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m umkomaas is the wrong spelling of 'umKhomazi'. UmKhomo means male whale, while umKhomazi means female whale.
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{{Short description|Small coastal townvillage in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=MarchNovember 20212022}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = UMkhomaziUmkomaas
| image_skyline official_name = Umkomaas by air.jpgeMkhomazi
| image_skyline = Umkomaas by air.jpg
| image_caption = Aerial view of uMkhomazi town and beach, January 2017
| image_caption = Aerial view of Umkomaas village and beach, January 2017
| pushpin_map = South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa
| pushpin_map = South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa
| coordinates = {{coord|30.201|S|30.794|E|region:ZA|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|30.201|S|30.794|E|region:ZA|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name subdivision_type = [[South Africa]]Country
| subdivision_type1subdivision_name = [[South = ProvinceAfrica]]
| subdivision_name1 subdivision_type1 = [[KwaZulu-Natal]]Province
| subdivision_type2 subdivision_name1 = District[[KwaZulu-Natal]]
| subdivision_type3 subdivision_type2 = MunicipalityDistrict
| subdivision_name3 subdivision_type3 = [[eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality|eThekwini]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality|eThekwini]]
| subdivision_type4 = Main Place
| established_titlesubdivision_type4 = Main = EstablishedPlace
| established_date established_title = {{circa}} 1861Established
| established_date = {{circa}} 1861
| leader_title = Councillor
| leader_title = Councillor
| area_footnotes = <ref name="census2011">{{cite web |url=http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599196 |title = Main Place Umkomaas |work=Census 2011}}</ref>
| area_footnotes = <ref name="census2011">{{cite web |url=http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599196 |title = Main Place Umkomaas |work=Census 2011}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 6.14
| population_footnotesarea_total_km2 = <ref name="census2011" />6.14
| population_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
| population_total = 2716
| population_as_of population_total = 20112716
| population_density_km2 population_as_of = auto2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->| demographics_type1 = Racial makeup (2011)
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
| demographics_type1 = Racial makeup (2011)
| demographics1_title1 = [[Bantu peoples of South Africa|Black African]]
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
| demographics1_info1 = 19.3%
| demographics1_title1 = [[Bantu peoples of South Africa|Black African]]
| demographics1_title2 = [[Coloureds|Coloured]]
| demographics1_info2 demographics1_info1 = 119.93%
| demographics1_title2 = [[Coloureds|Coloured]]
| demographics1_title3 = [[Indian South African|Indian]]/[[Asian South African|Asian]]
| demographics1_info3 demographics1_info2 = 141.09%
| demographics1_title4demographics1_title3 = [[Indian South = African|Indian]]/[[WhiteAsian South African|WhiteAsian]]
| demographics1_info4 demographics1_info3 = 6414.20%
| demographics1_title4 = [[White South African|White]]
| demographics1_title5 = Other
| demographics1_info5 demographics1_info4 = 064.62%
| demographics1_title5 = Other
<!-- demographics (section 2) -->| demographics_type2 = [[First language]]s (2011)
| demographics1_info5 = 0.6%
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
<!-- demographics (section 2) -->
| demographics2_title1 = [[South African English|English]]
| demographics_type2 = [[First language]]s (2011)
| demographics2_info1 = 61.5%
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
| demographics2_title2 = [[Afrikaans]]
| demographics2_title1 = [[South African English|English]]
| demographics2_info2 = 22.6%
| demographics2_info1 = 61.5%
| demographics2_title3 = [[Zulu language|Zulu]]
| demographics2_title2 = [[Afrikaans]]
| demographics2_info3 = 11.9%
| demographics2_title4 demographics2_info2 = 22.6%
| demographics2_title3 = [[Zulu language|Zulu]]
| demographics2_info4 =
| demographics2_title5 demographics2_info3 = Other11.9%
| demographics2_title4 =
| demographics2_info5 = 4.0%
| demographics2_info4 =
| demographics2_title5 = Other
| demographics2_info5 = 4.0%
<!-- blank fields (section 2) -->
<!-- Other information -->
| timezone1 = [[South African Standard Time|SAST]]
| utc_offset1 = +2
| postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in South Africa|Postal code]] (street)
| postal_code = 4170
| postal2_code_type = [[Post-office box|PO box]]
| postal2_code = 4170
| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in South Africa|Area code]]
| area_code = 039
}}
'''UmKhomaziUmkomaas''', also known by its official name '''eMkhomazi''', is a small coastal townvillage on the subtropical south[[South coastCoast (KwaZulu-Natal)|South Coast]] of [[KwaZulu-Natal]], [[South Africa]] was formed when a harbour was built in 1861 to export [[sugar]]. The townvillage rests beside the mouth of the navigable [[uMkhomazi River|umKhomazi River]], also known as the umKhomaziMkhomazi or Umkomaas. With the successful dredging of [[Durban]] harbour's sandbar and arrival of the [[railway]], like [[Port Shepstone]], the harbour fell into disuse, but the townvillage came to life. It is administered as '''eMkhomazi Area,''' together with the nearby areas of [[Craigieburn, KwaZulu-Natal|Craigieburn]], Clansthal, [[Ilfracombe, KwaZulu-Natal|Ilfracombe]], Crowder, Amahlongwa and Hull Valley <ref>Slide 1 (durban.gov.za)</ref> as part Ward 99 in the [[eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=eThekwini Municipality Open GIS Data |url=https://gis-ethekwini.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/8a9fc8ccda3a485499d3e5342b4fa4f9/explore?location=-30.180661,30.793739,11.81 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=gis-ethekwini.opendata.arcgis.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
==Etymology==
Many [[whales]] once used the estuary as a nursery, giving birth in the shallows. The [[Zulu people|Zulus]] named the river after this spectacle (uMkhomazi means ''the place of cow whales''). The settlement was originally known as South Barrow, with its suburb known today as [[Ilfracombe, KwaZulu-Natal|Ilfracombe]] then called North Barrow.
Many [[whales]] once used the estuary as a nursery, giving birth in the shallows. The [[Zulu people|Zulus]] named the river after this spectacle (uMkhomazi means ''the place of cow whales'').<ref>{{Cite book |editor=Vic Mayhew |url=http://archive.org/details/illustratedguide0000unse_d6x7 |title=Illustrated guide to Southern Africa |date=1980 |place=Cape Town |publisher=Reader's Digest Association South Africa in association with T.V. Bulpin |isbn=978-0-620-04650-3}}</ref>{{rp|332}} The settlement was originally known as South Barrow, with its suburb known today as [[Ilfracombe, KwaZulu-Natal|Ilfracombe]] then called North Barrow.
 
===Name change===
The town is located 48&nbsp;km south of central Durban and is accessible by rail and by roads including the [[N2 road (South Africa)|N2]] Freeway and the coastal R102 or "Old Main Road."
In November 2009, the [[eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality]] submitted a list of places in the municipality to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Geographic Names Committee to be changed from their anglicised names to the correct Zulu spelling. In the list, the town “Umkomaas” was to be changed to "eMkhomazi" and the Umkomaas River was to be changed to "uMkhomazi".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanpath |first=Arthi |date=25 November 2009 |title=More name changes |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/more-name-changes-465724 |access-date=9 October 2023 |website=IOL}}</ref>
 
On 1 October 2010, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture gazette the list of approved name changes which included the eMkhomazi town and uMkhomazi river.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Approval of official geographical names |url=https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/33584848.pdf |access-date=9 October 2023 |website=South African Government}}</ref> However, no changes have been made on road signs in the area regarding the spelling and many residents and businesses of area still spell the town with its original spelling of “Umkomaas”.
The [[South African Navy]] [[mine countermeasures vessel]] SAS ''Umkomaas'' is named in honour of the river and town.<ref>http://www.navy.mil.za/newnavy/surface/i050209_mcm_vessels/article.htm</ref>
[[File:Umkomaas Town by Air.jpg|thumb|Another aerial view of Umkomaas town and beach, April 2016]]
 
==IndustryHistory==
In 1954 an Italian consortium developed the large Saiccor industrial [[cellulose]] plant beside the river a short distance inland from the town. Many Italian immigrants and workers, mostly from the region of [[Friuli]] in Northeast Italy, followed suit, and the result is that uMkhomazi probably had the largest Italian community relative to its total population of any town in Southern Africa.
 
=== Colonial Era ===
Saiccor has for some time been a controversial plant. It was purchased by international pulp and paper giant [[Sappi]] in 1988, and while it continues to provide jobs for about 1200 workers, and a livelihood for their dependents, concerns were raised as early as the 1990s over Saiccor's adverse effect on asthmatic children at the nearby uMkhomazi Drift School. In 1999 Saiccor paid for the relocation of the school.
The area came into prominence in the mid-19th century when [[Theophilus Shepstone]], the Secretary for Native Affairs, proposed the establishment of a “black kingdom” south of the uMkhomazi River in 1851. However, this plan was rejected by the colonial authorities. The first official colonial presence began in July 1853 when Henry Francis Fynn was appointed Assistant Resident Magistrate in the Lower Umkomaas division. He also operated the first ferry service across the river, which was essential due to the presence of crocodiles.
 
The turning point for the South Coast, including Umkomaas, was in 1857 when the Legislative Council decided to promote development by opening up Crown land grants. This led to a flurry of interest, and by 1859, there were 93 colonists in the coastal area between the uMkhomazi and Ifafa rivers. The success of sugar plantations, especially John McKenzie’s Craigie Burn estate, contributed significantly to the area’s development.
Additionally, a large amount of effluent is pumped out to sea, and major extensions of this effluent pipe were carried out in 1987 and 1999, though Saiccor maintained for many years that the effluent was largely harmless. A well-known act was when Saiccor chief executive was challenged to drink a glass of effluent at a company function.
 
It was established as settlement around 1861 when a harbor was constructed to facilitate the export of sugar. In Umkomaas, the entry of the ship Natalie was seen as a breakthrough for travel and transportation, as it brought access to Durban within a few hours, saving significant costs per ton of cargo. After inspecting the river mouth in 1872, the Surveyor-General, Dr P.C. Sutherland noted that until the settlement at Umkomaas grew in size, there was no urgency to expend further resources on developing the river mouth. Leading way to the slow disuse of the harbour and eventual abandonment once the dredging of Durban Harbour was successful.<ref>Natalia No 45 Article Umkomaas.pdf</ref>
Saiccor is today the world's largest producer of chemical cellulose, and employs about 1200 people directly and about 20 000 indirectly, its pulp being used largely for products such as [[viscose]], [[acetate]] and [[cellophane]]. In 2012 the company said almost half its staff came from uMkhomazi, Magabeni, Craigieburn, Roseneath and Widenham.<ref>http://southcoastherald.co.za/195394/newsflash-umkomaas-protestors-gather-sappi-gates-demand-jobs/</ref>
 
===World War II plane crash===
The manufacture of over 1 billion components annually for the packaging industry and furniture assembly are also carried out in the area. Additional infrastructure includes the roads and railways built by and for Saiccor's operations, together with a stretch of [[Spoornet]]-owned coastal track, on which Saiccor to this day maintains and operates classic steam engines.
A notable event in the village's history was the fatal air crash involving a [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk|War Hawk]] Air Force plane during the Second World War. On 30 March 1944 during a routine practice battle formation, two Kittyhawks (5067 piloted by FO Brown) and 5006 (piloted by PO Smith) collided in mid air. 5006 managed to make a forced landing next to the river and pilot Smith escaped with his life. The second plane was not so fortunate; Brown was unable to bale from the plane and went down with the craft on the south bank of the Umkomaas river near the site where Saiccor is today. The aeroplane is believed to have sunk into quicksand on the south bank of the river between the village and the present-day location of Saiccor. A local group made numerous attempts to recover the wreckage of the craft in the 1980s, but as the precise location of the plane is still not decisively known, it has never been recovered. Subsequently much speculation exists as to where exactly the plane is buried.
 
The [[South African Navy]] [[mine countermeasures vessel]] SAS ''Umkomaas'' is named in honour of the river and village.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.navy.mil.za/newnavy/surface/i050209_mcm_vessels/article.htm| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050408095748/http://www.navy.mil.za/newnavy/surface/i050209_mcm_vessels/article.htm| archive-date = 2005-04-08| title = A new beginning for two River Class MCM vessels}}</ref>
There are some eucalyptus and wattle plantations on higher inland ground in the general area, many of which were established for Saiccor. But most of the farming done around uMkhomazi is for sugar cane and these fields are a noticeable landscape feature.
 
==Umkomaas RiverGeography==
Located approximately 50&nbsp;km south-west of [[Durban]] and almost halfway between [[Scottburgh]] and [[Kingsburgh, KwaZulu-Natal|Kingsburgh]], eMkhomazi and its neighbouring coastal village of Clansthal form the southernmost part of the [[Ethekwini municipality|eThekwini Municipality]] and the Sapphire Coast.
The [[uMkomazi River|umKhomazi River]] is a dominant feature of the area, being the largest river on the South Coast. The river is 298 kilometres long, from its source just south of Giant's Castle in the [[uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park]] [[World Heritage Site]] to its mouth on the Indian Ocean. The river begins its journey at an altitude of over 3,000 metres.
 
===Topography===
Occasionally, raft races, canoeing, and other sporting events are held on the river. The river is a popular white-water rafting destination. During the winter dry season, the river mouth often silts up, but after heavy rains it carries large amounts of brown sediment into the [[Indian Ocean]]. Some of this sedimentation is due to anthropogenic (human-made) pressures on the local ecosystem. These pressures include soil erosion caused by over-grazing, intensive cultivation, sewage disposal, informal farming and settlements, timber plantations, and the removal of sand or topsoil from the river's basin.<ref>http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Geology%20.htm</ref>
[[File:Umkomaas.jpg|thumb|left|Umkomaas — surf near Mkomazi River mouth, September 2007]] The [[uMkomazi River|uMkhomazi River]] is a dominant feature of the area, being the largest river on the South Coast. The river is 298 kilometres long, from its source just south of Giant's Castle in the [[uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park]] [[World Heritage Site]] to its mouth on the Indian Ocean. The river begins its journey at an altitude of over 3,000 metres.
 
Occasionally, raft races, canoeing, and other sporting events are held on the river. The river is a popular white-water rafting destination. During the winter dry season, the river mouth often silts up, but after heavy rains it carries large amounts of brown sediment into the [[Indian Ocean]]. Some of this sedimentation is due to anthropogenic (human-made) pressures on the local ecosystem. These pressures include soil erosion caused by over-grazing, intensive cultivation, sewage disposal, informal farming and settlements, timber plantations, and the removal of sand or topsoil from the river's basin.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Geology%20.htm| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111005194418/http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Geology%20.htm| archive-date = 2011-10-05| title = MKOMAZI RIVER}}</ref>
The umKhomazi river valley is mentioned in an early chapter of [[Alan Paton]]'s 1948 novel [[Cry, the Beloved Country]]. Probably derived from the Zulu word umKhomazi, the name relates to the sighting of a whale in the river estuary at some point in history.<ref>http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Overview%20.htm</ref> The river's tributaries include the Madoba, Mkhomazana, Mtungwane, Nhlatimbe and Nhlavini.
 
The uMkhomazi river valley is mentioned in an early chapter of [[Alan Paton]]'s 1948 novel [[Cry, the Beloved Country]]. Probably derived from the Zulu word uMkhamazi, the name relates to the sighting of a whale in the river estuary at some point in history.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Overview%20.htm| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111005194515/http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Overview%20.htm| archive-date = 2011-10-05| title = MKOMAZI RIVER}}</ref> The river's tributaries include the Madoba, Mkhomazana, Mtungwane, Nhlatimbe and Nhlavini.
The river's basin covers about 4,315&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, annual discharge is approximately 1 x 106 m<sup>3</sup> and sediment load is an estimated 900 000 tons per year.<ref>http://sajg.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/full/107/4/489</ref> Some parts of the river basin are vulnerable to flooding due to the steep topography and weather systems, such as intense thunderstorms and cut-off lows. This is exacerbated by [[land degradation]] and [[Impervious surface|impervious]] urban areas. Some floods have resulted in loss of life, destruction of properties where development has encroached on floodplains in densely populated areas, and damage to roads and bridges.<ref>http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Hydrology%20.htm</ref><ref>Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa. 2004. Internal Strategic Perspective: Mvoti to Mzimkulu Water Management Area : Prepared by Tlou and Matji (Pty) Ltd, WRP (Pty) Ltd, and DMM cc on behalf of the Directorate: National Water Resource Planning (East). DWAF Report No. P WMA 11/000/00/0304.</ref>
 
The river's basin covers about 4,315&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, annual discharge is approximately 1 x 106 m<sup>3</sup> and sediment load is an estimated 900 000 tons per year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sajg.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/full/107/4/489|title = South African Journal of Geology &#124; GeoScienceWorld}}</ref> Some parts of the river basin are vulnerable to flooding due to the steep topography and weather systems, such as intense thunderstorms and cut-off lows. This is exacerbated by [[land degradation]] and [[Impervious surface|impervious]] urban areas. Some floods have resulted in loss of life, destruction of properties where development has encroached on floodplains in densely populated areas, and damage to roads and bridges.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Hydrology%20.htm| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111005194544/http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/RiverKZNMkomazi/MKOMAZIRiver_Hydrology%20.htm| archive-date = 2011-10-05| title = MKOMAZI RIVER}}</ref><ref>Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa. 2004. Internal Strategic Perspective: Mvoti to Mzimkulu Water Management Area : Prepared by Tlou and Matji (Pty) Ltd, WRP (Pty) Ltd, and DMM cc on behalf of the Directorate: National Water Resource Planning (East). DWAF Report No. P WMA 11/000/00/0304.</ref>
[[File:Umkomaas.jpg|thumb|UmKhomazi — surf near umKhomazi River mouth, September 2007]]
 
==Tourism=Communities===
[[File:Umkomaas Town by Air.jpg|thumb|left|Another aerial view of Umkomaas village and beach, April 2016]] Suburbs of Umkomaas include Sunpark, Newhaven, Drift and [[Widenham]], known for its large bush-covered sand dune known as "Sand City", and the planned community of Saiccor Village, built for Saiccor workers in the 1950s and 1960s. Beaches are at Widenham and the Mkomazi River north bank near [[Ilfracombe, KwaZulu-Natal|Ilfracombe]], which is the launching point for many boat and diving trips to the Aliwal Shoal.
Tourist attractions include the Umkomaas Golf Course, home of [[Tim Clark (golfer)|Tim Clark]] and widely regarded as being one of the best in KwaZulu-Natal, and the beautiful Empisini Nature Reserve, a forested area that features a delightful waterfall and a number of bush walks. The nearby settlement of [[Clansthal]] was the home of Conservationist [[Tony Pooley]] in the 1980s and 1990s. Swedish tennis player [[Mats Wilander]] was a regular visitor in the 1990s, and is rumoured to have been the owner of a large hotel on the corner of Moodie and Reynolds Street.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
 
There are also locations nearby, which form part of the village, such as [[Craigieburn, KwaZulu-Natal|Craigieburn]], Roseneath, Clansthal, [[Ilfracombe, KwaZulu-Natal|Ilfracombe]] and [[Magabeni]].
UmKhomazi is renowned for the superb diving opportunities created by the [[Aliwal Shoal]], a volcanic reef about 5 kilometres offshore. [[grey nurse shark|Ragged-tooth sharks]], [[rock cod]], and a number of other species can be found in the shoal.
 
====Craigieburn ====
Diving-related tourism has grown dramatically in the past decade,{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} although the Shoal features two especially fine shipwrecks, the ''Nebo'' and the ''Produce'', that long predate the Shoal's current surge in popularity. The Aliwal Shoal was formed about 80 000 years ago. Diving and accommodation information is available in the town and online.
[[Craigieburn, KwaZulu-Natal|Craigieburn]] location which also includes Naidooville is at the heart of the Indian community that reside in Umkomaas. In present day (2022) Census stats rated that the poorest of Indian families hail from Umkomaas. The name, Naidooville is not commonly used today as most refer to it by Craigieburn and is located west of the [[N2 highway]]. Formally an Indian School, Naidooville Primary School was built in the area.
 
====Roseneath====
To add to UmKhomazi and activities is a newly established airfield called "Umkomaas Airfield" just outside of Umkomaas where microlight and aeroplane joyrides and training take place. {{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
Roseneath is a small township near Umkomaas, in the south coast region of KwaZulu Natal. Like Craigieburn, it is situated west of the N2 Highway. There are other townships found in this area including Malundi, locally known as V section, Roseneath Gardens (emasayithini) and New Haven.
 
====Magabeni====
Tourists can visit the [https://eastcoastbrewing.co.za/ East Coast Brewing Company] which is one of the largest and most advanced independently-owned brewing facilities in Southern Africa.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
[[Magabeni]] is a township located a few kilometres northwest of Umkomaas and was formerly part of the [[KwaZulu]] Bantustan.
 
==Demographics==
==Schools and suburbs==
The population of Umkomaas in 2011 was 2,716, excluding Ilfracombe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/southafrica-kwazulunatal.php?cityid=599196001|title=KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa): Province, Urban Areas and Places - Population Statistics, Charts and Map}}</ref>
A co-educational primary school, founded in 1913, is in the centre of the village.<ref>http://umkomaasprimary.co.za/</ref>
 
==Economy==
Suburbs of Umkomaas include Sunpark, Newhaven, Drift and [[Widenham]], known for its large bush-covered sand dune known as "Sand City", and the planned community of Saiccor Village, built for Saiccor workers in the 1950s and 1960s. Beaches are at Widenham and the Mkomazi River north bank near [[Ilfracombe, KwaZulu-Natal|Ilfracombe]], which is the launching point for many boat and diving trips to the Aliwal Shoal.
===Industry===
In 1954 an Italian consortium developed the large Saiccor industrial [[cellulose]] plant beside the river a short distance inland from the village. Many Italian immigrants and workers, mostly from the region of [[Friuli]] in Northeast Italy, followed suit, and the result is that Umkomaas probably had the largest Italian community relative to its total population of any village in Southern Africa.
 
Saiccor has for some time been a controversial plant. It was purchased by international pulp and paper giant [[Sappi]] in 1988, and while it continues to provide jobs for about 1200 workers, and a livelihood for their dependents, concerns were raised as early as the 1990s over Saiccor's adverse effect on asthmatic children at the nearby Umkomaas Drift School. In 1999 Saiccor paid for the relocation of the school.
The population of umKhomazi in 2011 was 2,716, excluding Ilfracombe.<ref>http://www.citypopulation.de/php/southafrica-kwazulunatal.php?cityid=599196001</ref> There are also townships nearby, which form part of the town, such as [[Craigieburn, KwaZulu-Natal|Craigieburn]], Roseneath, Clansthal, and [[Magabeni]].
 
Additionally, a large amount of effluent is pumped out to sea, and major extensions of this effluent pipe were carried out in 1987 and 1999, though Saiccor maintained for many years that the effluent was largely harmless. A well-known act was when Saiccor chief executive was challenged to drink a glass of effluent at a company function.
==Wildlife==
UmKhomazi's official animal is the [[whale]], representations of which can be found throughout the town, in everything from colourful murals to the primary school's uniform. Humpback whales are seen near Aliwal Shoal between June and October. Ragged-tooth and Zambezi sharks have been seen at the river mouth, in the wake of the September 1987 storms and 1984's Cyclone Domoina.
 
Saiccor is today the world's largest producer of chemical cellulose, and employs about 1200 people directly and about 20 000 indirectly, its pulp being used largely for products such as [[viscose]], [[acetate]] and [[cellophane]]. In 2012 the company said almost half its staff came from Umkomaas, Magabeni, Craigieburn, Roseneath and Widenham.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://southcoastherald.co.za/195394/newsflash-umkomaas-protestors-gather-sappi-gates-demand-jobs/|title = UPDATE: 'There simply are not enough jobs,' says Sappi| date=16 March 2017 }}</ref>
Other wildlife in the area includes snakes, most of them non-venomous species including the [[red-lipped herald]] and the [[Boaedon capensis|brown house snake]]. However, [[black mamba]] have also been found in the area.<ref>http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/massive-mambas-on-the-move-in-durban-9384227</ref> Monkeys here are less common than in Scottburgh, but birds are abundant, including the [[hadeda ibis]]. Small wild cats like the [[genet (animal)|genet]] and [[civet]] have been reported on rare occasions. Nile crocodiles found near Freeland Park and the lower Amahlongwa, 8 kilometres south, are not present in UmKhomazi. [[Duiker]] abound and can be seen in [[Empisini Nature Reserve|Empisini]]. The larger bushbuck has also been seen in local bush.
 
The manufacture of over 1 billion components annually for the packaging industry and furniture assembly are also carried out in the area. Additional infrastructure includes the roads and railways built by and for Saiccor's operations, together with a stretch of [[Spoornet]]-owned coastal track, on which Saiccor to this day maintains and operates classic steam engines.
A major spectacle occurring most years is the Sardine Run, the annual courtship migration (contingent on climatic conditions) of [[sardine]]s from South Africa's southern coast to the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal. It usually occurs in July and has featured on [[Jeff Corwin]]'s show on [[Animal Planet]]. The sardine attract many predatory fish, seabirds, and sharks, on a scale rarely seen anywhere else.
 
There are some eucalyptus and wattle plantations on higher inland ground in the general area, many of which were established for Saiccor. But most of the farming done around Umkomaas is for sugar cane and these fields are a noticeable landscape feature.
UmKhomazi was one of the coastal towns affected by the high winds and freak waves generated by the storms of late March 2007. Beachfront areas and the complex formerly known as 'The Whaler' were some parts of the town damaged in the storm.
 
==Culture and contemporary life==
==World War II plane crash==
===Tourism===
A notable event in the town's history was the fatal air crash involving a [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk|War Hawk]] Air Force plane during the Second World War. On 30 March 1944 during a routine practice battle formation, two Kittyhawks (5067 piloted by FO Brown) and 5006 (piloted by PO Smith) collided in mid air. 5006 managed to make a forced landing next to the river and pilot Smith escaped with his life. The second plane was not so fortunate; Brown was unable to bale from the plane and went down with the craft on the south bank of the UmKhomazi river near the site where Saiccor is today. The aeroplane is believed to have sunk into quicksand on the south bank of the river between the village and the present-day location of Saiccor. A local group made numerous attempts to recover the wreckage of the craft in the 1980s, but as the precise location of the plane is still not decisively known, it has never been recovered. Subsequently much speculation exists as to where exactly the plane is buried.
Tourist attractions include the Umkomaas Golf Course, home of [[Tim Clark (golfer)|Tim Clark]] and widely regarded as being one of the best in KwaZulu-Natal, and the beautiful Empisini Nature Reserve, a forested area that features a delightful waterfall and a number of bush walks. The nearby settlement of [[Clansthal]] was the home of Conservationist [[Tony Pooley]] in the 1980s and 1990s. Swedish tennis player [[Mats Wilander]] was a regular visitor in the 1990s, and is rumoured to have been the owner of a large hotel on the corner of Moodie and Reynolds Street.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
 
Umkomaas is renowned for the superb diving opportunities created by the [[Aliwal Shoal]], a volcanic reef about 5 kilometres offshore. [[grey nurse shark|Ragged-tooth sharks]], [[rock cod]], and a number of other species can be found in the shoal.
==Craigieburn ==
[[Craigieburn, KwaZulu-Natal|Craigieburn]] township which also includes Naidooville is at the heart of the Indian community that reside in UmKhomazi. The name, Naidooville is not commonly used today as most refer to it by Craigieburn and is located west of the [[N2 highway]]. Formally an Indian School, Naidooville Primary School was built in the area.
 
Diving-related tourism has grown dramatically in the past decade,{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} although the Shoal features two especially fine shipwrecks, the ''Nebo'' and the ''Produce'', that long predate the Shoal's current surge in popularity. The Aliwal Shoal was formed about 80 000 years ago. Diving and accommodation information is available in the village and online.
==Roseneath==
 
Roseneath is a small township near UmKhomazi, in the south coast region of KwaZulu Natal. Like Craigieburn, it is situated west of the N2 Highway.
To add to Umkomaas and activities is a newly established airfield called "Umkomaas Airfield" just outside of Umkomaas where microlight and aeroplane joyrides and training take place. {{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
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Tourists can visit the East Coast Brewing Company which is one of the largest and most advanced independently owned brewing facilities in Southern Africa.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
 
==Education==
A co-educational primary school, founded in 1913, is in the centre of the village.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://umkomaasprimary.co.za/| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140516224310/http://umkomaasprimary.co.za/| archive-date = 2014-05-16| title = Welcome to Umkomaas Primary School}}</ref>
 
==Parks and greenspace==
Umkomaas' official animal is the [[whale]], representations of which can be found throughout the village, in everything from colourful murals to the primary school's uniform. Humpback whales are seen near Aliwal Shoal between June and October. Ragged-tooth and Zambezi sharks have been seen at the river mouth, in the wake of the September 1987 storms and 1984's Cyclone Domoina.
 
Other wildlife in the area includes snakes, most of them non-venomous species including the [[red-lipped herald]] and the [[Boaedon capensis|brown house snake]]. However, [[black mamba]] have also been found in the area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/massive-mambas-on-the-move-in-durban-9384227|title = Massive mambas on the move in Durban}}</ref> Monkeys here are less common than in Scottburgh, but birds are abundant, including the [[hadeda ibis]]. Small wild cats like the [[genet (animal)|genet]] and [[civet]] have been reported on rare occasions. Nile crocodiles found near Freeland Park and the lower Amahlongwa, 8 kilometres south, are not present in Umkomaas. [[Duiker]] abound and can be seen in [[Empisini Nature Reserve|Empisini]]. The larger bushbuck has also been seen in local bush.
 
A major spectacle occurring most years is the Sardine Run, the annual courtship migration (contingent on climatic conditions) of [[sardine]]s from South Africa's southern coast to the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal. It usually occurs in July and has featured on [[Jeff Corwin]]'s show on [[Animal Planet]]. The sardine attract many predatory fish, seabirds, and sharks, on a scale rarely seen anywhere else.
 
Umkomaas was one of the coastal villages affected by the high winds and freak waves generated by the storms of late March 2007. Beachfront areas and the complex formerly known as 'The Whaler' were some parts of the village damaged in the storm.
==Sunpark==
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==MagabeniInfrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[Magabeni]] is a township located a few kilometres northwest of UmKhomazi and was formerly part of the [[KwaZulu]] bantustan.
====Roads====
The village is located 48&nbsp;km south of central Durban and is accessible by rail and by roads including the [[N2 road (South Africa)|N2]] Freeway and the coastal [[R102 (South Africa)|R102]] or "Old Main Road."
 
== References ==
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umkomaas"