Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal

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Newcastle
Downtown Newcastle City Skyline from Fort Amiel Museum.jpg
Sculpture by Mohau Modisakeng at Entrance 03 of the Newcastle Mall.jpg
Newcastle City Hall 2015.jpg
Newcastle from Hilldrop.jpg
Arcelor Mittal from Madadeni.jpg
From the top: Downtown Newcastle Town Skyline from Fort Amiel Museum, Sculpture by Mohau Modisakeng at Entrance 03 of the Newcastle Mall, Newcastle Town Hall, Newcastle from Hilldrop and Arcelor Mittal Newcastle Works
South Africa KwaZulu-Natal location map.svg
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Newcastle
South Africa adm location map.svg
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Newcastle
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Newcastle
Coordinates: 27°44′47″S29°55′58″E / 27.74639°S 29.93278°E / -27.74639; 29.93278
Country South Africa
Province KwaZulu-Natal
District Amajuba
Municipality Newcastle
Established1864 [1]
Government
 • MayorXolani Dube (Inkatha Freedom Party [2] )
Area
[3]
 • Total199.06 km2 (76.86 sq mi)
Elevation
1,194 m (3,917 ft)
Population
 (2022) [3]
 • Total507,710
 • Density2,600/km2 (6,600/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2022)
[4]
 •  Black African 51.9%
 •  Coloured 3.8%
 •  Indian/Asian 19.8%
 •  White 23.6%
 • Other0.9%
First languages (2011)
[4]
 •  Zulu 37.4%
 •  English 35.4%
 •  Afrikaans 20.7%
 •  Sotho 1.0%
 • Other5.5%
Time zone UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)
2940
PO box
2940
Area code 034
Website www.newcastle.gov.za

Newcastle is the third-largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is the province's industrial centre. The city has four industrial areas. Newcastle is known as the "New City" The majority of its citizens reside in Newcastle East in the main townships of Madadeni and Osizweni, with the balance residing in Newcastle West (the two sides of Newcastle are separated by the N11 Road). Set at the foothills of the northern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg Mountains, Newcastle is located in the northwest corner of the province along the Ncandu River.

Contents

Newcastle is the seat of the local municipality, and the Amajuba District Municipality. Newcastle's municipal area is 1,855 square kilometres (716 square miles ), ranking Newcastle as South Africa's 15th-largest city and consists of 34 wards.

The N11 and R34 are the principal roads linking the city to the rest of South Africa.

History

Toponymy

Newcastle has changed names on numerous occasions during the country's historic rule. It was initially named Post Halt Number 2 on military maps during the 1840s, as postal coaches stopped here to obtain fresh horses on the journey between Durban (then Port Natal in Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) [5] and Johannesburg. It was later known as the Waterfall River Township because of the Ncandu River. Newcastle was named after the British Colonial Secretary, the fifth Duke of Newcastle, a British aristocrat, and not the city in England as some believe. On 14 October 1899, during the Anglo-Boer War, Newcastle was invaded by Boer forces, and the entire district was incorporated into the Transvaal Republic. After seven months it was renamed Viljoensdorp, after the commander of the Johannesburg Commando, General Ben Viljoen. However, after relief of Ladysmith under the command of General Redver Buller, the British forces reclaimed the name Newcastle.

Establishment

Newcastle (then Post Halt Number 2) was strategically situated in 1854 by the Surveyor-General of the Natal Colony, Dr. P.C. Sutherland on the banks of the flooded Ncandu River. In 1864, Newcastle was founded on the site, becoming the fourth settlement to be established in Natal after Durban, Weenen and Pietermaritzburg.

War and British rule

In 1876, Fort Amiel was constructed to ward off the Zulus during the war, and in 1873 Newcastle became a separate electoral division. [6] To commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary), the construction of a sandstone town hall commenced in 1897, and was completed two years later. The town was used as a depot by the British during both the First and Second Boer War, and also functioned as a major transport junction and stopover for wagons and post chaises during the late 19th century.

British preparation work for the Pretoria Convention of 1881 was done at Newcastle. [7]

The Industrial Era

In 1890, the first train arrived in Newcastle, and the town was declared a borough in 1891. The discovery of coal brought a new era of prosperity and several ambitious building projects were planned. In 1920, the Union Steel Corporation built the province's first steel plant, which later became the ISCOR South Works and subsequently decommissioned the plant after the ISCOR North Works was built, now called Arcelor Mittal Newcastle Works.

Newcastle today

Modern day Newcastle from the suburb of Signal Hill Modern day Newcastle from the suburb of Signal Hill.jpg
Modern day Newcastle from the suburb of Signal Hill
Riverside Industrial Riverside Industrial.jpg
Riverside Industrial
Arcelor Mittal Newcastle Works Arcelor Mittal North Works.jpg
Arcelor Mittal Newcastle Works
Newcastle Chemical Park Newcastle Chemical Park.jpg
Newcastle Chemical Park

Today, Newcastle is the main commercial and industrial centre in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and is the province's third-largest city. The municipality is making efforts for the city to become sustainable by 2030. Newcastle is the gateway to the Zulu Kingdom from the Free State and Mpumalanga.

Geography and climate

Newcastle surrounded by the Northern Drakensberg Mountains Newcastle surrounded by the Northern Drakensberg Mountains.jpg
Newcastle surrounded by the Northern Drakensberg Mountains

Located at approximately 1,194 metres (3,917 feet) above sea level, Newcastle is located in the northwest corner of the province of KwaZulu-Natal at the foothills of the northern Drakensberg mountains. The city has a temperate climate and is classified under the country's 'Cold Interior'. Temperatures in Newcastle often drop below freezing during the winter months, with snowfall often experienced at least twice a decade. Newcastle's summer temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in the recent past due to the 2015 El Niño weather phenomenon, with the region experiencing drought conditions after 28 years.

Climate data for Newcastle
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)38
(100)		36
(97)		37
(99)		32
(90)		30
(86)		27
(81)		25
(77)		28
(82)		39
(102)		40
(104)		43
(109)		38
(100)		43
(109)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)28
(82)		28
(82)		27
(81)		25
(77)		23
(73)		20
(68)		20
(68)		23
(73)		26
(79)		27
(81)		28
(82)		29
(84)		25
(77)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)15
(59)		15
(59)		16
(61)		9
(48)		4
(39)		2
(36)		2
(36)		5
(41)		8
(46)		12
(54)		13
(55)		14
(57)		10
(50)
Record low °C (°F)9
(48)		10
(50)		5
(41)		2
(36)		−1
(30)		−6
(21)		−5
(23)		−3
(27)		−1
(30)		3
(37)		5
(41)		6
(43)		−6
(21)
Average precipitation mm (inches)137
(5.4)		111
(4.4)		83
(3.3)		41
(1.6)		13
(0.5)		10
(0.4)		10
(0.4)		24
(0.9)		38
(1.5)		91
(3.6)		105
(4.1)		121
(4.8)		784
(30.9)
Average precipitation days191210622510691618115
Source: South African Weather Service [8]

Demographics

Zulus form the largest single ethnic group. Due to its past, Newcastle has a large number of British, Afrikaner, and Indian people, with several places of worship and spiritual organizations based in the city's suburbs.

Since the mid-1980s, the city has seen an influx of Chinese citizens.The approximately 200 Chinese-owned businesses have contributed to Newcastle's textile and plastic manufacturing industries. The abolishing of Apartheid has seen the establishment of the Buddhist Light Association's Mediation Centre and Chinese School on Victoria Road. Since 1995, Indian, Pakistan, and African foreign nationals have also migrated to Newcastle.

Economy

Newcastle has the largest concentration of commerce and industry in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The city serves the surrounding towns of Utrecht, Vryheid, Dannhauser, Glencoe and Dundee, as well as the farmers, South Africa at large, and the export market with a range of products and goods.

Arcelor Mittal Head Office Building Arcelor Mittal Head Office Building.jpg
Arcelor Mittal Head Office Building
The 110 meter tall N5 Blast Furnace at Arcelor Mittal Newcastle The 110 meter tall N5 Blast Furnace at Arcelor Mittal Newcastle.jpg
The 110 meter tall N5 Blast Furnace at Arcelor Mittal Newcastle
Natal Portland Cement Plant in Riverside Industrial Natal Portland Cement Plant in Riverside Industrial.jpg
Natal Portland Cement Plant in Riverside Industrial
Newcastle Chemical Park rising above the horizon Newcastle Chemical Park rising above the horizon.jpg
Newcastle Chemical Park rising above the horizon
Newcastle Co-generation Plant Newcastle Co-generation Plant.jpg
Newcastle Co-generation Plant

Industry

The city has four industrial areas, namely Riverside Industrial, Airport Industrial, Madadeni Industrial Estate, and Arcelor Mittal Newcastle Works. Newcastle's economy is dominated by heavy industry, clothing and textile, services, and engineering industries, as well as extensive local coal mining.

Arcelor Mittal steelworks, the Natal Portland Cement (NPC) slagment cement plant, the LANXESS Chrome Chemical Plant and the Karbochem synthetic rubber plant, which covers 500,000 square metres (5,381,955 square feet) manufacturing space dominate the Newcastle industrial area. Heavy engineering works firms such as DCD Venco and Boschpick Engineering supply ancillary services to the aforementioned large concerns and the rest of South Africa.

Chinese and Taiwanese business people established more than a hundred textile factories in the Riverside Industrial Estate and the Madadeni Industrial Estate.

In 2011 Independent Power South Africa (IPSA) converted the old Ngagane Power Station into the Newcastle Cogeneration Plant, an 18 MW gas fired powerstation that provides a dedicated power supply to the Karbochem chrome chemical plant which was completed during 2002.

This joint venture project between Karbochem and German speciality chemical manufacturing giant LANXESS has made Newcastle the largest producer of chrome chemicals in Africa. The company announced an investment of €40 million in 2012 towards the construction of an innovative CO2 plant (Cansolv chemical process) at its site.

Arcelor Mittal Newcastle produces over 1.5 million tons of long steel products annually and in 2015 undertook a major reline on the N5 Blast Furnace valued at R1.8 billion.

In mid-2014, a portion of Airport Industrial was renamed the Newcastle Chemical Park, and houses African Amines (Pty) Ltd, Karbochem (Pty) Ltd, KC Energy (Pty) Ltd, LANXESS (CISA) (Pty) Ltd, Newcastle Co-generation (IPSA), and South African Calcium Carbide (Pty) Ltd.

Other large operations include firms such as Formosa Plastics and Nova Clothing, both of which manufacture goods for the country's leading retailers, diamond-cutting works, various engineering concerns, and building industry-related services such as brick manufacturing, roofing systems, and steel reinforcement.

Retail Row

Newcastle Mall Newcastle Mall - Entrance 02.jpg
Newcastle Mall

Newcastle has a very strong local trade scene, which is boosted by the surrounding towns of Utrecht, Vryheid, Dannhauser, Glencoe, Dundee, and Ladysmith.

Despite the development of decentralized shopping malls and centres around Newcastle, it's CBD still continues to trade strongly. The city has various major shopping facilities spread throughout, the most notable being the award-winning Newcastle Mall adjacent to the Blackrock Casino, Amajuba Mall, Newcastle Corner, Victorian Mall, Village Walk, Scott Street Mall, The Factory Plaza, Taxi City, Ithala Shopping Centre, Madadeni Crescent, Eyethu Junction Shopping Centre in Madadeni, and Theku Plaza in Osizweni.

Buildings and roads

Newcastle Civic Centre Newcastle Civic Center.jpg
Newcastle Civic Centre
Allen Street Bridge Extension Allen Street Bridge Extension.jpg
Allen Street Bridge Extension
Street Scene on Scott Street Street Scene on Scott Street.jpg
Street Scene on Scott Street

Recent development in Newcastle include the new multi-storey Civic Centre, Victorian Mall expansion, the Meadowlands Estate in Madadeni, the Vulintaba Country Estate in the Drakensberg outside Newcastle, Newcastle Corner, and the Equarand mixed-use precinct.

Recent roadworks include the D96 rebuild, the Allen Street bridge and widening of Allen Street along Trim Park, the Link Road extension Phase 1, and the Albert Wessels Drive extension Phase 1.

Proposed future projects include the Newcastle Technology Hub, expansion of the Newcastle Airport, and the re-alignment of the N11 bypass south of Newcastle by SANRAL.

Tallest structures

Industrial

The 140 meter tall stacks and 70 meter tall Coke Ovens at Arcelor Mittal Newcastle Stacks and Coke Ovens at Arcelor Mittal Newcastle.jpg
The 140 meter tall stacks and 70 meter tall Coke Ovens at Arcelor Mittal Newcastle
The 120 meter tall stacks and 94 meter tall Cooling Towers of the Newcastle Co-generation Plant Newcastle Co-generation Plant from the N11.jpg
The 120 meter tall stacks and 94 meter tall Cooling Towers of the Newcastle Co-generation Plant
The Signal Hill Tower is 72 m (236 ft) tall The Signal Hill Tower is 72 meters tall.jpg
The Signal Hill Tower is 72 m (236 ft) tall
The DBM Building is the tallest building in downtown Newcastle with its structure topping out at 44 m (144 ft) and antenna at 54 m (177 ft) The DBM Building from The Village Walk.jpg
The DBM Building is the tallest building in downtown Newcastle with its structure topping out at 44 m (144 ft) and antenna at 54 m (177 ft)

Arcelor Mittal has a number of tall structures exceeding 50 metres (160 feet) in height. The most notable on Newcastle's skyline include: The 2 stacks are 140 metres (460 feet) tall. The N5 blast furnace is 110 metres (360 feet) tall. The coke ovens are 70 metres (230 feet) tall.

The 2 stacks are 120 metres (390 feet) tall. The 4 cooling towers are 94 metres (308 feet) tall.

The lift structure for the main 4 silos is 78 metres (256 feet) tall.

This facility has several tall industrial structures and stacks above 50 metres (160 feet) in height.

Telecommunications

The Signal Hill Tower is 72 metres (236 feet) tall.

Buildings

Tourism

The clock tower of Newcastle City Hall The clock tower of Newcastle City Hall.jpg
The clock tower of Newcastle City Hall
Fort Amiel Museum - 4 Fort Amiel Museum - 4.jpg
Fort Amiel Museum - 4
Majuba Mountain from the N11 Majuba Mountain from the N11.jpg
Majuba Mountain from the N11

As Newcastle is on the alternate route to travellers from Gauteng to Durban, attempts have been made to capture potential tourist revenue [9] by enticing travellers to visit the scenic and historic Battlefields Route where war once raged Battlefields Route Website. Apart from a few hotels, there are many guesthouses and bed & breakfasts providing luxurious accommodation. Historic places of interest in Newcastle on this route include:

Transport

Road

Newcastle is well connected to Gauteng and the provinces coastal ports of Durban and Richards Bay on two main routes. The N11 is the principal road running through the city connecting it south to the N3 to Durban and north to the N4 to Gauteng, and through the provinces of Mpumalanga & Limpopo, and eventually to the border at Groblersbrug.

The R34 connects Newcastle to Gauteng via the N3 and the Free State to the west, and east to the port of Richards Bay via Vryheid and Empangeni.

Rail

Newcastle lies on the main passenger and goods railway line between Johannesburg and Durban. The city has a large rail siding and cargo facility.

Airport

Newcastle has one airport which is located approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) away from the city centre. Chartered flights provide daily service, and a full service with one of the country's airlines is in planning.

Taxis and buses

Minibus taxis are the most affordable and quickest form of transport for the majority of the population for those residing in Newcastle East. These are owned by taxi associations, and in the recent years inter-operator violence has flared up from time to time, especially as turf wars over lucrative taxi routes resulting in the deaths of many taxi operators.

Apart from the thousands of taxis that traverse the city streets daily, Transnat Coach Lines and Stabus (subsidiaries of Tans Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd are the largest bus operators in Newcastle.

Society and culture

Galleries

The Carnegie Art Gallery in the city gardens The Carnegie Art Gallery in the city gardens.jpg
The Carnegie Art Gallery in the city gardens

Museums, monuments and memorials

Music

Newcastle is home to the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir [12] – a provincial choir of international repute.

The annual Vodacom Winter Festival [13] aka 'Newcastle Show' provides a platform for South African bands and singers, and attracts visitors from the entire region. Notable performers who performed for the event include Matthew Mole, Cassper Nyovest, Majozi, Snotkop, and Jo Black. [14]

Places of worship

Newcastle has all of the major religious organizations represented; churches, temples, and mosques can be found throughout the city. Landmarks include the NG Kerk on York Street, and the Hindu Shiva Temple on Kirkland Street. The Darul Uloom on St Thomas Street, an institute of higher Islamic studies, is a landmark in Newcastle's diverse community with a modern mosque on the premises.

Sport

Newcastle remains a venue for major sports competitions and conferences because of the facilities the city has to offer. A variety of rugby, cricket, soccer, squash, tennis, swimming, and other sport facilities has contributed to its ability to host both national and international events.

Stadia

Newcastle has numerous multi-purpose stadia around the city, which are mostly used to host local sport competitions, school sports and inter-school sports; these accommodate soccer, cricket, rugby, squash, tennis, and volleyball. The most notable stadia are the Newcastle Swimming Pool, Arbor Park Grounds, Paradise A & B, and the Madadeni Sports Stadium.

Swimming

Newcastle has five public swimming pools; the Olympic-sized Newcastle swimming pool in Sunnyridge (previously the Ferrum swimming pool) recently hosted the All-Africa Development Gala.

Sports complex

Located in Arbor Park, this modern complex has indoor and outdoor facilities, with a bowling green.

Wrestling

Newcastle Wrestling Academy is one of the top wrestling clubs in KwaZulu-Natal.

Fishing

Newcastle is home to the Challengers Angling Club and an annual angling competition is held to assist local charities. [15]

Rugby

The local rugby club is the Newcastle Highlanders Rugby.

Soccer

Newcastle is home to Stella Football Club and has produced players to represent the province and country. Newcastle is also the home to Newcastle All Stars who play in KZN ABC Motsepe league.

Cricket

Newcastle has a local cricket league, and matches are hosted at various stadiums around the city.

Golf

Newcastle has three golf courses: one 18 hole golf course, Newcastle Golf Club, and two 9 hole golf courses, Kilbarchan Golf Club and Vulintaba Country Estate.

Horse riding

Newcastle has a horse riding club and training course.

Parks and recreation

Ntshingwayo Dam

Established in 1975, Ntshingwayo Dam (previously Chelmsford Dam) is the third-largest in the province. Located approximately 25 km (16 mi) South West of Newcastle on the Ngagane River, Ntshingwayo Dam is Newcastle's main source of water supply. The surrounding reserve covers an area of 6,500 ha. and is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

The 1,500 ha Game Park has a range of highveld game and bird viewing is common.[ citation needed ] The park also features the largest population of the rare oribi in South Africa.

Sailing, powerboating, water-skiing and swimming are popular activities on the 3,400 ha. dam and is known as a fishing destination for both hobby and competition anglers, with carp, barbel, and scaly the most commonly caught.[ citation needed ]

Amcor Dam

This small dam lies on the Ncandu River in the suburb of Ncandu Park. Amcor dam has various recreation facilities, including playgrounds, swimming pools, and braai (barbeque) areas, and is popular on public holidays and weekends.[ citation needed ] It is also home to the Newcastle Caravan Park.

Newcastle Golf Course

The Newcastle Golf Course is located in the suburb of Barry Hertzog Park and offers a mashie course, a driving range, an 18 hole course, a clubhouse, and a restaurant.

Ncandu State Forest

The Ncandu State Forest Reserve is located 32 km (20 mi) west of Newcastle and is the second biggest indigenous forest in the province; it consists of grassy plains, Yellowwood gorges and streams that run through the forest to meet the Ncandu river, where trout may be found. The reserve offers various trails to view sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and various bird species. Access to the viewpoints is either by boat or boardwalks.

Parks

The city has many public parks within its suburbs; such as the Trim Park and The Gardens on Hospital Street. Trim Park is located north of the CBD along the Ncandu River. It is often frequented on weekends and holidays, and is used for hosting picnics and barbecues.[ citation needed ]

The Gardens on Hospital Street offers an expansive grassy garden with large shady trees, and is located in the suburb of Newcastle Central. The park is used by Newcastillians to walk their pets and play in a free environment. The Gardens are popular on wedding occasions as they offer backdrops for photographs to be taken.[ citation needed ]

Urban play parks

This type of park was created to provide playing facilities for the youth in a secure, green play zone. Kids may play unsupervised by parents, as they are under the watchful eye of park security.

Education

Primary and secondary education

The city is home to numerous major primary and high schools, both government and private. With private schooling on the increase in South Africa, there has been a recent influx of private schools varying in size.

Newcastle High School [16] and St. Dominic's Academy Newcastle [17] are considered two of the city's most prestigious schools.

Meridian Newcastle, a leading independent school (part of Curro Schools) was established in Madadeni, a township of Newcastle, to cater for the increased need of education in the east of the city.

Newcastle schools are home to several buildings that have been declared National Monuments, the most famous being The Pavilion at St. Dominic's Academy which was designed by Brother Nivard Streicher and built in 1912. It was declared a monument in 1977 by Dr. Piet Koornhof. [18] [19]

Established in 1882, Newcastle High School is the oldest school in the area. The original school buildings are still in use today as the school's administration block.

Both the Newcastle Brass Band and the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir are based in Ferrum High School.

Newcastle's main townships of Madadeni and Osizweni are home to schools such as Osizweni High School, Indonsa Technical High School, St. Lewis Bertrand's High School, Bethamoya High School, Phendukani High School, Siyamukela High School, Thubelihle High School, Sesiyabonga High School and Ikhwezi High School. Sabela Senior Secondary School is the only high school situated in Madadeni Section 5 and is best known for its athletics.

Other schools in Newcastle include Newcastle Islamic College, Amajuba High School, Tugela High School, St Oswald's Secondary (the oldest school of Indian origin), and Lincoln Heights Secondary School. Some junior schools include Hutten Park Primary, Drakensberg Primary, Newcastle Senior Primary, Busy-Bee and Arbor Park Primary, Lennoxton Primary, S.E. Vawda Primary, Suryaville Primary and Chelmsford Primary.

Tertiary education

Majuba FET College has five separate campuses around Newcastle, as well as a campus in the surrounding town of Dundee.

Qualitas Career Academy, a national private college has a campus in the CBD. It caters for full-time and part-time studies for students, as well as corporate training and consulting services for businesses and government departments.

UNISA, Damelin, and Boston City Campus & Business College have satellite campuses in Newcastle.

Medical

Newcastle Provincial Hospital Newcastle Provincial Hospital.jpg
Newcastle Provincial Hospital

Newcastle has three hospitals, two government owned and one privately owned: Newcastle Provincial Hospital (186 beds), Madadeni Hospital (1620 authorized beds, 1154 usable beds) [20] and Mediclinic Newcastle [21] (254 authorized beds, 186 operational beds). There are also several clinics and various specialist physicians.

In addition, the La Gratitude Home for the Aged provides retirement and care facilities for the elderly.

There are also 16 government clinics in Osizweni and Madadeni, [20] caring for the health of the broader community.

Media

Print

Caxton Community Newspapers is a major printer and publisher of newsprint materials in the region. Major newspapers include the Newcastle Advertiser, Newcastle Sun, Amajuba Eyethu, Agrieco, and the Northern Natal Get It Magazine. Other local publications include Tabloid Media's Newcastle Express.

Online media

Pixelfish Marketing Solutions (Pty) Ltd owns and produces the Newcastillian - Online News, [22] an independent news product. The digital news medium services the Newcastle, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, and KwaZulu-Natal [23] communities.

Broadcasting

Newcastle Community Radio is an independent local radio station broadcasting to Newcastle from their studio in Madadeni on 103.7fm Newcastle Community Radio Website.

Radio 034 is an online radio station located in Newcastle.

Lit Radio ZA is an online radio based in Madadeni Section 2, targeting local youth and other issues that affect the community.

Suburbs

Mixed-race residential

Former 'Indian' residential

Former 'Coloured' residential

Townships

Mixed-use areas

Industrial zones

International relations

Newcastle has been internationally connected since the Industrial Era, and is today home to many international industries, the most well-known [ clarification needed ] being steel giant Arcelor Mittal, chrome chemical companies Bayer & Lanxess, synthetic rubber manufacturer Karbochem, and heavy engineering firm DCD Venco.[ citation needed ]

Furthermore, since the late 1980s, Newcastle has built a strong relationship with mainland China and also Taiwan, following the influx of Chinese nationals in the mid-1980s. To date, China has invested in approximately 100 factories in Newcastle, employing thousands of workers.

Twin towns / sister cities

Newcastle is part of a global community of Newcastles of the World Website, being the third-largest Newcastle in the world by population. Newcastle was part of the 1998 summit of worldwide cities named "New Castle" with:

Flag of Germany.svg Neuburg an der Donau, Germany
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Flag of France.svg Neufchâteau, Vosges, France
Flag of the United States.svg New Castle, Delaware, USA
Flag of the United States.svg New Castle, Indiana, USA
Flag of the United States.svg New Castle, Pennsylvania, USA
Flag of England.svg Newcastle-under-Lyme, England
Flag of England.svg Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Flag of South Africa.svg Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Flag of Japan.svg Shinshiro, Japan

Newcastle is twinned with:

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Utrecht is a town in the foothills of the Balele Mountains, in the northwestern corner of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Newcastle, Kwazulu-Natal's third-largest urban centre, is 50 km from Utrecht. Utrecht has a population of approximately 32,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umkomaas</span> Small coastal village in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Umkomaas, also known by its official name eMkhomazi, is a small coastal village on the subtropical South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was formed when a harbour was built in 1861 to export sugar. The village rests beside the mouth of the navigable uMkhomazi River, also known as the Mkhomazi or Umkomaas. With the successful dredging of Durban harbour's sandbar and arrival of the railway, like Port Shepstone, the harbour fell into disuse, but the village came to life. It is administered as eMkhomazi Area, together with the nearby areas of Craigieburn, Clansthal, Crowder, Amahlongwa and Hull Valley as part Ward 99 in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Pinetown is a city that forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, based just inland from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The town is situated 16 km north-west of Durban and 64 km south-east of Pietermaritzburg.

Inanda or eNanda is a township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that is situated 21 km north-west of Durban. It forms part of eThekwini, the Greater Durban Metropolitan Municipality. Populated primarily by Zulu-speaking Black Africans, Inanda is the home of John Langalibalele Dube, first President of the African National Congress (ANC), a former residence and base of operations of Mahatma Gandhi, and the birthplace of the syncretic Nazareth Baptist Church

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umlazi</span> Place in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Umlazi is a township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, located south-west of Durban. Organisationally and administratively it forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and its South Municipal Planning Region.

Frank Themba Mdlalose was the first Premier of the newly renamed KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, after the African National Congress (ANC) won the country's first all-inclusive general election on 27 April 1994, while the Inkatha Freedom Party won a majority in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moses Mabhida Stadium</span> Football stadium in Durban, South Africa

The Moses Mabhida Stadium is a soccer stadium in Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, named after Moses Mabhida, a former general secretary of the South African Communist Party. A multi-use stadium, it became a venue for several events, like bungee jumping, concerts, cricket, soccer, golf practise, motorsports and rugby union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diocese of Natal</span>

The Diocese of Natal is in the region of Natal, South Africa, the diocese has its northern boundary at the Tugela River. The episcopal leader of the diocese is the bishop of Natal.

Clermont is a township of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Phoenix is a South African town about 25 kilometres (15 mi) northwest of Durban Central, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was established as a town by the apartheid government in 1976, but it has a long history of Indian occupation. It is associated with the Phoenix Settlement, built by Mahatma Gandhi.

Osizweni Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Osizweni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home venue of Amajuba United Killers in the Vodacom League.

Umbogintwini is a suburb located approximately 23 km south-west of Durban, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa and it forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

Madadeni is a town in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which falls under Amajuba District Municipality. On the outskirts of Newcastle, Madadeni is situated 16 kilometers (9.9 mi) from Newcastle CBD. As of the 2011 census Madadeni has population of 119,497 citizens.

Muntukayise Bhekuyise Ntuli was a South African politician. A member of the African National Congress, he served as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa from 1999 to 2003, when he resigned amid fraud allegations. He was then elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in 2009. On 11 September 2019, Ntuli became the Member of the Executive Council for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison, replacing Mxolisi Kaunda, who was elected Mayor of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Ntuli died on 16 January 2021, from complications of COVID-19.

References

  1. ↑ Robson, Linda Gillian (2011). "Annexure A" (PDF). The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact (PhD thesis). University of Pretoria. pp. xlv–lii. hdl:2263/26503.
  2. ↑ "The Witness". witness.co.za. 22 November 2021.
  3. 1 2 "Main Place Newcastle". Census 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Main Place Newcastle". Census 2011.
  5. ↑ "Newcastle". places.co.za.
  6. ↑ Theal, George McCall (1919). History of South Africa, from 1873 to 1884, twelve eventful years, with continuation of the history of Galekaland, Tembuland, Pondoland, and Bethshuanaland until the annexation of those territories to the Cape Colony, and of Zululand until its annexation to Natal. London: Allen. pp.  281 . Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  7. ↑ Theal, George McCall (1919). History of South Africa, from 1873 to 1884, twelve eventful years, with continuation of the history of Galekaland, Tembuland, Pondoland, and Bethshuanaland until the annexation of those territories to the Cape Colony, and of Zululand until its annexation to Natal. London: Allen. pp.  128 . Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  8. ↑ "Climate data for Newcastle". South African Weather Service. Retrieved 7 March 2015.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. ↑ Boucher, Quinton (29 March 2021). "Large developments on the cards for Newcastle tourism sector". Newcastillian Online News. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  10. ↑ "Eric Kubheka, Carnegie Art Gallery's guardian". Newcastillian Online News. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  11. ↑ "Fort Amiel". South African Heritage Resources Agency. Archived from the original on 29 May 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  12. ↑ "NKZN Youth Choir". nkznyouthchoir.co.za.
  13. ↑ "Winterfestival - Newcastle Winterfees / Winter Festival". Winterfees.
  14. ↑ "Performing Artists 2018". winterfestival.co.za. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  15. ↑ Boucher, Quinton (12 July 2021). "APL Round-Up – Highlights of the season". Newcastillian Online News. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  16. ↑ "Newcastle High School". Archived from the original on 24 July 2008. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  17. ↑ "St Dominic's Newcastle - a leading independent school (Part of Curro Schools) in Newcastle". Newcastillian Online News.
  18. ↑ "St Dominics Newcastle". curro.co.za. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  19. ↑ "St Dominics Academy Pavilion St Dominics". South African Heritage Resources Agency. Archived from the original on 29 May 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  20. 1 2 "Madadeni Provisional Hospital". kznhealth.gov.za.
  21. ↑ "You searched for mediclinic". Newcastillian Online News. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  22. ↑ Boucher, Quinton (11 January 2018). "Pixelfish Marketing swims upstream". Newcastillian Online News. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  23. ↑ "KZN News". Newcastillian Online News. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  24. ↑ "Nanchang City and Sister Cities Intercommunion". Nanchang Municipal Party Committee of the CPC and Nanchang Municipal Government. Nanchang Economic Information Center. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
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