The Human Dimension

The following are sections from Ugu Lwethu – Our Coast (Goble et al., 2014). Contributions are from a range of authors all of whom are credited per section. Given that the coast of KZN provides a gateway to the world, a playground for leisure, and a primary zone for economic development, it is not surprising that there is a high demand for coastal resources and economic development opportunities.

This is matched by growing resident and seasonal populations who utilise the coast and supporting infrastructure and services. Collectively these features create a basis for development that is pivotal to the future economy of KZN.

Coastal Population

KZN’s population has remained significantly higher than the other coastal provinces of South Africa, with the population disproportionally skewed towards the coast so that 56% of the people reside within the five coastal districts. This is driven by a number of factors including natural population growth, in-migration and resettlement as well as seasonal changes in population, and this places additional pressure on resources and ecosystem services.

Photo by Kieran Allan

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Infrastructure and Utilities

The coastal environment is vital for economic growth in KZN as it offers an array of tourist activities, fisheries resources, shipping services and real estate development potential. Therefore, critical to economic growth is the need for supporting infrastructure and utilities along the coast.

Photo by Kieran Allan

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Maritime Transport and Harbours

Two major commercial ports are located on the coast of KZN. The Port of Durban developed in the lagoon area commonly known as the Bay of Natal, which has been operating as a harbour for some 170 years. The Port of Richards Bay, situated approximately 87 nautical miles northeast of Durban (and 252 nautical miles southwest of Maputo), was developed from a virgin site on the Mhlathuze River delta in the 1970s. There are also vestiges of a former port development in Port Shepstone, at the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River, but commercial port operations in that area were shortlived, and the port was deproclaimed in the early 1900s.