Durban

Principal port of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and of the republic; population (urban area, 1996) 2,117,700. Oil-refining, machinery, soap, paint, and fertilizers are important industries in the city. Exports include coal, chemicals, steel, granite, wood products, sugar, fruit, grain, rice, and wool; imports include heavy machinery and mining equipment. With the availability of year-round sea bathing, Durban is also one of the leading holiday resorts of South Africa and is served by an international airport.

History

Harbour facilities The third-largest city in South Africa, and the commercial centre of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban lies in a tidal bay and serves the urban complex of the Witwatersrand. The enclosed harbour has an area of 15 sq km/6 sq mi and 10 km/6 mi of quays. A modern harbour terminal was opened in 1962. The average depth of water alongside the commercial wharves is 9- 11 m/29-36 ft, but at some the depth is 12-13 m/39-43 ft. The port handles 5,000 commercial vessels per year, bringing in 26 million tonnes of cargo. A major new port was opened at Richard's Bay in 1972 with quays to accommodate vessels of up to 250,000 tonnes.

Economy In addition to Durban's importance as a port there is considerable industry in and around the city, including engineering, ship repairing, motor assembly, sawmilling, flour milling, sugar refining, oil refining, and the

manufacture of textiles and chemicals. A great variety of subtropical fruits are grown locally. There is an international airport at Runiav, 13 km/8 mi to the south.

Near the city are the University of Durban-Westville (1961) and the University of Natal (established in 1949 from Natal University College, founded in 1910), which is divided between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.