UMLAZI

new town, southeastern KwaZulu/Natal province, South Africa. It lies along the south bank of the Umlazi (Umlass) River and adjoins the city of Durban on the southwest. The present site of Umlazi was occupied by American missionaries in 1836, but it became an Anglican mission reserve in 1856. Umlazi was officially opened to black residents in 1965 (most of whom formerly resided in Durban) and acquired town status in 1973. Local industries in Umlazi produce beverages, wearing apparel, leather goods, sawn wood and wood products, paper, rubber goods, and plastic products. Many of the inhabitants commute to Durban, Hammarsdale, and Pietermaritzburg for employment. A branch campus of the University of Zululand is located at Umlazi, and the town lies near the Pietermaritzburg-Durban railway. Pop. (1985) 194,933.