShow map of South Africa
Coordinates: 29°15′S 16°52′E / 29.250°S 16.867°E / -29.250; 16.867
Country	South Africa
Province	Northern Cape
District	Namakwa
Municipality	Richtersveld
Established	1854
Area
• Total	30.32 km (11.71 sq mi)
Population
• Total	6,092
• Density	200/km (520/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	16.2%
• Coloured	72.0%
• Indian/Asian	0.6%
• White	10.2%
• Other	1.0%
First languages (2011)
• Afrikaans	85.2%
• Xhosa	7.0%
• English	3.5%
• Sotho	1.1%
• Other	3.1%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	8280
PO box	8280
Area code	027

Port Nolloth is a town and small domestic seaport in the Namaqualand region on the northwestern coast of South Africa, 144 kilometres (89 mi) northwest of Springbok. It is the seat of the Richtersveld Local Municipality.

The port was previously a transshipment point for copper from the Okiep mines, and diamonds from the Namaqua coast. Since the 1970s the principal seagoing activities have been fishing and small-vessel tourism. Today the town is a sleepy commercial hub with a number of holiday homes and a caravan park at the adjacent McDougalls Bay. It is also a gateway to the Richtersveld National Park, located 160 kilometres (99 mi) to the north along the Orange River.

History

The bay upon which the port sits was known by the indigenous Namaqua people as Aukwatowa ("Where the water took away the old man"). Its location was marked by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias on his epic voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1487. It was the last landfall he sighted before a wild storm blew his ship off course and out to sea for 30 days.

The land surrounding the bay remained virtually uninhabited until James Alexander's discovery in 1852 of copper at Okiep, 160 kilometres (99 mi) inland from the bay. The Cape Colony administration immediately commenced a survey of the coastline to locate a suitable harbour from which to ship the copper ore. Aukwatowa bay was surveyed in 1854, and selected for a future port based largely on its sheltered aspect from offshore winds.

Copper shipments

A rudimentary quay was built in 1855, wide enough to accommodate the horse-drawn wagons that carried the copper ore from Okiep to the port. A small service town rapidly developed and was named Port Nolloth by Cape Colony Governor Sir George Grey, in honour of its surveyor, Captain M.S. Nolloth.

In 1874, the wagons were replaced by the 154 km (96 mi) long Namaqualand Railway between the mine and the port and the quay was lengthened to 67 m (220 ft). However, while the railway significantly improved overland transport to the port, the increasing size of ore carriers began to create navigational difficulties in the bay. By the early 1900s, the sheltered aspect that had attracted surveyors fifty years before was proving too difficult for larger vessels, several of which ran aground on a coastal reef extending across the channel. The difficulties of the harbour and expensive ship repairs encouraged the development of an alternative transport route and by 1910 most Okiep ore was being carried by truck to the railhead at Bitterfontein in preference to shipments direct from the port.

Diamond mining

With ore shipments declining, the Port was revived in 1926 with the discovery of alluvial diamonds along the coast to the north and south of the town. A rush of prospectors and investment re-established Port Nolloth as a substantial service centre, even as copper shipments ceased altogether in 1944.

The inability of larger vessels to enter the port led to a series of disasters as ships attempted to anchor offshore rather than seek shelter in poor weather. In April 1947, the 205-ton South African freighter Border ran aground to the south of the port while attempting to ride out a storm. In December 1950, the 400-ton freighter Bechuana suffered a similar fate.

In the years following these wrecks, efforts were made to improve port access with the underwater blasting of the coastal reef. The attempt was partially successful but the bay remained a challenging prospect. Demand for port access also declined in the 1970s as the volume of diamond exports decreased.

The diamonds in Port Nolloth are now almost all gone and divers are struggling to make a living. It is very rare that a big haul gets mined with a value over R500 000 in any given trip. Income now average between R30 000 and R40 000 per month for the more experienced divers.

Closure of the Port

After 1976, large-scale shipping at Port Nolloth was reduced to a single tanker, the Oranjemund, which visited the port fortnightly to exchange supplies for fish and diamonds. 61 metres long but with a draft of only 4.4 metres, the Oranjemund was well-suited for the navigational difficulties of the bay. However, the gradual reduction in diamond discoveries made the long voyage from Cape Town uneconomic, and the Oranjemund was withdrawn from service in 2006. Port activity now consists of minor fishing vessels and recreational boating. Silting of the harbour floor has further reduced the draft, and only the smallest vessels can access the 67-metre quay.

Climate

The cold Benguela Current in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of South Africa moderates the climate of the coastal region to a huge degree. The average daily maximum in summer is only just above 20 °C (68 °F) with a variation of less than 4 degrees between the hottest and coldest months of the year at Port Nolloth. On average the temperature reaches 30 °C (86 °F) on only 15 days per year, compared to an average of 220 days per year at Vioolsdrif, less than 100 kilometres (62 mi) to the north-east. The west coast is regularly frequented by a thick fog bank rolling in from the cold ocean, a phenomenon locally known as the Malmokkie.

Port Nolloth is located in the southern part of the Namib desert and on average receives about 72 millimetres (2.8 in) of precipitation per year.

Tourism

Port Nolloth Museum

The Port Nolloth Museum was situated in Port Nolloth, a small town and domestic seaport located in the Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape. The building which housed the museum was built in 1880 and was only transformed into a museum in the 2000s.

The museum closed down after the owner and curator George Moyses passed away on Friday, September 30, 2022. He was a local legend and is still mourned by the community. :

Relics at the museum showcased the rich history and culture of Port Nolloth, including:

• porcelain shards from shipwrecks
• slave bracelets that washed up on the port of the town from a ship called HMS Black Joke
• antique medicine bottles that contain citronella oil and liquorice powder
• an antique Nama bible
• ostrich-shell fragments used by the Khoi and San for water containers
• Khoi clay pot pieces

The museum also contained a large collection of photographs and artifacts from the time of copper ore shipments between 1854 and 1920. With the development of mining, the Port Nolloth harbour became a greater significance as one of two harbours used for the export of copper ore and more importantly, for the import of food and capital equipment.

The museum also contained photos and artifacts of the diamond mining period. The town declined in the early 1900s but was revived with the discovery of alluvial diamonds in the area in 1926. The harbour was deepened and enlarged in the 1970s and diamond mines, diamond diving and fishery continue to operate in the area

Old train tracks

The old train tracks in Port Nolloth, constructed in the late 19th century, played a pivotal role in the region's copper mining industry. This narrow-gauge railway, spanning over 150 kilometers, connected the mining town of Okiep to the port, facilitating the transportation of copper ore to international markets. The railway's construction began in 1869 under the supervision of engineer Richard Thomas Hall. By December 1870, the line had reached Muishondfontein, 77 kilometers from the sea. Initially, the tramway was designed for animal-drawn traffic, utilizing a 30-inch gauge with light rails bolted to longitudinal sleepers, allowing animals to traverse the line freely. Okiep, in the 1870s, was renowned for having the richest copper mine globally, and the railway was instrumental in exporting copper to international markets, significantly contributing to the local economy. Due to the scarcity of water along the route, steam locomotives were initially impractical, leading to the use of animal-drawn carriages. Although the main railway line between Port Nolloth and Okiep remained operational until 1945, it was eventually decommissioned, and much of the line was sold as scrap. However, sections between Nababeep and Okiep continued in service until 1950, when improved road infrastructure rendered the railway obsolete.

Today, remnants of the old train tracks are still visible, serving as historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the area's rich industrial past. Notably, a section of the tracks can be seen embedded in Port Nolloth's main road, providing a tangible reminder of the town's industrial heritage.

The Saltpan

The Port Nolloth Salt Pan, located north of the town, is a natural feature of historical and ecological significance. Historically, the salt pan served multiple community purposes, including being used as a cricket field and as a landing spot for light aircraft. Ecologically, the salt pan provides a habitat for various bird species, including the lesser flamingo and the Cape shoveler, which are attracted by its saline environment that supports feeding and nesting. Archaeological studies around the salt pan have uncovered isolated historical artifacts such as glass and ceramics, particularly along its eastern margin. These findings suggest human activity in the area, offering insights into the region's historical use and significance.

Today, the Port Nolloth Salt Pan remains a notable point of interest for both locals and visitors, reflecting the town's natural heritage and historical value.

The “Sloepe”

The "Sloepe" is a lesser-known geological site located in McDougalls Bay, approximately 5 kilometers from the center of Port Nolloth. This area features a collection of skewed rocks hugging the coastline, which are a testament to the powerful metamorphic events that took place within the Namaqua-Natal Province. The Namaqua-Natal Province is renowned for its complex geological history, particularly during the Neoproterozoic era. The region experienced significant tectonic and metamorphic events that led to the formation of various rock types, including orthoquartzites, feldspathic quartzites, arkoses, and volcanics. These formations are evident along the coastal strip from Kleinzee to Cliff Point, where the "Sloepe" is located.

While the "Sloepe" is a lesser-known site for tourists, it holds cultural significance for locals. During New Year's Eve, residents gather at this area to celebrate, engaging in traditional activities such as braaing (barbecuing) and setting off fireworks. This communal gathering reflects the town's close-knit community and its connection to the natural surroundings.

Fishing Industry and Factory Ruins in Port Nolloth

Port Nolloth, has a rich history closely tied to the fishing industry. For much of the 20th century, fishing served as a key economic driver for the town, providing livelihoods for many residents. The establishment of fish processing factories in the area helped support this thriving industry. However, over time, economic challenges and changes in the fishing sector led to the decline of these factories. By 1993, many of the fish processing facilities had ceased operations, leaving behind abandoned buildings and a faded legacy of the town's industrial past.

Today, visitors to Port Nolloth can explore the remnants of these once-vibrant factories, which stand as quiet symbols of the town's fishing history. In the town itself, factory ruins can be found scattered along the coast. While the buildings are largely in disrepair, they offer a glimpse into the town's past. One of the more striking sites is located along the northern beach, where the ruins of a factory are partially covered by sand. To reach this location, visitors can embark on a 2.3-kilometer hike from the main beach. Along the way, the trek offers an opportunity to take in the rugged coastline and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The sand-covered ruins provide an eerie yet captivating snapshot of Port Nolloth's historical connection to the fishing industry. However, the site is private property, and visitors are not permitted to enter the premises. The buildings can be viewed from the beach. Though these factories no longer operate, their presence remains a significant part of the town's cultural and industrial heritage, reflecting the once-thriving fishing economy that sustained Port Nolloth for many years.

Port Nolloth Lighthouse

The Port Nolloth Lighthouse is a striking and somewhat unusual structure located on the western shore of Port Nolloth, Northern Cape, South Africa. As the most northern lighthouse on the western coast of South Africa, it holds historical and practical significance. The lighthouse is 11 meters tall, constructed from aluminium lattice, and features a distinctive triangular day marker painted in black and white stripes, giving it a unique and somewhat quirky appearance.

The Port Nolloth Lighthouse was first commissioned in 1906 after a petition was submitted to the Cape colonial government for the establishment of a permanent coastal light at Port Nolloth. The lighthouse also incorporated a fog signal, which was introduced in 1909. The original lighthouse tower was an 18.5-meter cast-iron red column, supported by four heavy steel wire guys anchored in concrete. To reach the small balcony at the top of the tower, one had to climb an inclined ladder.

In the years that followed, Port Nolloth went through a series of significant economic shifts. The town experienced a copper mining boom, followed by the impact of World War I and the subsequent closure of the copper mines. The discovery of diamonds brought new economic activity, which was later followed by a crayfish boom. Despite these changes, the lighthouse continued to serve as an essential navigation aid.

In the 1970s, the lighthouse was automated and replaced by the current aluminium lattice tower. The new lighthouse was relocated about 50 meters inland, while the original tower was decommissioned. Today, the lighthouse still serves its purpose, with a lighting system that flashes either red or white to indicate whether there is enough water over the reefs outside the bay to safely enter the harbor.

KaiKai Wall of Expression

The KaiKai Wall of Expression is a distinctive mosaic wall located in Port Nolloth, South Africa. It was created as part of the development of the KaiKai residential estate, a project initiated by Jimmy du Toit. The name "KaiKai" is derived from the Nama language, meaning "to cultivate, to elevate with praise, or to nurture with pride."

The story behind the KaiKai Wall is deeply rooted in the town's cultural history and the vision of empowering the local community. The wall was conceptualized as an artistic representation of the collective experiences and values of Port Nolloth’s people. The vision was to create a space that celebrates the spirit of unity, creativity, and resilience, all while encouraging self-expression.

Designed in a Gaudi-esque style, the wall features a series of mosaic installations and columns interspersed with open spaces, rather than a solid structure. This design approach is meant to symbolize the fluidity and interconnectedness of the community, with each mosaic piece contributing to a larger, cohesive whole.

Local residents were invited to participate in the creation of the mosaics, adding personal touches and stories to the project. This collaborative process helped strengthen bonds within the community and fostered a sense of pride and ownership. The project also provided employment and artistic training to many individuals in the area, allowing them to gain valuable skills and become active contributors to the town’s cultural landscape.

Through the wall, the local community was able to showcase their creativity, turning a construction project into an expression of collective identity. The KaiKai Wall of Expression stands as a testament to Port Nolloth's rich cultural heritage, its people’s resilience, and the power of art to bring about positive change. It has become a notable landmark in the town, attracting visitors and art enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design and the story behind its creation.

The wall serves not only as a piece of public art but also as a symbol of the town’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a sense of pride and unity through creativity and community engagement.

For more information, visit the (http://www.kai-kai.co.za).

KaiKai parkrun

The KaiKai parkrun is a free, weekly 5-kilometer event held every Saturday at 8:00 AM in Port Nolloth, South Africa. This community event is part of the global parkrun initiative, which encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in regular physical activity. The event is open to everyone, whether participants wish to run, jog, walk, or volunteer. It provides a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike, promoting health and fitness while fostering a sense of community. Volunteers play an important role in organizing and supporting the event each week. To take part, participants must register online in advance and bring a scannable barcode to receive an official time. The event is free of charge, but parkrun encourages individuals to contribute by volunteering if they are not participating.

As the westernmost parkrun event in South Africa, the KaiKai parkrun is a unique and scenic experience, offering a great way to explore Port Nolloth's beautiful coastal environment while staying active. The event has become a regular feature in the town, contributing to both physical well-being and community cohesion.

References

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15. J. Smith (2010). "Richard Thomas Hall and the Little Railway of Namaqualand". Historical Railway Review. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
16. ^ "The Namaqualand Copper Mine Railway". 15 July 2010. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
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21. ^ "The seaside town dusted in diamonds". Retrieved 2025-01-06.
22. "Port Nolloth Prospecting Heritage Report" (PDF). Retrieved 2025-01-06.
23. ^ "The stinkfontein formation South of the Richtersveld". Retrieved 2025-01-06.
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25. ^ (https://molegenealogy.blogspot.com/2015/08/port-nolloth-lighthouse.html?)
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v t e Municipalities and communities of Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape
District seat: Springbok
Hantam	Brandvlei Calvinia Loeriesfontein Nieuwoudtville
Kamiesberg	Garies Hondeklip Bay Kamieskroon Karkams Koingnaas Leliefontein Soebatsfontein Spoegrivier
Karoo Hoogland	Fraserburg Sutherland Williston
Khâi-Ma	Aggeneys Onseepkans Pella Pofadder
Nama Khoi	Buffelsrivier Concordia Goodhouse Grootmis Henkries Kleinzee Komaggas Nababeep Okiep Springbok Steinkopf Vioolsdrif
Richtersveld	Alexander Bay Eksteenfontein Kuboes Lekkersing Port Nolloth Sanddrif

• Ports and harbours of South Africa
• Populated places established in 1854
• Populated places in the Richtersveld Local Municipality
• Ports and harbours of the Atlantic Ocean
• Namaqualand
• 1854 establishments in the Cape Colony