KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa · ZA

Durban

South Africa's busiest port city, on the warm Indian Ocean coast

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History & Heritage

Zulu Kingdom Shores to South Africa's Busiest Port

Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama sailed past the KwaZulu-Natal coast at Christmastide 1497 and named the region Natal, Portuguese for Christmas. In 1824, Lt. Francis Farewell's trading company opened relations with Shaka, the Zulu king, who granted the traders land at the Bay by document dated 7 August 1824. On 23 June 1835 a meeting of settlers decided to found a capital town named D'Urban after Cape Colony governor Sir Benjamin D'Urban.

Britain annexed the short-lived Natalia Republic in 1843, and Durban was granted city status in 1935. From 1860 onward, indentured labourers from British India arrived to work the sugar-cane plantations, followed by free Indian migrants — a history still visible in the city's Indian quarter and food culture today.

Apartheid-era Group Areas removals reshaped the city's geography: Cato Manor, home to Indian market gardeners and Black African tenants, saw riots in 1949-1950 and forced removals to townships including KwaMashu, Chatsworth and Phoenix.

Today Durban is the busiest port city in sub-Saharan Africa, and Algoa Bay's neighbour to the south — famous for its Golden Mile beachfront, its bunny chow, and as host of the Comrades Marathon's alternating finish line.

Key Historical Places

Places of Significance

Durban City Hall

Built 1906-1910 in Edwardian neo-baroque style, described as almost an exact replica of Belfast City Hall.

Colonial Architecture Landmark

↑ Best photographed from Francis Farewell Square across the road.

Juma Mosque

Founded in 1881 on Grey Street, expanded through the 20th century; can hold up to 6,000 worshippers.

Islamic Heritage Architecture

↑ Dress modestly; a short walk from Victoria Street Market.

Cato Manor

Site of 1949-1950 riots and forced removals under the Group Areas Act, with residents relocated to KwaMashu, Chatsworth and Phoenix.

Apartheid History Township Heritage

↑ Best visited with a heritage tour guide.

Phansi Museum

Housed in a 19th-century colonial mansion, holding one of the most extensive Southern African beadwork and craft collections anywhere.

African Art University-Linked Collection

↑ Check ahead for opening hours — a small, appointment-friendly museum.

Timeline

1497
Vasco da Gama names the coast Natal at Christmastide
7 Aug 1824
Shaka grants Farewell's trading company land at the Bay
23 Jun 1835
Settlers name the new town D'Urban
4 May 1843
Britain annexes the Natalia Republic
1860 onward
First Indian indentured labourers arrive
1935
Durban granted city status
1949-1950
Cato Manor riots and Group Areas forced removals begin
1 May 2010
King Shaka International Airport opens ahead of the World Cup

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