uMthwalume, also known as Mthwalume, is a rural town situated along the N2 National Route and the R102 Regional Route on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, just north of Ifafa and south of Hibberdene.
Located approximately 87 km south of Durban in eThekwini, uMthwalume is predominantly a holiday and fishing village.
uMthwalume lies along the banks of the Mtwalume River, which winds for 85 km and ends in a waterfall near Highflats.
The name “Mthwalume” is derived from isiZulu and refers to the tall, upright trees growing on the riverbank of the Mtwalume River.
uMthwalume is the main town and administrative centre/seat of the Umzumbe Local Municipality, which is part of the Ugu District Municipality. The majority of Mtwalume falls under the municipal jurisdiction of Umzumbe Local Municipality, while a small portion that is sea-facing falls under Umdoni Local Municipality.
Umthwalume is largely comprised of rural, yet modern villages. The majority of the Mthwalume land area falls under the traditional chieftaincy of iNkosi Bhekizizwe Luthuli, whose residency is near Turton.
Some of the well-known Umthwalume villages lie along the Indian Ocean coast. These villages are Mnafu, Turton, Makhoso, and Gobhela.
Inland villages include eNyangwini, Nomakhanzane, Dingimbiza, eMabheleni, KwaQoloqolo, Othandweni, Nomoyi, and Bangibizo.
Umthwalume is bordered on the north by Ifafa – another coastal town – and on the south
Population and culture
The majority of Umthwalume residents are Zulu people who speak the Zulu dialect. There is a limited White population along the suburban coastal parts of Umthwalume. The most dominant culture is traditional Zulu and Christian, as most of the residents uphold Christian faith and values. Some of the well-established Christian denominations in Umthwalume are Apostolic Church Southern Africa, Assemblies of God, Faith Mission, Roman Catholic Church, and United Congregational Church.
Transport, housing, and other infrastructure
Most of the inland roads are gravel, although tar roads dominate the coastal areas. People largely use taxis and buses. The main taxi rank is located in Turton at the intersection of Sipofu Road and R102 Regional Route.
There is also a significant percentage of people who own cars. Most of these individuals are teachers, healthcare professionals, police officers, and other essential workers. The working population (outside of teachers, police, and health workers) works in the nearby towns of Hibberdene, Port Shepstone, Scottburgh, Shelly Beach, Margate, and Umzinto. Some people work as far as Durban.
The Turton Community Clinic, now Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Community Health Centre, is the only known health clinic in Umthwalume. It is located together with the offices of Umzumbe Local Municipality.
For hospitals, residents of Umthwalume normally use the Port Shepstone Regional Hospital and Scottburgh’s GJ Crookes Hospital. Msinsini Police Station is the only South African Police Service (SAPS) security facility in the area now, with a satellite office next to the Clinic serviced under Hibberdene Police Station.
