Umlazi is one of the largest townships in South Africa, on the south-western side of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. This guide brings together property, shopping, schools, healthcare, public services, jobs, transport and local news in one place.

About Umlazi

Umlazi lies about 15 km south-west of Durban’s city centre and falls within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The 2011 Census counted 404,811 residents across roughly 47 square kilometres, which makes Umlazi one of the most populous townships in the country.

The township is divided into 26 lettered sections, from A to Z (without I, O and X) plus AA, BB and CC. Section names are how most residents give directions and describe where they live. See the Umlazi Sections Map and the Umlazi Map to find your way around.

Well-known places in Umlazi include Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, King Zwelithini Stadium and the Umlazi Mega City shopping centre.

New to the area? See where Umlazi is located, read about when Umlazi was founded and the Umlazi population, or explore neighbouring Engonyameni.

Useful Contact Numbers

Umlazi is a residential area rather than a single business, so there is no one address or set of trading hours. These numbers work from anywhere in Umlazi:

Need a postal code? The Umlazi Postal Code guide lists street and PO box codes. For police stations and municipal offices, see Public Services in Umlazi.

Explore Umlazi by Topic

Each hub below groups the verified guides for that topic. New pages are added as their details are checked against official or first-party sources.

Popular everyday guides:

Directions and Transport

Most people travel in and around Umlazi by minibus taxi, with routes linking the sections to Durban’s city centre, Isipingo, Chatsworth and other nearby areas. Metrorail commuter trains also serve Umlazi, including stations at Umlazi and KwaMnyandu.

By car, the main routes are the N2, the M4 and the M30 Griffiths Mxenge Highway (formerly Mangosuthu Highway), which runs through the township. See Umlazi Directions and Umlazi Transport for route details, check the Weather Umlazi forecast before you travel, and confirm fares and timetables on the day.

What to Know Before Visiting

Browse Events in Umlazi for upcoming happenings, Shopping in Umlazi for malls and stores, and Umlazi Restaurants for places to eat.

Nearby Businesses and Services

Looking for a plumber, electrician, salon or other local provider? Start with Local Services in Umlazi. For clinics, pharmacies and doctors see Healthcare in Umlazi, and for mechanics and vehicle services see Automotive Services in Umlazi.

Searching for a home or room? Property in Umlazi covers houses for sale, rentals and what to check before you sign. Looking for work? Start with Jobs Umlazi. Schools are listed in Umlazi Schools, colleges and MUT in Education in Umlazi, local film, music and drama in Entertainment in Umlazi, and verified updates in Umlazi News.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Umlazi?

Umlazi is a township in KwaZulu-Natal, about 15 km south-west of Durban’s city centre, within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. It borders areas such as Isipingo and Chatsworth.

How big is Umlazi?

Umlazi covers roughly 47 square kilometres. The 2011 Census recorded 404,811 residents.

How many sections does Umlazi have?

Umlazi has 26 sections: A to Z without I, O and X, plus AA, BB and CC.

What is the Umlazi postal code?

The Umlazi street code is 4066 and the main PO box code is 4031. See the Umlazi Postal Code guide for details.

What is Umlazi known for?

Umlazi is known for Mangosuthu University of Technology, King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi Mega City, its lively shisanyama and lounge culture, and a strong tradition of music, choirs and sport.