Port Shepstone

This is the largest town on the tropical KwaZulu Natal South Coast. It was founded in 1867 when marble deposits were discovered on both river banks near the mouth of the Mzimkulu River.

A harbour was immediately built at the opening of the river mouth for marine trade. The first coaster entered the harbour on the 8 May 1880, initiating regular trade between Durban and Port Shepstone. The main exports for many years after that were marble slabs, sugar and lime.

The development of the village was boosted by the arrival of 200 Norwegian settlers who were brought out to farm the area. On their arrival some of the settlers immediately noticed the potential for seafaring trade and devoted their time and energy to developing the harbour and its facilities.

By 1893 Port Shepstone was functioning as a full fiscal harbour. However, when the railway from Durban reached Port Shepstone, the harbour was doomed. It fell into disuse and eventually the river silted up again, making the harbour impossible to use.

Today Port Shepstone is the administrative, commercial, distribution and transport centre of the South Coast. On the outskirts of the town is a charming church, which is the cultural and social focus of the Norwegian settlers' descendants.

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