Durban is the largest city in Kwazulu Natal and the capital city is Pietermaritzburg. Vasco da Gama of Portugal first saw the coast of Natal on Christmas Day in 1497.Before 1994 the area now known as Kwazulu Natal was made up of the Province of Natal in 1910. It is now estimated that 10,645,400 people are living in Kwazulu Natal. The population and language spoken by the inhabitants of this province is Zulu and the “kingdom” is presided over by the Zulu monarchy.
The province is known for its very humid climate, especially in winter. Due to the fertile soil and comparatively good rainfall of more than 1 000 mm a year, make agriculture central to the economy. Sugar Cane plantations and farming along the Indian Ocean coastal belt is the mainstay of Kwazulu Natal’s agriculture. The coastal belt is also a large producer of subtropical fruit, while the farmers in the hinterland concentrate on vegetable, dairy and stock-farming.
Many festivals and events are hosted there annually, making it a great place for tourists to visit. If you’re good shape and love the sea, splash out and enter the biggest and best beauty pageant in Kwazulu Natal, the Mr., Miss UShaka Marine World competition. Now in its seventh year, this event has become a “firm” favourite on the uShaka Marine World calendar. The lucky winner walks away with a R500 000 cash prize!
Pietermaritzburg was founded in 1838. Pietermaritzburg is home to the statue of the great Mahatma Gandhi, who in 1893 was on his way to Pretoria. But a white man objected his presence in the first class carriage, and was ordered to move to the van compartment. He refused to do so and was kicked off the train. Gandhi decided to stay in South Africa and fight the racial discrimination against Indians there. Today, a bronze statue of Gandhi stands in Church Street, in the city centre.
The Comrades Marathon takes place annually in June between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. It has been an event that takes place in Pietermaritzburg since 1921 and attracts thousands of entrants. The start of the race alternates between the two cities. There is a museum and house based on the Comrades marathon. One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is the 1:25000 model of the comrade’s route. The first “marathon” that was ran, was in 1921, it was a tribute race to all the South African soldiers that died in the Great War.