East London, city, now part and seat of Buffalo City metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape prov., SE South Africa, on the Indian Ocean. East London grew around a British military post founded in 1847. Its harbor was developed from 1886, and today it is a leading South African port. The main exports are corn, wool, and fruit. East London's manufactures include automobiles, furniture, textiles, clothing, footwear, processed food, and glass. East London is a rail hub, providing a link to the goldfields of Free State. There is a large fishing industry. The city is also a popular seaside resort. East London Museum and a technical college are in the city.
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