Amatikulu is a small sugarcane-growing town situated on the banks of the Matigulu River (also spelt Amatikulu) in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, approximately 130 km north-east of Durban, near Gingindlovu (officially renamed KwaGingindlovu).
The town is named after the Matigulu River (also spelt Amatikulu). The town’s name is derived from the Lala or Zulu phrase meaning “large water” (i.e., “large river”) or “large spit”, the latter possibly being an anecdotal reference to the periodic flooding of the river.
The small town of aMatikulu falls within the uMlalazi Local Municipality, which is part of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality.
History
During the particularly violent flooding during the 1984 tropical storm Domoina, several of the local bridges were destroyed, with widespread flooding disrupting much of the local sugar growing and milling operations.
Before the current mill, the town was also home to the first sugar mill in Zululand, established by J.L Hulett in 1908.
Industry
Located in the heart of the sugarcane-growing region of South Africa, the town is home to Amatikulu Sugar Mill, one of three owned by the South African agricultural group Tongaat Hulett.
The town is also located on the main trunk railway line connecting the ports of Richards Bay and Durban. The areas surrounding the town are rich in natural fauna and flora, with the Ezemvelo Amatikulu Nature Reserve located approximately 10 km from the town, at the Amatikulu River mouth.
The town was also known for its commercial shrimp farming operation, which operated from 1989 to 2004.
