Umlazi

What does the word Umlazi mean?
According to legend, the name Umlazi is derived from the Zulu word for sour acid produced by fermented or sour milk, “umlaza.” It is said that when King Shaka was passing through the area, he refused to drink from a nearby river because it tasted like “umlaza.” Following this incident, the area was renamed Umlazi.

Umlazi, how old are you?
Umlazi was officially opened to black residents in 1965 (the majority of whom had previously lived in Durban) and was granted town status in 1973. Umlazi was incorporated into the eThekwini Municipal Area in the early twenty-first century.

Umlazi is well-known for what?
Umlazi was established as a Black township in 1967, and it was one of the places where many people who had been displaced from Cato Manor ended up. It housed African laborers, many of whom were required to work in White-owned industries in South Durban. The township grew to become Durban’s largest.

What occurred at Umlazi?
On the evening of August 28, four men, a woman, and a 14-year-old were killed by a group of armed men who broke into a home and opened fire. Police believe the attack was directed at Lindokuhle Madida, Luyanda Khomo, and a third man.