While scrolling through Instagram you may have stumbled upon a page called Exploring PE, showcasing everything the friendly city has to offer.
From fun outdoor activities for the whole family, to where to satisfy your cravings or where to take part in the latest workout trend, the page succeeds in showing that Gqeberha has a lot to offer for both residents and visitors.
Thanks to this new exciting page the ‘there’s nothing to do around here’ line, is officially something of the past.
Inspired by her mother’s adventurous spirit to discover hidden gems in the city, Lise Nel, a proud Gqeberha resident and occupational therapist, created the page in March of last year after returning to her hometown, after spending nearly six years away. Created with the primary goal of documenting her rediscovery of the city and highlighting how Gqeberha remains a vibrant city to live in with its rich cultural diversity, the page has since attracted nearly 4 000 followers and is currently averaging around 130 000 views, monthly.
“I’ve received so much positive feedback from the community, with people sharing how they’ve discovered new places they didn’t even know existed in Port Elizabeth. Many have told me they used to think Port Elizabeth had little to offer, but the page has completely changed their perspective, showcasing just how much there is to see and do here. Visitors from out of town and even overseas have reached out to tell me how helpful the page has been in planning their stay and making the most of their time here,” a proud Nel said.
While she did not expect that the page would reach so many people, Nel always remained hopeful that followers would resonate with her enthusiastic energy when exploring new places and activities to do in and around Gqeberha, which they were previously unaware of. But more importantly, when Nel launched the page, she wanted to create a platform that would help uplift local businesses so that they could get the attention they deserve. Nel believes the city is filled with hardworking individuals and world-class businesses that do not always get the recognition they deserve.
“The response from local businesses has been just as heartwarming as the community’s. Many have shared how their events are now doing better than ever, with some even selling out completely. They’ve noticed an overall increase in clients and have expressed their gratitude for the support and exposure the page provides. It’s been an amazing experience to collaborate with businesses, be invited to events, and connect with so many wonderful people along the way. Knowing that the page is making a tangible difference for local businesses is incredibly rewarding,” Nel added.
Even though the city may often grab the news headlines for negative reasons, Nel believes that Gqeberha still holds a beauty that is unique compared to any other city in South Africa. She dreams that this page will continue attracting more visitors to the city.
“Port Elizabeth feels like home, and the people feel like family—there’s nothing I value more than that. While the city may often make negative headlines, my experiences have shown me the incredible potential and the warmth of this community. Port Elizabeth provides a balance of simplicity and connection that’s hard to find elsewhere, and that’s something I’m committed to celebrating and sharing with others.”
