The KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, better known as the North Coast is a coastal region north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It stretches from Zinkwazi Beach in the north to Zimbali near Ballito in the south. The coastal region is governed by the KwaDukuza Local Municipality, forming part of the iLembe District Municipality.
Affectionately named the “Dolphin Coast”, its main towns are Ballito, Salt Rock and KwaDukuza. As of 2011 the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast has a population of 231,187 (KwaDukuza Local Municipality).
Geography
Situated along the east coast of South Africa and bounded by the Indian Ocean to the east, the North Coast lies between the Zululand region to the north, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to the west and the uMhlanga Coast to the south.
Traditionally the North Coast has been regarded as the stretch of coastline between uMhlanga and Zinkwazi Beach while it has officially been defined as the stretch of coastline between Zimbali (Ballito) and the mouth of the uThukela River near Zinkwazi Beach.
Major rivers of the North Coast include the uThongathi River, uMhlali River, uMvoti River, Zinkwazi River and uThukela River.
Administration
The region is governed by the KwaDukuza Local Municipality (KDM) which is seated in the town of KwaDukuza (formerly Stanger) and is part of the larger iLembe District Municipality. KDM governs the coastal settlements of Ballito, Shaka's Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach, Tinley Manor Beach, Blythedale Beach and Zinkwazi Beach and the inland settlements of Umhlali, Shakaskraal, Groutville and KwaDukuza
Economy
The towns of Ballito and KwaDukuza are the primary commercial hubs in the North Coast. The North Coast (including uMhlanga) has seen a massive development boom over the recent years especially Ballito which has been growing exponentially with new developments such as new shopping centres, other retail outlets, private schools, a private hospital and new gated residential estate. The small resort village of Salt Rock just north of Shaka's Rock has also seen growth with recent developments such as the Tiffany's and Salt Rock City shopping centres and the Curro Mount Richmore private school. KwaDukuza has also seen growth with the recent development of the KwaDukuza Mall which opened in 2018.
KwaDukuza is the administrative centre of the North Coast and includes the head offices of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality and iLembe District Municipality. There is also a Magistrate's court and the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have regional offices in KwaDukuza.
Facilities
Public Hospitals
General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital, KwaDukuza
Private Hospitals
Netcare Alberlito Hospital, Ballito
KwaDukuza Private Hospital, KwaDukuza
Golfing
This is a list of golf courses on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast:
Prince's Grant Golf Course, Prince's Grant Golf Estate
Simbithi Country Club, Ballito
Umhlali Country Club, Ballito
Zimbali Country Club, Ballito
Tourism
The North Coast has always been popular with anglers because the fishing is so good. This may be due to the many sheltered lagoons which open into the Indian Ocean and which serve as nurseries for small fish and other sea creatures. The area is also known for its good surf and the internationally recognized Mr Price Pro-surfing contest, which draws competitors from all over the world, is held in Ballito annually.
Outside the domestic holiday season and long-weekends, many of these places are quiet, however, during the seasonal holiday influx, the many holiday homes, excellent restaurants and nightclubs fill up and so do the beaches and many other attractions along the coast.
Tourist attractions along the North Coast include: