Rhole Business Directory

The Heart of the Pondoland Wild Coast

Rhole is a remote and culturally rich coastal village situated in the Pondoland region of the Eastern Cape. Located near the Mkhambathi Nature Reserve and the historic Port Grosvenor, it is one of the six primary villages comprising the Lambasi administrative area. In 2026, Rhole continues to serve as a vital residential anchor for the local Mpondo community, balancing traditional agrarian lifestyles with a growing reputation as a gateway for eco-tourists. The village is characterized by its rolling green hills, traditional homesteads, and its proximity to some of South Africa’s most iconic natural landmarks, including Waterfall Bluff and Cathedral Rock.

2026 Infrastructure: The Rhole Access Road Completion

A defining feature of the village in May 2026 is the progress and maintenance of the Rhole Access Road. Under the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality’s 2025/2026 Capital Budget, this multi-year infrastructure project has been a priority for "unblocking" rural development. The road is a critical 13.5-kilometre link that integrates Rhole with the broader Lusikisiki-Flagstaff economic axis. As of mid-2026, the project has transitioned into a maintenance and surfacing phase, aimed at ensuring that the village remains accessible to emergency services and agricultural logistics even during the heavy summer rainfall seasons that historically isolated the area.

May 2026: National State of Disaster and Flood Response

In early May 2026, Rhole and the broader O.R. Tambo District were significantly impacted by a severe weather system that led to a National State of Disaster declaration on May 11, 2026.

• Impact: Heavy rainfall between May 4 and May 7 triggered localized flooding and landslides along the Wild Coast. While Rhole’s new access road demonstrated improved resilience compared to previous years, the district experienced significant damage to small bridges and water reticulation systems.

• Recovery: As of May 18, 2026, municipal disaster management teams are active in the Ward 23 area, conducting damage assessments and providing relief to households affected by the deluge. The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has earmarked a portion of its R9 billion 2026 infrastructure allocation to fast-track repairs in flood-stricken coastal villages like Rhole.

Tourism Synergy: Community Homestays and Heritage

The economy of Rhole in 2026 is bolstered by a world-class community-based tourism model. The Rhole Wild Coast Homestay Huts are a flagship initiative that allows travelers to experience authentic Mpondo culture while providing sustainable income to local families.

• The Waterfall Route: Rhole serves as the primary base for hikers and "adventure seekers" exploring the Wild Coast Waterfall Route, featuring the unique Mfihlelo Falls which drop directly into the Indian Ocean.

• Heritage Links: The village is situated near the 1782 wreck of the Grosvenor, attracting historical researchers and divers. The 2026/27 provincial tourism strategy has identified Rhole as a "Heritage Priority Site," focusing on upgrading digital connectivity for local homestay operators to facilitate direct global bookings.

Future Outlook: Vision 2035 and Digital Ruralisation

Looking toward the late 2020s, Rhole is a central part of the Ingquza Hill Municipality’s "Vision 2035" framework. This long-term plan focuses on "digital ruralisation," aimed at providing high-speed satellite internet to rural schools and community hubs. With the Eastern Cape’s R330 million digital economy drive launched in early 2026, Rhole is positioned to benefit from enhanced telecommunications, bridging the gap between its remote location and global markets. By balancing the preservation of its pristine Pondoland heritage with modern road infrastructure and digital innovation, Rhole remains a resilient and culturally indispensable node of the Eastern Cape.