Centane, formerly Kentane or Kentani is a town in Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is situated at approximately 31 kilometres (19 mi) from Butterworth. This is the heartland of amaXhosa people (amaRharhabe and amaGcaleka), the Xhosa culture is still upholded in its highest regard in this region. AmaRharhabe Xhosa were moved here from Ciskei (Dikeni, Qonce, Bhofolo, Qoboqobo, Cumakala etc) after the war of 1878 (9th Xhosa war). The prominent Rharhabe Xhosa surnames (which were Rharhabe Xhosa councilors) such as Nxokwana (amaNtakwenda), Khantolo (amaQocwa), Mfaxa (amaNtlane), Gwadiso (amaDala), Somana (amaJwarha) were moved to Centane from Ciskei to join amaGcaleka Xhosa such as Maphasa (amaTshawe) and other clans who are native to Centane.
Centane | |
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![]() ![]() Centane ![]() ![]() Centane ![]() ![]() Centane | |
Coordinates: 32°30′25″S 28°19′01″E | |
Country | South Africa |
Province | Eastern Cape |
District | Amathole |
Municipality | Mnquma |
Area | |
• Total | 4.39 km2 (1.69 sq mi) |
Population (2011)[1] | |
• Total | 1,456 |
• Density | 330/km2 (860/sq mi) |
Racial makeup (2011) | |
• Black African | 96.2% |
• Coloured | 0.8% |
• Indian/Asian | 0.2% |
• White | 1.1% |
• Other | 1.7% |
First languages (2011) | |
• Xhosa | 93.2% |
• English | 1.7% |
• Other | 5.1% |
Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
Area code | 4980 |
Centane was the site of the battle of Centane on 7 February 1878 during the ninth Frontier War, where in more than 300 Xhosa were killed for the loss of only two British soldiers.
The grave of the Xhosa king, Khawuta kaGcaleka (the father of Bhurhu kaKhawuta and Hintsa kaKhawuta) is in this town in the village of Njingini.
Nongqawuse was born in Centane in a village called Gxarra
There are a number of beaches in Centane, including Qolorha By Sea, Mazzepa Bay and Wavecrest.[citation needed]
Municipalities and communities of Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape | ||
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District seat: East London | ||
Amahlathi |
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Great Kei | ||
Mbhashe |
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Mnquma |
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Ngqushwa |
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Raymond Mhlaba |