Gcuwa, formerly known as Butterworth, is a town situated along the N2 National Route in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, approximately 106 km north-east of East London and 11 km east of Ndabakazi village.
Butterworth falls within the Mnquma Local Municipality and the Amathole District Municipality. Butterworth (Gcuwa) is the main town and administrative centre/seat of the Mnquma Local Municipality.
Butterworth is one of the oldest towns in the Amatole region of the Eastern Cape Province. The town provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a real taste of South African mingled with traditional Xhosa hospitality.
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside with wide landscapes and vistas. With nearby villages, one may take a day’s walk to experience a welcoming customary Xhosa way of life. Being part of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast, Butterworth provides several accommodation options.
Butterworth developed around the Wesleyan Mission Station and was built on the banks of the Gcuwa River in 1827. Although officially named after Joseph Butterworth, treasurer of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, Xhosa locals affectionately refer to the town as Gcuwa.
Butterworth saw much fighting during the Frontier Wars, and today it is an important industrial and commercial centre and the gateway to the southern-most resorts of the Wild Coast.