Jonopo Traditional Village And Craft Centre is located in the Eastern Cape's Qunu region, which is well known as the area in which old South African president Nelson Mandela was born. The village was established in 1992 by a local resident named Joyce Nocollege Poqela with hopes of providing visitors with insights into the Xhosa culture, traditions and history. The name "JONOPO" is derived from the first two letters of her three names. Built on communal land, Jonopo traditional village and craft centre is said to be the only entirely black owned and managed cultural village in South Africa, and recieves between approximately six hundred and a thousand visitors each month.

The Jonopo Traditonal Village provides visitors with informative and interesting insights into the Xhosa culture by means of displays and demonstrations which shed light on the various rites, rituals, and customs such as Ibhoma (boys initiation), Intonjane (girls initiation), and Isangomas (traditional healers), who practise at the village in specially built huts. Jonopo also offers tourists an opportunity to overnight in traditional Xhosa bungalows and backpackers dormitory style bunks.

The craft centre at Jonopo was established with intentions of serving the local community by providing a showcase for the crafters of the area. All items available for sale at the craft centre are handmade by locals, and these interesting and skilfully manufactured wares include items such as traditional Xhosa attire, clay animals, beadwork, woven grass wares, basketry, and pottery. Jonopo also provides visitors with the excellent opportunity to experience traditional Xhosa cuisine. Home cooked meals are prepared for guests, and these include traditional dishes such as imifino, umngqusho, amahewu, isophu, umqombothi, umqa, porridge, dried pumpkin, Xhosa stews, and dried traditional sweet corn. A small entrance fee of R5 per visitor is asked.

For further information call 083 109 4714 or Tel:+27 (047) 531 5290 and Fax: +27 (047) 531 5291.

Location: 33km south of  Mthatha, just off the N2