Durban: Difference between revisions

| established_date = {{start date and age|1824|8|24|df=y}}<ref name=established>{{cite thesis |last=Robson |first=Linda Gillian |title=The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact |date=2011 |type=PhD thesis |publisher=University of Pretoria |chapter=Annexure A |chapter-url=https://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/26503/05back.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y#page=31 |url=https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/26503 |hdl=2263/26503 |pages=xlv–lii |access-date=13 November 2022 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326030353/https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/26503 |url-status=live }}</ref>

| area_footnotes = <ref name="census2011">{{cite web |url=http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599054 |title = Main Place Durban |work=Census 2011 |access-date=10 December 2015 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119025354/http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599054 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="census2022">{{cite web | url=https://census.statssa.gov.za/assets/documents/2022/Provinces_at_a_Glance.pdf | title=Census 2022: Provinces at a Glance | date=2023 | publisher=[[Statistics South Africa]] | pages=25,61 | isbn=978-0-621-51559-6 | access-date=18 March 2024 | archive-date=29 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229184957/https://census.statssa.gov.za/assets/documents/2022/Provinces_at_a_Glance.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>

| population_demonym = Durbanite<ref name="McCrackenMcCracken">{{cite book|first=Donal P. |last=McCracken|author2=Eileen M. McCracken|title=Annals of Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens|year=1988|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x3gQAQAAMAAJ&q=Durbanite|publisher=National Botanic Gardens|page=72|isbn=9780620116480|access-date=30 June 2018|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521143327/https://books.google.com/books?id=x3gQAQAAMAAJ&q=Durbanite|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Durban''' ({{IPAc-en|'|d|ɜːr|b|ə|n}} {{respell|DUR|bən}}; {{lang-zu|eThekwini}}, from {{lang|zu|itheku}} meaning "bay, lagoon"){{efn | Also called {{lang-zu|eZibubulungwini|label=none}} for the mountain range that terminates in the area. In an 1859 Zulu grammar book, Bishop Colenso asserted that the root word iTeku means "bay of the sea", from the name Mtheku, used by the Thabethe tribes clan, who were the leaders of the Nguni people. Furthermore the original local inhabitants and noted that the locative form, eTekwini, was used as a proper name for Durban. An 1895 English-Zulu dictionary translates the base word iteku as "bay", "creek", "gulf" or "sinus", while a 1905 Zulu-English dictionary notes that eTekwini is used for Durban.}} is the third-most populous city in [[South Africa]], after [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]], and the largest city in the [[Provinces of South Africa|province]] of [[KwaZulu-Natal]]. Situated on the east coast of South Africa, on the Natal Bay of the [[Indian Ocean]], Durban is [[Port of Durban|South Africa's busiest port]] and was formerly named Port Natal. North of the harbour and city centre lies the mouth of the [[Umgeni River]]; the flat city centre rises to the hills of the [[Berea, Durban|Berea]] on the west; and to the south, running along the coast, is the [[Bluff, KwaZulu-Natal|Bluff]]. Durban is the seat of the larger [[eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality]], which spans an area of {{cvt|2556|km2|sqmi}} and had a population of 4.2{{nbsp}}million in [[2022 South African census|2022]],<ref name="census2022" /> making the metropolitan population one of [[Africa]]'s largest on the Indian Ocean. Within the [[city limits]], Durban's population was 595,061 in [[2011 South African census|2011]].<ref name="census2011" /> The city has a [[humid subtropical climate]], with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Roberts | first1=Debra | last2=O'Donoghue | first2=Sean | date=2013 | title=Urban environmental challenges and climate change action in Durban, South Africa | url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956247813500904 | journal=Environment and Urbanization | volume=25 | issue=2 | pages=299–319 | doi=10.1177/0956247813500904 | doi-access=free | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325085021/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956247813500904 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Archaeological evidence from the [[Drakensberg]] mountains suggests that the area had been inhabited by [[hunter-gatherers]] millennia ago. Later, the [[Nguni people]] occupied the region. During [[Christmas]] 1497, [[Vasco da Gama]] saw the coast and named it {{lang|pt|Natal}}, the Portuguese word for Christmas. In 1824, English traders from [[Cape Colony]], led by [[Francis Farewell]] and [[Henry Fynn]], established a trading post at Port Natal, and later that year, [[Shaka]], the Zulu king, granted them land around the Bay. In 1835, the settlement was named after Sir [[Benjamin D'Urban]], then governor of Cape Colony, and became a borough in 1854. From 1860 onwards, indentured labourers from [[British India]] arrived in Durban, as well as later passenger [[Indian South Africans|Indians]]. [[Colony of Natal|Natal colony]], which had grown, became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, and theDurban townwas ofgranted Durbancity became,status in 1935, a city.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/durban-timeline-1497-1990 | title=Durban Timeline 1497-1990 | website=South African History Online | access-date=12 March 2024 | archive-date=2 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302005422/https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/durban-timeline-1497-1990 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Durban has a rich, diverse heritage, with large [[Zulu people|Zulu]], [[Indian South Africans|Indian]], [[White South African|White]], and [[Coloureds|Coloured]] populations. Historically, it was a popular tourist destination domestically because of its beaches and warm climate,<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Maharaj | first1=Brij | last2=Pillay | first2=Vino | last3=Sucheran | first3=Reshma | name-list-style=and | date=2008 | title=Durban - A subtropical coastal paradise? Tourism dynamics in a post-apartheid city | url=https://journals.openedition.org/etudescaribeennes/1192?lang=en | journal=Études caribéennes | issue=9–10 | doi=10.4000/etudescaribeennes.1192 | doi-access=free | access-date=15 March 2024 | archive-date=15 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315111156/https://journals.openedition.org/etudescaribeennes/1192?lang=en | url-status=live }}</ref> but in recent years, tourism has declined.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-04-durban-tourism-still-limping-following-lacklustre-holiday-season-while-kzn-overall-sees-uptick/ | title=Durban tourism still limping following lacklustre holiday season while KZN overall sees uptick | last=Sikhakhane | first=Naledi | date=4 January 2024 | website=[[Daily Maverick]] | access-date=15 March 2024 | archive-date=15 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315111157/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-04-durban-tourism-still-limping-following-lacklustre-holiday-season-while-kzn-overall-sees-uptick/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/durban-can-wave-tourism-goodbye-if-it-doesnt-get-its-act-together-fast-07fb7153-284b-46c4-8c0d-205a905d2479 | title=Durban can wave tourism goodbye if it doesn't get its act together fast | last=Dludla | first=Siphelele | date=24 September 2023 | website=[[Independent Online]] | access-date=15 March 2024 | archive-date=15 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315111156/https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/durban-can-wave-tourism-goodbye-if-it-doesnt-get-its-act-together-fast-07fb7153-284b-46c4-8c0d-205a905d2479 | url-status=live }}</ref> Some notable places are the [[Golden Mile, Durban|Golden Mile]] beachfront, [[Durban Botanic Gardens|Botanic Gardens]], the [[Durban Art Gallery|Art Gallery]] and Natural Science Museum at [[Durban City Hall|City Hall]], the [[Tudor Revival architecture|Tudor-style]] Playhouse Theatre, [[uShaka Marine World]], and the [[Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre|International Convention Centre]]. In addition to various architectural styles, ranging from [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] to [[Contemporary architecture|contemporary]], [[Art Deco in Durban|Art Deco]] left its stamp on many of Durban's buildings.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/article/art-deco-durban | title=Art Deco Durban | last=Munro | first=Kathy | date=3 December 2019 | website=The Heritage Portal | access-date=1 April 2024 | archive-date=1 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401102849/https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/article/art-deco-durban | url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2018, the metro area contributed 59.9% and 9.6% to the provincial and national [[gross domestic product]], respectively, and; the main sectors were finance, community services, manufacturing, trade, transport, and tourism.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/government/about-ethekwini | title=About EThekwini | website=EThekwini Municipality | access-date=30 March 2024}}</ref> Durban| becamearchive-date=30 [[UNESCO]]'sMarch first [[City of Literature]] in Africa,<ref>{{cite web2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330183734/https://www.litnetdurban.cogov.za/durbanpages/government/about-first-city-african-continent-become-unesco-world-city-literature/ethekwini | title=Durban first city on the African continent to become a Unesco World City of Literature | last1=David | first1=Darryl | last2=Meyer | first2=Naomi | date=1 November 2017 | website=LitNet | accessurl-datestatus=15live March 2024}}</ref> andDurban was one of the host cities of the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], for which the [[Moses Mabhida Stadium]] was built.,<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Bason | first1=Tom | last2=Cook | first2=David | last3=Anagnostopoulos | first3=Christos | name-list-style=and | date=2015 | title=Legacy in major sport events: empirical insights from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa | url=https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/34940/ | journal=Choregia | volume=11 | issue=1 | pages=44–61 | issn=1791-4027 | access-date=26 April 2024 | archive-date=26 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426075700/https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/34940/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and is [[UNESCO]]'s first [[City of Literature]] in Africa.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.litnet.co.za/durban-first-city-african-continent-become-unesco-world-city-literature/ | title=Durban first city on the African continent to become a Unesco World City of Literature | last1=David | first1=Darryl | last2=Meyer | first2=Naomi | date=1 November 2017 | website=LitNet | access-date=15 March 2024 | archive-date=15 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315132022/https://www.litnet.co.za/durban-first-city-african-continent-become-unesco-world-city-literature/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Archaeological evidence from the [[Drakensberg]] mountains suggests that the Durban area has been inhabited by communities of [[hunter-gatherer]]s since [[Middle Paleolithic|100,000 BCBP]]. These people lived throughout the area of [[KwaZulu-Natal]] until the [[Bantu expansion|expansion of agro-pastoralists and pastoralists]] from the north saw their gradual incorporation. [[oral tradition|Oral history]] has been passed down from generation to generation by the Zulu nation, who were inhabitants of the land before colonisers, but there is no [[Recorded history|written history]] of the area until it was sighted by Portuguese explorer [[Vasco da Gama]], who sailed parallel to the KwaZulu-Natal coast at [[Christmastide]] in 1497 while searching for a route from Europe to India. He named the area {{Lang|pt|Natal}}, meaning "Christmas" in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]].<ref name=walker1>{{cite book|title = A History of Southern Africa|author=Eric A. Walker|publisher=Longmans|orig-year = 1928|year = 1964|location = London|chapter = Chapter I: The discovery}}</ref>

By 1822, James Saunders King, captain of the British ship {{ship||Salisbury|1818 ship|2}}, together with [[Francis Farewell|Lt. Francis George Farewell]], both men being former [[Royal Navy]] officers from the [[Napoleonic Wars]], were engaged in trade between the [[Cape Colony|Cape]] and [[Maputo Bay|Delagoa Bay]]. On a return trip to the Cape in 1823, they were caught in a severe storm and decided to risk the Bar and anchor in the Bay of Natal. The crossing went off well and they found safe anchor from the storm. Lt. King decided to map the Bay and named the "Salisbury and Farewell Islands". In 1824 Lt. Farewell, together with a trading company called J. R. Thompson & Co., decided to open trade relations with [[Shaka]], the Zulu King, and establish a trading station at the Bay. [[Henry Francis Fynn]], another trader at Delagoa Bay, was also involved in this venture.{{cn|date=December 2023}}

Fynn left Delagoa Bay and sailed for the Bay of Natal on the brig ''Julia'', while Farewell followed six weeks later on the ''Antelope''. Between them they had 26 possible settlers, although only 18 stayed. On a visit to King Shaka, Henry Francis Fynn succeeded in befriending the king by helping him recover from a stab wound that he had suffered as a result of an assassination attempt by one of his half-brothers. As a token of his gratitude King Shaka granted Fynn a "25-[[mile]] strip of coast a hundred miles in depth".{{cn|date=December 2023}}

The [[Voortrekkers]] established the [[Natalia Republic|Republic of Natalia]] in 1839, with its capital at [[Pietermaritzburg]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project update - Republic of Natalia records {{!}} The Heritage Portal |url=https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/notice/project-update-republic-natalia-records |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=www.theheritageportal.co.za |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430205045/https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/notice/project-update-republic-natalia-records |url-status=live }}</ref>

Fierce conflict with the [[Zulu people|Zulu]] population led to the evacuation of Durban, and eventually the [[Afrikaner]]s accepted British annexation in 1844 under military pressure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Natal becomes part of the Union of South Africa {{!}} South African History Online |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/natal-becomes-part-union-south-africa |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=www.sahistory.org.za |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424091651/https://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/natal-becomes-part-union-south-africa |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Further|eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality|Mayors of Durban}}With the end of [[apartheid]], Durban was subject to restructuring of local government. Its first mayor was [[Sipho Ngwenya]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}<ref>{{Cite news |title=First Mayor of Durban in democratic SA Sipho Ngwenya passes on |url=https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/first-mayor-of-durban-in-democratic-sa-sipho-ngwenya-passes-on/ |work=SABC |access-date=24 April 2024 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424091256/https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/first-mayor-of-durban-in-democratic-sa-sipho-ngwenya-passes-on/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1996, the city became part of the ''Durban UniCity'' in July 1996 as part of transitional arrangements and to ''eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality'' in 1999, with the adoption of South Africa's new municipal governance system. In July 1996, [[Obed Mlaba]] was appointed mayor of Durban UniCity; in 1999 he was elected mayor of the eThekwini municipality and re-elected in 2006. Following the May 2011 local elections, [[James Nxumalo]], the former speaker of the council, was elected as the new mayor. On 23 August 2016 Zandile Gumede was elected as the new mayor until 13 August 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/south-africa/ancs-zandile-gumede-is-the-new-mayor-of-ethekwini|title=ANC's Zandile Gumede is the new mayor of eThekwini|access-date=7 September 2016|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019042233/https://www.enca.com/south-africa/ancs-zandile-gumede-is-the-new-mayor-of-ethekwini|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 5 September 2019 Mxolisi Kaunda was sworn in as the new mayor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/mxolisi-kaunda-is-officially-durbans-new-mayor-31888285|title=Mxolisi Kaunda is officially Durban's new mayor|website=IOL|first=Mphathi|last=Nxumalo|date=September 5, 2019|access-date=12 September 2019|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521143340/https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/mxolisi-kaunda-is-officially-durbans-new-mayor-31888285|url-status=live}}</ref>

Durban is located on the east coast of South Africa, looking out upon the [[Indian Ocean]]. The city lies at the mouth of the [[Umgeni River]], which demarcates parts of Durban's north city limit, while other sections of the river flow through the city itself. Durban has a natural harbour, [[Port of Durban]], which is the busiest port in South Africa and is the 4thfourth-busiest in the Southern Hemisphere.

The extent of [[urban sprawl]] the Greater Durban [[Agglomerations|agglomeration]] has experienced, virtually adjoining surrounding smaller towns, has made boundaries in the [[metropolitan area]] quite complicated. Durban proper, which is the main city, is demarcated by its administrative city limits, which are only as large to include the [[city centre]], the [[Bluff, KwaZulu-Natal|Bluff]], [[Berea, Durban|Berea]], [[Durban North]], [[Mobeni]] as well as [[Umbogintwini]], [[Athlone Park]], [[Isipingo]] and [[Prospecton]] to the south among other suburbs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census 2011: Main Place: Durban |url=https://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599054 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=census2011.adrianfrith.com |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307151214/https://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599054 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Census 2001: Main Place: Durban |url=https://census2001.adrianfrith.com/place/57218 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=census2001.adrianfrith.com |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307151214/https://census2001.adrianfrith.com/place/57218 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Durban has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa''), with hot, humid summers and warm, moderately dry winters, which are snow and frost-free. Durban has an annual rainfall of {{convert|1009|mm|in|1}}. The average temperature in summer ranges around {{convert|24|C|F}}, while in winter the average temperature is {{convert|17|C|F}}.

| others = provided by South African weather service

| access-date = 21 November 2013}}</ref>

| access-date = 21 November 2013}}</ref>

A 2019 paper published in [[PLOS One]] estimated that under [[Representative Concentration Pathway#RCP 4.5|Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5]], a "moderate" scenario of [[climate change]] where global warming reaches ~{{convert|2.5-3|C-change|F-change}} by 2100, the climate of Durban in the year 2050 would most closely resemble the current climate of [[Kigali]]. The annual temperature would increase by {{convert|1.7|C-change|F-change}}, and the temperature of the coldest month by {{convert|1.8|C-change|F-change}}, while the temperature of the warmest month would be {{convert|0.5|C-change|F-change}} lower.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bastin |first1=Jean-Francois |last2=Clark |first2=Emily |last3=Elliott |first3=Thomas |last4=Hart |first4=Simon |last5=van den Hoogen |first5=Johan |last6=Hordijk |first6=Iris |last7=Ma |first7=Haozhi |last8=Majumder |first8=Sabiha |last9=Manoli |first9=Gabriele |last10=Maschler |first10=Julia |last11=Mo |first11=Lidong |last12=Routh |first12=Devin |last13=Yu |first13=Kailiang |last14=Zohner |first14=Constantin M. |last15=Thomas W. |first15=Crowther |title=Understanding climate change from a global analysis of city analogues |journal=PLOS ONE |date=10 July 2019 |volume=14 |issue=7 |at=S2 Table. Summary statistics of the global analysis of city analogues. |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0217592 |pmid=31291249 |pmc=6619606 |bibcode=2019PLoSO..1417592B |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://crowtherlab.pageflow.io/cities-of-the-future-visualizing-climate-change-to-inspire-action |title=Cities of the future: visualizing climate change to inspire action |at=Current vs. future cities |access-date=8 January 2023 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108082440/https://crowtherlab.pageflow.io/cities-of-the-future-visualizing-climate-change-to-inspire-action |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to [[Climate Action Tracker]], the current warming trajectory appears consistent with {{convert|2.7|C-change|F-change}}, which closely matches RCP 4.5.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://climateactiontracker.org/global/cat-thermometer/ |title=The CAT Thermometer |access-date=8 January 2023 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414131223/https://climateactiontracker.org/global/cat-thermometer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Moreover, according to the 2022 [[IPCC Sixth Assessment Report]], Durban is one of 12 major African cities ([[Abidjan]], [[Alexandria]], [[Algiers]], [[Cape Town]], [[Casablanca]], [[Dakar]], [[Dar es Salaam]], Durban, [[Lagos]], [[Lomé]], [[Luanda]] and [[Maputo]]) which would be the most severely affected by future [[sea level rise]]. It estimates that they would collectively sustain cumulative damages of USD 65 billion under RCP 4.5 and USD 86.5 billion for the high-emission scenario RCP 8.5 by the year 2050. Additionally, RCP 8.5 combined with the hypothetical impact from [[marine ice sheet instability]] at high levels of warming would involve up to 137.5 billion USD in damages, while the additional accounting for the "low-probability, high-damage events" may increase aggregate risks to USD 187 billion for the "moderate" RCP4.5, USD 206 billion for RCP8.5 and USD 397 billion under the high-end ice sheet instability scenario.<ref>Trisos, C.H., I.O. Adelekan, E. Totin, A. Ayanlade, J. Efitre, A. Gemeda, K. Kalaba, C. Lennard, C. Masao, Y. Mgaya, G. Ngaruiya, D. Olago, N.P. Simpson, and S. Zakieldeen 2022: [https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_Chapter09.pdf Chapter 9: Africa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206082533/https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_Chapter09.pdf |date=6 December 2022 }}. In [https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/ Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228114918/https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/ |date=28 February 2022 }} [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, US, pp. 2043–2121</ref> Since sea level rise would continue for about 10,000 years under every scenario of climate change, future costs of sea level rise would only increase, especially without adaptation measures.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Full_Report.pdf |title=Technical Summary. In: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |date=August 2021 |publisher=IPCC |page=TS14 |access-date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=9 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809080054/https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Full_Report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The population of the city of Durban and central suburbs such as Durban North, Durban South and the Berea increased 10.9% between 2001 and 2011 from 536,644 to 595,061.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://census2001.adrianfrith.com/place/57218 |title=Census 2001 — Main Place "Durban" |publisher=Census2001.adrianfrith.com |access-date=2015-12-10 |archive-date=18 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918204733/http://census2001.adrianfrith.com/place/57218 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599054 |title=Census 2011 — Main Place "Durban" |publisher=Census2011.adrianfrith.com |access-date=2015-12-10 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119025354/http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/599054 |url-status=live }}</ref> The proportion of black Africans increased while the proportion of people in all the other racial groups decreased. Black Africans increased from 34.9% to 51.1%; Indians or Asians decreased from 27.3% to 24.0%; whites decreased from 25.5% to 15.3%; and [[Coloureds]] decreased from 10.26% to 8.59%. A new racial group, "Other", was included in the 2011 census at 0.93%.

The city's treatment of shack dwellers was criticised in a report from the [[United Nations]] linked Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions<ref>[http://www.cohre.org/sites/default/files/south_africa_-_business_as_usual_-_housing_rights_and_slum_eradication_in_durban_sept_2008_.pdf South Africa: Business as Usual – housing rights and slum eradication in Durban] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826233243/http://www.cohre.org/sites/default/files/south_africa_-_business_as_usual_-_housing_rights_and_slum_eradication_in_durban_sept_2008_.pdf |date=26 August 2013 }}, Centre on Housing Rights & Evictions, Geneva, 2008.</ref> and there has also been criticism of the city's treatment of street traders,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.streetnet.org.za/english/Durban06.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906155140/http://www.streetnet.org.za/english/Durban06.htm|url-status=dead|title=From best practice to Pariah: the case of Durban, South Africa by Pat Horn, Street Net|archive-date=6 September 2007}}</ref><ref>[http://www.seri-sa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17:research-reports&catid=9&Itemid=29 Criminalising the Livelihoods of the Poor: The impact of formalising informal trading on female and migrant traders in Durban] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321004738/http://www.seri-sa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17:research-reports&catid=9&Itemid=29 |date=21 March 2012 }} by Blessing Karumbidza, Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (February 2011).</ref> street children<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/01/south-africa-world-cup-blikkiesdorp |title=Life in 'Tin Can Town' for the South Africans evicted ahead of World Cup|first=David|last=Smith|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 April 2010|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-date=16 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416091443/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/01/south-africa-world-cup-blikkiesdorp|url-status=live}}</ref> and sex workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2013-12-24-the-dirty-shame-of-durbans-clean-up-campaign-of-city-streets/ |title=The dirty shame of Durban's 'clean-up' campaign of city streets|website=The Daily Maverick|first=Vanessa |last=Burger|date=24 December 2013|access-date=27 December 2013|archive-date=28 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228035421/http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2013-12-24-the-dirty-shame-of-durbans-clean-up-campaign-of-city-streets/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] strain called "Durban Poison" is named for the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2013/11/cannabis_encyclopedia_strain_review_durban_poison.php |title=Cannabis Encyclopedia strain review: Durban Poison &#124; Marijuana and Cannabis News |publisher=Toke of the Town |date=2013-11-06 |access-date=2015-12-10 |archive-date=2 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202084826/http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2013/11/cannabis_encyclopedia_strain_review_durban_poison.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

There are a number of civil society organisations based in Durban. These include: [[Abahlali baseMjondolo]] movement,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monthlyreview.org/0206pithouse.htm|title=Monthly Review - Struggle Is a School: The Rise of a Shack Dwellers' Movement in Durban, South Africa|date=1 February 2006|access-date=13 January 2011|archive-date=10 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210191444/http://www.monthlyreview.org/0206pithouse.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> the Diakonia Council of Churches, the [[Right2Know Campaign]], the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance and the [[South African Unemployed Peoples' Movement]].<ref>[http://abahlali.org/node/7580 The opening remarks of S'bu Zikode, President of the Abahlali baseMjondolo movement of South Africa, at the Center for Place, Culture and Politics at the CUNY Graduate Center (NYC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305083042/http://abahlali.org/node/7580 |date=5 March 2012 }}, 16 November 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://abahlali.org/node/7709 |title=ANC Intimidates Witness X, More Intimidation and More Killing in Kennedy Road|website=Abahlali baseMjondolo|date=23 December 2010|access-date=8 January 2011|archive-date=19 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219162845/http://abahlali.org/node/7709/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/witness |title=Witness |website=News24 |access-date=5 March 2021 |archive-date=5 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305092019/https://www.news24.com/witness |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/200-march-against-information-bill-1.689323|title=200 march against Information Bill|author=Independent Newspapers Online|work=Independent Online|access-date=8 January 2011|archive-date=5 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105201900/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/200-march-against-information-bill-1.689323|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200901070039.html|title=South Africa: Churches Ask Parties to Preach Tolerance|first=Sibongakonke|last=Shoba|date=7 January 2009|via=AllAfrica|access-date=8 January 2011|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018095825/http://allafrica.com/stories/200901070039.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global,_id,=25560|title=Witness|access-date=15 May 2011|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707181519/https://www.citizen.co.za/witness/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Durban has been named the greenest city in the world by Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/durban-has-gone-green/|title=Durban named world's greenest city|website=ECR|date=December 19, 2019|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219172624/https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/durban-has-gone-green/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/durban-named-greenest-city-in-the-world-39403941|title=Durban named greenest city in the world {{!}} Daily News|website=www.iol.co.za|language=en|date=December 18, 2019|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219135115/https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/durban-named-greenest-city-in-the-world-39403941|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Mitchell Park Zoo]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312595-d480869-Reviews-Mitchell_Park-Durban_KwaZulu_Natal.html |title=Mitchell Park (Durban) - 2019 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) |website=TripAdvisor |language=en |access-date=2019-05-21 |archive-date=17 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617000335/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312595-d480869-Reviews-Mitchell_Park-Durban_KwaZulu_Natal.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

* [[Pigeon Valley|Pigeon Valley Nature reserve]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bereamail.co.za/148625/exploring-pigeon-valley-natal-elm/|title=Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Natal Elm|date=2019-01-26|website=Berea Mail|access-date=2019-05-23|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204211507/https://bereamail.co.za/148625/exploring-pigeon-valley-natal-elm/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The '''African Art Centre''' is "the longest surviving organisation involved in the development and promotion of African artists and crafters", founded in 1960, and moving to a new home in Station Drive in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bereamail.co.za/121259/the-african-art-centre-has-a-new-home/ |title=The African Art Centre has a new home |website= Berea Mail |date=21 November 2017 |access-date=2019-05-23 |archive-date=28 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128155619/https://bereamail.co.za/121259/the-african-art-centre-has-a-new-home/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''Ethekwini Municipal Libraries''' is a free [[public library]] network with 90 circulating branch libraries across the metropolitan area, and the Central Reference Library at the Liberty Towers Building, which includes a significant collection of [[Africana books]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Galleria Mall Municipal Library | website=galleria.co.za | url=https://www.galleria.co.za/businesses/galleria-mall-municipal-library/ | access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=31 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231004928/https://www.galleria.co.za/businesses/galleria-mall-municipal-library/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

{{anchor|phansi}}<!---redirect targets this anchor--->The '''Phansi Museum''' is located in the historic Roberts House, a 19th-century colonial mansion and former home of Esther Roberts, a librarian and collector of Africana, member and supporter of the [[Black Sash]] anti-apartheid group. The collection and library is now linked to the [[University of KwaZulu-Natal]].<ref>{{cite web | title=ABOUT – PHANSI MUSEUM | website=phansi.com | url=https://phansi.com/about/ | access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=31 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231010045/https://phansi.com/about/ | url-status=live }}</ref> It is one of the most extensive Southern African art museums in the world, founded by Paul Mikula, who purchased artefacts from traditional craftspeople through Southern Africa over 30 years. The collection includes 19th-century [[beadwork]], pottery, carvings, and textiles. Talks and exhibitions are held at the museum.<ref>{{cite web | title=Phansi Museum | website=Museum Explorer SA | date=18 March 2023 | url=https://museumexplorer.co.za/phansi-museum/ | access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=31 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231010219/https://museumexplorer.co.za/phansi-museum/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

{{anchor|playhouse}}'''The Playhouse Theatre''' is located on Anton Lembede Street (formerly Smith Street). The original building on the site was a cinema built in 1896, which was rebuilt in 1935 in [[Tudor Revival architecture|Tudor Revival]] style. The cinema reopened on 7 June 1935 and finally closed in the 1970s.<ref name=ct/> After being taken over by the Performing Arts Council in the 1980s,<ref name=cityseeker>{{cite web | title=The Playhouse, Durban | website=cityseeker | url=https://cityseeker.com/durban/214517-the-playhouse | access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=31 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231013738/https://cityseeker.com/durban/214517-the-playhouse | url-status=live }}</ref> the building was restored in 1985–6, and with the former Colosseum Theatre (or Prince's Theatre) is now a [[performing arts]] centre with five venues. The refurbishment architects, Small & Pettit & Robson, were awarded the 1987 Institute of South African Architects Natal Award of Merit for the work.<ref name=ct>{{cite web | title=Playhouse Theatre in Durban, ZA | website=Cinema Treasures | url=https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/12685 | access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=31 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231013738/https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/12685 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Playhouse details | website=artefacts.co.za | url=https://artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes_mob.php?bldgid=3502 | access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=31 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231012724/https://artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes_mob.php?bldgid=3502 | url-status=live }}</ref> home to the Playhouse Theatre Company.<ref>{{cite web | title=home| website= The Playhouse Company | date=13 July 2023 | url=https://playhousecompany.com/ | access-date=31 December 2023| archive-date=31 December 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231013740/https://playhousecompany.com/| url-status=live}}</ref> The company's mission is "is to provide cultural education and entertainment in both an African and international context" and, apart from drama and dance performances, the company runs an educational program and presents theatre to schools.<ref name=cityseeker/> The Playhouse has been a venue for staging the work of many famous South African playwrights, including [[Mbongeni Ngema]],<ref name=filmbio>{{cite web|url=https://www.sarafina.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sarafina_presskit_2023.pdf| title= Sarafina: Mbongeni Ngema: Biography|access-date=31 December 2023|archive-date=29 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229224850/https://www.sarafina.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sarafina_presskit_2023.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and in October 2023 there was a casting call for a new musical entitled ''From Gibson Kente to Mbongeni Ngema'', to celebrate the works and influence of [[Gibson Kente]] and Ngema.<ref>{{cite web | title=Open call: The Playhouse Company auditions in SA | website=Music In Africa | date=19 October 2023 | url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/open-call-playhouse-company-auditions-sa | access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=31 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231014244/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/open-call-playhouse-company-auditions-sa | url-status=live }}</ref>

* [[KZNSA - KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kznia.org.za/durban-city-guide/late-modern/kznsa-gallery|title=KZNSA Gallery {{!}} The KwaZulu-Natal Institute for Architecture|website=www.kznia.org.za|access-date=2019-05-23|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730044716/https://www.kznia.org.za/durban-city-guide/late-modern/kznsa-gallery|url-status=live}}</ref>

Among the [[places of worship]], there are predominantly [[Christianity|Christian]] churches and temples. These include: [[Zion Christian Church]], [[Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa]], [[Assemblies of God]], [[Baptist Union of Southern Africa]] ([[Baptist World Alliance]]), [[Methodist Church of Southern Africa]] ([[World Methodist Council]]), [[Anglican Church of Southern Africa]] ([[Anglican Communion]]), [[Presbyterian Church of Africa]] ([[World Communion of Reformed Churches]]), [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Durban]] ([[Catholic Church]]) and the [[Durban South Africa Temple]] ([[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]).<ref>Britannica, [https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa SouthAfrica] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012085437/https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa |date=12 October 2023 }}, britannica.com, US, accessed on 7 July 2019.</ref>

From its earlier years to the present, many layers have added to Durban's architectural heritage: [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]], [[Edwardian architecture|Edwardian]], [[Islamic architecture|Islamic]], [[Hindu architecture|Hindu]], [[Modern architecture|modernist]], and [[Contemporary architecture|contemporary]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kznia.org.za/buildings-architecture-city-guide-durban-kzn-kwazulu-natal | title=Durban Buildings & Architecture: City Guide | website=SAIA KwaZulu-Natal | access-date=6 April 2024 | archive-date=6 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406105035/https://www.kznia.org.za/buildings-architecture-city-guide-durban-kzn-kwazulu-natal | url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, and in contrast to the classical styles then prevalent, [[Art Deco in Durban|Art Deco]] found expression in many of Durban's buildings in the 20th century, varying in manner from area to area.<ref>{{cite journal | date=2003 | editor1-last=Peters | editor1-first=Walter | title=Durban's Art Deco Architecture | url=https://www.kznia-journal.org.za/sites/default/files/KZNIA%201-2003%20E.PDF | journal=Journal of the KwaZulu-Natal Institute for Architecture | volume=28 | issue=1 | issn=0379-9301 | access-date=8 April 2024 | archive-date=16 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216141110/https://www.kznia-journal.org.za/sites/default/files/KZNIA%201-2003%20E.PDF | url-status=live }}</ref>

The national broadcaster, the SABC, has regional offices in Durban and operates two major stations there. The [[Zulu language]] Ukhozi FM has a huge national listenership of more than 6.67 million, making it the second largest radio station in the world. The SABC also operates [[Lotus FM|Radio Lotus]], which is aimed at South Africans of Indian origin. The other SABC national stations have smaller regional offices in Durban, as does TV for news links and sports broadcasts. A major English language [[Radio broadcasting|radio station]], [[East Coast Radio (South Africa)|East Coast Radio]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecr.co.za/|title=East Coast Radio is KwaZulu-Natal's leading commercial radio station.|website=ECR|access-date=17 April 2007|archive-date=25 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070425225721/http://www.ecr.co.za/|url-status=live}}</ref> operates out of Durban and is owned by SA media giant Kagiso Media. There are a number of smaller stations which are independent, having been granted licences by ICASA, the national agency charged with the issue of broadcast licences.

Durban was initially successful in its bid to host the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]],<ref name="bbc._Durb">{{cite web | title = Durban hosts 2022 Commonwealth Games | work = BBC Sport | date = 2 September 2015 | access-date = 2015-09-02 | url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/commonwealth-games/34125467 | archive-date = 18 October 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151018051634/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/commonwealth-games/34125467 | url-status = live }}</ref> but neededhad to withdraw in March 2017 from the role of hosts when the government withdrew its subsidy due to financial constraints.<ref>{{cite news|title=Commonwealth Games 2022: Durban 'may drop out as host'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39116534|access-date=28 February 2017|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=28 February 2017|archive-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228144723/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39116534|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Birmingham]], [[England]] replaced Durban as the host city.

Durban is home to [[Sharks (rugby union)|The Sharks]] [[rugby union]] club, also known as the Cell C Sharks, who compete in the domestic [[Currie Cup]] competition as well as in the international [[United Rugby Championship]] and [[Heineken Champions Cup]] competition. The Sharks' home ground is the 54,000 capacity [[Kings Park Stadium|HollywoodbetsKings Park Stadium]], sometimes referred to as the Shark Tank. The Sharks are home to many [[South Africa national rugby union team]] players such as [[Thomas du Toit]], [[Bongi Mbonambi]], [[Eben Etzebeth]], [[Makazole MapimipiMapimpi]], [[Lukhanyo Am]] and theformerly to [[Thomas du Toit]] and 2019 Rugby World Cup captain [[Siya Kolisi]].

The city is home to [[Greyville Racecourse]], a major [[Thoroughbred horse race|Thoroughbred horse racing]] venue that annually hosts a number of prestigious races including the country's premier event, the [[Durban July Handicap|July Handicap]], and the premier staying event in South Africa, the [[Greyville Gold Cup|Gold Cup]]. Clairwood racecourse, south of the city, was a popular racing venue for many years, but was sold by the KZN racing authority in 2012.<ref name="spor_Clai">{{cite web | title =Clairwood Sale Advances {{!}} Clairwood Racecourse sold for R430 million | work = Sporting Post | date = 25 May 2012 | access-date = 2015-09-02 | url = http://www.sportingpost.co.za/2012/05/clairwood-racecourse/ | archive-date = 19 September 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150919083830/http://www.sportingpost.co.za/2012/05/clairwood-racecourse/ | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="iol._R2bn">{{cite web | title = R2bn Clairwood racecourse park rejected | last = Carnie | first = Tony | work = Business Report | date = 25 February 2014 | access-date = 2015-09-02 | url = http://www.iol.co.za/business/news/r2bn-clairwood-racecourse-park-rejected-1.1652574#.VebxjfR-5ek | archive-date = 19 September 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150919101635/http://www.iol.co.za/business/news/r2bn-clairwood-racecourse-park-rejected-1.1652574#.VebxjfR-5ek | url-status = live }}</ref>

The city hosted several continental basketball tournaments such as the [[1994 FIBA Africa Championship for Women]] or the [[2006 FIBA Africa Under-18 Championship]].<ref>{{cite news |author1=Julio Chitunda |title=FIBA U18 African Championships have produced some bright talents over the years |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/fiba-u18-african-championships-have-produced-some-bright-talents-over-the-years |access-date=5 December 2020 |work=[[FIBA]] |date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026021649/http://www.fiba.basketball/news/fiba-u18-african-championships-have-produced-some-bright-talents-over-the-years |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Naval Base Durban]] on [[Salisbury Island, Durban|Salisbury Island]] (now joined to the mainland and part of the Port of Durban), was established as a [[naval base]] during the [[Second World War]]. It was downgraded in 2002 to a naval station. In 2012 a decision was made to renovate and expand the facilities back up to a full naval base to accommodate the [[South African Navy]]'s [[offshore patrol vessel|offshore patrol]] flotilla.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23908:navy-may-upgrade-naval-station-durban-&catid=108:maritime-security&Itemid=233|title=Navy may upgrade Naval Station Durban|author=Leon Engelbrecht|work=defenceweb.co.za|access-date=2 October 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006110532/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23908:navy-may-upgrade-naval-station-durban-&catid=108:maritime-security&Itemid=233|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2015 it was redesignated Naval Base Durban.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kim |last=Helfrich |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41760:minister-says-its-naval-base-durban-not-station&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242 |title=Minister says it's Naval Base Durban, not Station |publisher=defenceWeb |date=2015-12-09 |access-date=2015-12-09 |archive-date=11 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211062421/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41760:minister-says-its-naval-base-durban-not-station&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the late 2000s 107 streets in Durban were renamed, typically to honour individuals involved in the antiapartheid or international revolutionary movements, with two-thirds of the streets named after individuals associated with the governing [[African National Congress]]. This was done in two stages; a first, smaller one, which renamed eighteen streets and was met with some trepidation by opposition parties, particularly the [[Democratic Alliance (South Africa)|Democratic Alliance]], the [[Inkatha Freedom Party]], and the [[Minority Front]], and a second, larger stage, which renamed 99 streets and was met with considerably wider opposition after the controversy of the first and the minimal time between them.<ref>[http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/government/renaming/Final%20Listt-%20Street%20Naming2.xls]{{dead link|date=September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Independent Newspapers Online |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/new-road-names-go-up-1.406687 |title=New road names go up – Politics &#124; IOL News |work=Independent Online |location=South Africa |date=2 July 2008 |access-date=2011-09-16 |archive-date=11 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811112609/http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/new-road-names-go-up-1.406687 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first group was met with some opposition from This process was met with outrage from both opposition parties and the parts of the general public, as well as incidents of vandalism against the new road signs. The [[Democratic Alliance (South Africa)|Democratic Alliance]], [[Inkatha Freedom Party]], and [[Minority Front]] were concerned with their lack of participation in the process, and that the emphasis on individuals affiliated with the ANC presented a partisan image of the antiapartheid struggle. Among the general public there was significant opposition from middle-class [[white South Africans]], [[Indian South Africans]], and [[Zulu nationalists]], who believed that the new names should have a connection to the people and the history of the locality. In response, the ANC characterized the project as a transformation and part of progressive social change, characterizing their opponents as being "antitransformation" and "pro-apartheid".<ref>{{cite book |first=James |last=Bainbridge |year=2009 |url=https://archive.org/details/southafricalesot0000bain |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/southafricalesot0000bain/page/302 302] |title=South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland |publisher=Lonely Planet |access-date=2011-09-16|isbn=9781742203751 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wines |first=Michael |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/25/world/africa/25durban.html |title=Where the Road to Renaming Does Not Run Smooth |work=The New York Times |date=25 May 2007 |access-date=2011-09-16 |archive-date=16 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416052505/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/25/world/africa/25durban.html?_r=1&oref=slogin |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Duminy |first1=James |title=Street Renaming, Symbolic Capital, and Resistance in Durban, South Africa |journal=Environment and Planning D: Society and Space |date=April 2014 |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=310–328 |doi=10.1068/d2112 |s2cid=143940799 }}</ref>

Several companies run long-distance bus services from Durban to the other cities in South Africa. Buses have a long history in Durban. Most of them have been run by Indian owners since the early 1930s. Privately owned buses that are not subsidised by the government also service the communities. Buses operate in all areas of the eThekwini Municipality. Since 2003 buses have been violently taken out of the routes and bus ranks by taxi operators.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Durban city buses torched|url = http://mg.co.za/article/2008-10-03-durban-city-buses-torched|website = The M&G Online|access-date = 2016-02-17|author = Staff Reporter|date = 3 October 2008|archive-date = 25 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160225104330/http://mg.co.za/article/2008-10-03-durban-city-buses-torched|url-status = live}}</ref>

Durban was previously served by the [[Trolleybuses in Durban|Durban trolleybus system]], which first ran infrom 1935 until 1968.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.fad.co.za/Resources/transport/transport.htm | title = Public Transport in Durban - a brief history | publisher = Facts about Durban | last = Allan Jackson | date = 2003 | access-date = 8 July 2017 | archive-date = 30 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200730063203/http://www.fad.co.za/Resources/transport/transport.htm | url-status = live }}</ref>

Since 2017, the newer People Mover Bus System that runs along certain routes has been testing out free [[Wi-Fi]] for passengers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/people-mover-passengers-get-free-wi-fi-11135485|title=People Mover passengers get free wi-fi {{!}} Daily News|website=www.iol.co.za|language=en|access-date=2019-05-21|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730083650/https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/people-mover-passengers-get-free-wi-fi-11135485|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ride sharing apps [[Uber]] and [[Taxify]] have been launched in Durban and are also used by commuters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://compareguru.co.za/news/uber-taxify-taxi-service-better/|title=Uber Vs Taxify: Which Taxi Service Is Better?|website=CompareGuru|language=en|access-date=2019-05-21|archive-date=23 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023165200/https://compareguru.co.za/news/uber-taxify-taxi-service-better/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Compared to other South African cities, Durban has a high murder rate. Between April 2018 and March 2019, the Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality recorded 1,871 murders, gradually increasing from 1,349 seven years earlier and down from 2,042 in 2009.<ref>[https://issafrica.org/crimehub/maps/municipal-districts Crimes by municipality or district] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128091727/https://issafrica.org/crimehub/maps/municipal-districts |date=28 November 2019 }}. Map on the website ''issafrica.org''. Retrieved 2021-03-05.</ref>

Criminals usually avoid targeting tourists because they know that the police response will be greater.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/South_Africa/Province_of_KwaZulu_Natal/Durban-2224702/Warnings_or_Dangers-Durban-TG-C-1.html |title=Top Durban, South Africa Warnings and Dangers on VirtualTourist |publisher=Virtualtourist.com |access-date=2015-12-10 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123202/http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/South_Africa/Province_of_KwaZulu_Natal/Durban-2224702/Warnings_or_Dangers-Durban-TG-C-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Heist or theft is a common crime in the city.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/shootout-on-durban-highway-after-jewellery-store-heist-13228228|title=Shootout on Durban highway after jewellery store heist {{!}} The Mercury|first=Khumbuzile|last=Mbuqe|work=IOL|date=11 February 2018|access-date=2018-02-16|language=en|archive-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204802/https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/shootout-on-durban-highway-after-jewellery-store-heist-13228228|url-status=live}}</ref> Most houses are protected by high walls and wealthier residents are often able to afford greater protection such as electric fencing, private security or gated communities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2017-10-26-wealthy-saved--by-alarm-bells/|title=Wealthy saved by alarm bells|website=TimesLIVE|date=26 October 2017|first=Graee|last=Hosken|access-date=20 November 2018|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120221402/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2017-10-26-wealthy-saved--by-alarm-bells/|url-status=live}}</ref> Crime rates vary widely across the city and most inner suburbs have much lower murder rates than in outlying areas of Ethekwini. Police station precincts recording the lowest murder rates per 100,000 in 2017 were Durban North (7), Mayville (8), Westville (12) and Malvern (12); Kwamashu (76) and Umlazi (69) were some of the most dangerous areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issafrica.org/crimehub/maps/police-stations|title=Police crime statistics|website=issafrica.org|access-date=20 November 2018|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120221132/https://issafrica.org/crimehub/maps/police-stations|url-status=live}}</ref> Other crime comparisons are less valuable due to significant under-reporting especially in outlying areas.

* [[Gordon Murray]], engineer and MaclarenMcLaren designer

* [[Ela Gandhi]], peace activist, grandsongranddaughter of [[Mahatma Gandhi]]