Umlazi is a township located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The area of Umlazi is approximately 45.1 km², with a population estimated to be over 400,000 residents as of recent counts[1][2]. The 2011 census recorded a population of 404,811[3][5], and estimates suggest continued growth, with figures in 2020 at 405,062[1].
The population density is notable, at around 8,986 people per square kilometer, making Umlazi one of the most densely populated townships in the country[1].
The demographic structure is predominantly young, with a median age of around 25 years and a slight female majority[1][2]. The community is largely Zulu-speaking, with other languages such as Xhosa, English, and Southern Ndebele also present[3].
Umlazi is the fourth largest township in South Africa, after Soweto, Tembisa, and Katlehong. It is divided into 26 sections (A through Z, skipping some letters and including AA, BB, CC), and prior to December 2023, it uniquely had its own vehicle registration plate, NUZ[5].
Population growth in Umlazi is driven by migration from rural areas, higher-than-average birth rates, and economic opportunities in nearby Durban[2]. Although it plays a significant economic and cultural role—hosting events and contributing to the local economy—Umlazi faces challenges such as high unemployment, crime, housing shortages, and infrastructure demands[2][4].
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