Umgababa

Umgababa
Children on the beach in Umgababa
Umgababa Show map of KwaZulu-Natal Umgababa Show map of South Africa
Coordinates: 30°08′24″S30°50′10″E / 30.140°S 30.836°E / -30.140; 30.836
Country	South Africa
Province	KwaZulu-Natal
Municipality	eThekwini
Area [1]
• Total	2.63 km2 (1.02 sq mi)
Population  (2001) [1]
• Total	4,059
• Density	1,500/km2 (4,000/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2001) [1]
•  Black African	99.0%
•  Coloured	0.3%
•  White	0.7%
First languages (2001) [1]
•  Zulu	96.2%
•  Xhosa	2.1%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
PO box	4126
Area code	031

Umgababa is a rural community area with a large marketplace for tourists in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It forms part of eThekwini.

Etymology

The river valley's name uMgababa is of Zulu origin meaning My father's wife, its origin from a tribal feud. ^{[2] : 332}

Geography

The Umgababa River (originally "Umkababa", which means "my father's wife") enters the ocean at Umgababa. Its origin is at an elevation of 51 meters above sea level. Umgababa River is also known as Umtateni River. The name is derived from an ancient Zulu Chief Luthuli who used to live in the valley. The Chief of Umgababa is Phathisizwe Philbert Luthuli.

Economy

Agriculture

Litchis are produced in this region. ^{[2] : 332}

Mining

There once was a large titanium mine here but it closed due to serious sea pollution. ^{[3] [2] : 332}

Culture and contemporary life

Tourism

In a few years it has grown from a rural area into a tourist site. The area now hosts the biggest annual year-end event consisting of many popular South African musicians on New Year's Eve. ^[4] Currently there are plans to build amphitheatres and permanent performance stages. ^[5]

References

1. "Main Place Umgababa". Census 2001.
2. Vic Mayhew, ed. (1980). Illustrated guide to Southern Africa. Cape Town: Reader's Digest Association South Africa in association with T.V. Bulpin. ISBN   978-0-620-04650-3.
3. "First Draft Umgababa Coastal Management Plan" (PDF). durban.gov.za. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
4. "Why durbs is the place to be this summer". iol.co.za. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
5. "Tikzn Investment Opportunities 2014" (PDF). tikzn.co.za. Retrieved 19 February 2020.