EThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

eThekwini is a metropolitan municipality on South Africa's southeast coast that encompasses Durban and numerous surrounding towns and settlements. The area stretches from the shoreline inland and combines port facilities, residential neighborhoods, business districts, and open spaces.

The region was created in 2000 through the merger of several earlier local authorities into a single administrative body. This consolidation brought together different communities that had previously been managed separately.

The region is home to communities that maintain strong connections to Zulu traditions, visible in local markets, celebrations, and the way people greet and interact. These customs shape the character of neighborhoods and public spaces throughout the area.

Visitors should know the region is large and varied, so using different transportation options or having a car helps get around efficiently. The warmer months offer the best conditions for exploring beaches, markets, and neighborhoods without dealing with heavy rain.

The coastline here stretches for about 97 kilometers and supports subtropical plants that thrive in this part of South Africa. Walking along the shore, visitors encounter a landscape where tropical vegetation meets the ocean, creating a distinct natural boundary.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal

Inception: December 5, 2000

Capital city: Durban

Elevation above the sea: 426 m

Reference: ETH

Website: https://ethekwini.gov.za

GPS coordinates: -29.86667,31.01667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:35