Umlazi is a township in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, about 15 km south-west of the Durban city centre. It falls under the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and is divided into 26 lettered sections.
Where Is Where Is Umlazi Located?
Yes, Umlazi is part of Durban. It lies about 15 km south-west of the Durban CBD, inland from the old Durban International Airport site and Isipingo, at roughly 29°58′S, 30°53′E. The area rises into hills that sit at an average of about 100 m above sea level.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Country and province | South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Municipality | eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (Durban) |
| Distance from Durban CBD | About 15 km south-west |
| Area (Census 2011 main place) | 47.46 km² |
| Street postal code | 4066 |
| Education district | Umlazi District (KZN Department of Education) |
Open the interactive Umlazi Map to see the township, its main roads and landmarks, or go back to the Umlazi local guide.
Map and Boundaries
Umlazi sits between the uMlazi River to the north and the eZimbokodweni River to the south. Neighbouring areas include Chatsworth to the north, Mobeni to the north-east, Isipingo and the old airport to the east, Malukazi to the south-east, and semi-rural areas such as Esidweni to the west.
Inside the township, homes and businesses are grouped into 26 sections: A to Z without I, O and X, plus AA, BB and CC. See the Umlazi Sections Map and guides such as Umlazi V Section and Umlazi BB. Nearby Engonyameni is a separate area on the edge of Umlazi.
Location details checked 13 September 2026 against Wikipedia (Umlazi) and Census 2011 main place data.
Schools, Clinics and Public Services
Umlazi has its own education district, a university (Mangosuthu University of Technology), two Coastal KZN TVET College campuses in V and BB sections, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital near V Section and clinics across many sections. Find more in Umlazi Schools, Healthcare in Umlazi and Public Services in Umlazi.
Shopping, Food and Local Services
The best-known shopping centre is Umlazi Mega City on Griffiths Mxenge Highway. KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre opened in June 2014. Smaller shops, salons and takeaways trade throughout the sections. Browse Shopping in Umlazi and Umlazi Restaurants.
Transport and Directions
- By road: the M30 Griffiths Mxenge Highway (formerly Mangosuthu Highway) runs through Umlazi and links to the M4 and R102 towards Durban. The N2 passes nearby.
- By train: Metrorail’s KwaMashu-Umlazi line has stations at Umlazi, Lindokuhle, KwaMnyandu and Zwelethu.
- By bus and taxi: Durban Transport buses and minibus taxis connect the sections with Durban.
For step-by-step options, read Umlazi to Durban and the Umlazi transport guide.
Property and Housing
Housing ranges from older township houses and newer subsidised homes to informal dwellings. Prices and rents differ by section. See Property in Umlazi for houses for sale, rentals and rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Umlazi in Durban?
Yes. Umlazi is a township in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which is the Durban metro, about 15 km south-west of the city centre.
Which district is Umlazi in?
Umlazi is in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. For schools, it falls under the Umlazi Education District of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
Where is Umlazi located in South Africa?
Umlazi is in KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa, south-west of Durban and inland from Isipingo.
Why was Umlazi built where it is?
Umlazi was developed on the former Umlazi mission reserve as an apartheid-era township for Black residents, many moved from Cato Manor, close enough to supply workers to Durban’s southern industries. See the Umlazi history guide for more.