Durban history

The history of Durban is a story of strategic location, trade, and the intertwining of cultures that transformed a small settlement into one of Africa's key metropolises.

Foundation and First Mentions

• First Contacts: Although the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama sailed past these shores in 1497 and named them "Natal" (Christmas), a permanent European settlement appeared much later.
• Establishing the Post: In 1824, a group of 25 British colonists led by Lieutenant Francis Farewell established a trading post on the northern shore of the natural harbour, naming it Port Natal. The settlers managed to establish relations with the powerful Zulu King Shaka.
• Renaming: On 23 June 1835, the small settlement was officially proclaimed a town and renamed Durban in honour of Sir Benjamin D'Urban, the then Governor of the Cape Colony.

Key Factors of Formation

• Strategic Harbour: The main factor in the city's growth was its natural deep-water bay (the Zulu people call this place eThekwini — "place at the bay"), which turned Durban into a vital port on the Indian Ocean coast.
• British Control: After a period of conflict with the Boers, who founded the short-lived Republic of Natalia, Britain annexed the region in 1844, solidifying Durban's status as a strategic colonial port.
• Trade Hub: The port became a centre for the export of goods from the interior regions, which facilitated the city's rapid economic development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• Sugar Industry: From the mid-19th century, Durban's economy began to grow rapidly due to the establishment of sugarcane plantations in its vicinity.
• Indian Influence: To work on the plantations, British colonists began bringing in indentured labourers from British India. This marked the beginning of the formation of one of the largest Indian communities outside of India itself, which forever defined Durban's unique multicultural character.
• Fusion of Cultures: Even in its early history, Durban became a place where the traditions of the Zulus, British colonists, and Indian settlers blended, which is still reflected today in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural life.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Durban is a kaleidoscope of cultural, economic, and political changes that have shaped the face of the modern metropolis.

• 1497 — Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama sails past the coast and names it "Natal" (Christmas) but does not establish a settlement.
• 1824 — British traders led by Lieutenant Francis Farewell establish the Port Natal trading post after receiving a land grant from the Zulu King Shaka.
• 1835 — The settlement officially receives town status and is renamed Durban in honour of Sir Benjamin D'Urban, Governor of the Cape Colony.
• 1838–1843 — Conflict arises between the Boers, who founded the Republic of Natalia, and the British for control of the port.
• 1844 — Britain annexes the Republic of Natalia, and Durban becomes part of the British Colony of Natal.
• 1860 — Indentured labourers from India begin arriving in Durban to work on sugarcane plantations, laying the foundation for the largest Indian community in South Africa.
• 1860 — The first railway line in South Africa opens, connecting Durban's market square with the port, accelerating economic development.
• 1904 — Mahatma Gandhi, living in South Africa at the time, establishes the Phoenix Settlement near Durban, which becomes the centre of his passive resistance movement.
• 1910 — The city becomes part of the newly formed Union of South Africa.
• 1949 — Major inter-ethnic clashes occur between the Zulu and Indian populations, marking one of the darker pages in the city's history.
• 1975 — One of the largest ports on the continent opens, reinforcing Durban's status as a key African maritime hub.
• 1994 — With the end of the apartheid era, Durban, like all of South Africa, enters a new democratic period of development.
• 2001 — The city hosts the UN World Conference against Racism, known as "Durban I".
• 2010 — Durban hosts matches for the FIFA World Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, built specifically for the event.

Major Stages of Development and Transformation

The city's evolution from a small trading post to the continent's largest port is a story of continuous change. Below are the key milestones that have defined the modern economic and cultural appearance of the metropolis.

• Founding of the Trading Outpost (1824):

  The arrival of British traders and the founding of Port Natal became the starting point for the region's integration into global trade. This event turned the natural bay into a strategically important hub, around which the future Durban began to form.

• The "Sugar Revolution" and Cultural Synthesis (1860):

  The commencement of large-scale sugarcane cultivation required labour, leading to the arrival of thousands of indentured labourers from India. This event not only ensured an economic boom but also forever changed the city's demographics, making it a centre of unique Afro-Indian culture.

• Railway Boom and "Gold Rush" (Late 19th Century):

  The discovery of gold deposits deep within the continent and the construction of a railway connecting the coast to Johannesburg cemented the city's status as the region's main maritime gateway, through which the primary flow of cargo and immigrants passed.

• Resort Flourishing and the Art Deco Era (1930s):

  In the interwar period, the city transformed into the region's premier seaside resort. Active construction of hotels, cinemas, and residential buildings along the promenade in the Art Deco style created a recognisable architectural silhouette that continues to attract tourists today.

• Rise of the Mega-Port (1970s):

  Massive modernisation of port infrastructure and the construction of container terminals allowed the city to become the busiest port in South Africa and all of Sub-Saharan Africa, acting as a powerful driver for the local economy.

• Democratic Integration (1994):

  With the fall of the apartheid regime, the city opened up to the world. Restructuring of the urban space began to unite previously divided areas, alongside the development of international tourism and the construction of iconic facilities such as the International Convention Centre (ICC).

• Global Modernisation for the 2010 World Cup (2000s):

  Preparation for the FIFA World Cup served as a catalyst for large-scale urban planning projects: the new King Shaka International Airport was opened, the Moses Mabhida Stadium was built, and the promenade was renovated, elevating the city's infrastructure to a world-class level.

Durban's architectural landscape represents a fascinating blend of eras and cultures, reflecting its journey from a colonial port to a modern metropolis. Here, British heritage sits alongside striking Art Deco features, unique local modernism, and futuristic 21st-century structures.

Colonial Heritage: Victorian and Edwardian Periods

Durban's heyday as a key port of the British Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries left a notable mark on its central area. Buildings from this period symbolised the power and prosperity of the colony.

• Edwardian Neo-Baroque: The most striking representative of this style is the Durban City Hall, built in 1910. This monumental building with a majestic 48-metre dome, sculptural groups, and lavish decor is an almost exact replica of the City Hall in Belfast and serves as the main architectural symbol of Durban's historic centre.
• Victorian Style: Examples of this style, characterised by red brick and decorative elements, can be found in old commercial buildings and railway structures, such as the Old Station Building.

The Art Deco Era

In the 1930s and 1940s, during the period between the World Wars, Durban, like many seaside cities around the world, experienced a construction boom in the Art Deco style. This style, with its strict geometric shapes, streamlined lines, and decorative patterns, was perfectly suited for the growing resort. Many residential blocks, hotels, and cinemas in the city centre and along the beachfront were built during this period, giving Durban a distinct elegant charm.

"Durban Style" and Modernism

In the mid-20th century, the city developed its own unique architectural language known as "Durban Style". This is a regional interpretation of modernism, adapted to the hot and humid subtropical climate. Buildings of this style are characterised by wide verandas, large windows, the use of louvres (brise-soleil), and a thoughtful natural ventilation system. This approach allowed for the creation of comfortable spaces without air conditioning and became an important part of the city's architectural identity.

Urban Planning and Modernity (Post-1994)

The end of the apartheid era opened a new chapter in Durban's urban development. The city began actively transforming into a modern international hub for tourism, business, and sport. This period was marked by the realisation of bold and iconic projects that changed the city's skyline.

• Moses Mabhida Stadium: Built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this stadium with its famous 106-metre arch has become a new symbol of Durban and an example of futuristic architecture.
• uShaka Marine World: A large-scale entertainment complex and oceanarium opened in 2004, which revitalised the southern part of the beachfront.
• Point Waterfront Redevelopment: The transformation of former industrial and port zones into prestigious residential and commercial areas with modern developments.

Notable Figures Associated with Durban

Durban and its surroundings have been the birthplace or a significant stage in life for many prominent figures whose legacy has influenced not only South Africa but the entire world. Among them are politicians, human rights activists, writers, scientists, and athletes.

• Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) — Indian political and social activist. Although Gandhi was not a native of the city, it was in South Africa, and largely in Durban, that he formed his philosophy of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha). In 1904, he founded the Phoenix Settlement near Durban, which became the centre of his social activism and the struggle for the rights of the Indian population.
• John Langalibalele Dube (1871–1946) — Writer, philosopher, educator, and politician. A native of the Natal province, Dube became the first president of the South African Native National Congress (later renamed the African National Congress, ANC). He was one of the founding fathers of the struggle for indigenous rights and played a key role in the early history of the liberation movement.
• Alan Paton (1903–1988) — Writer and anti-apartheid activist. Author of the world-renowned novel "Cry, the Beloved Country", which drew global attention to racial injustice in South Africa. He spent the final years of his life and passed away in a suburb of Durban.
• Steve Biko (1946–1977) — One of the most influential activists against the apartheid regime and founder of the Black Consciousness Movement. Although born in another province, his activities were closely linked to political life across the country, including Durban, where his ideas resonated widely among the youth. One of the campuses of the Durban University of Technology bears his name.
• Fatima Meer (1928–2010) — Academic, writer, and prominent anti-apartheid activist. Born in Durban, she was a close friend and associate of Nelson Mandela. She became a leader in the women's movement and played an important role in organising the famous "Women's March" in 1956.
• Navi Pillay (born 1941) — South African jurist of international standing. Born in Durban to a family of Tamil descent, she became the first non-white woman to open a law practice in the Natal province in 1967. She later served as a judge of the International Criminal Court and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2008–2014), making a huge contribution to the development of international law.
• Gordon Murray (born 1946) — World-renowned designer of Formula 1 racing cars and supercars. Born in Durban, he gained fame for his work with the Brabham and McLaren teams, creating several championship-winning cars. His creation is also the legendary McLaren F1 road car, which remained the benchmark of engineering thought for many years.