Durban: The Jewel of South Africa's Coast

• HelloSawubona
  [sah-woo-BOH-nah]
• GoodbyeHamba kahle
  [HAM-bah KAH-leh]
• YesYebo
  [YEH-boh]
• NoCha
  [CHAH]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [ing-YAH-seh-lah]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [ing-yah-BOHN-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [oo-SOH-loh]
• How are you?Unjani?
  [oon-JAH-nee]
• Fine. And you?Ngiyaphila. Wena?
  [ing-yah-PEE-lah. WEH-nah]
• Do you speak English?Uyafuna ukuthetha isiNgisi?
  [oo-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-THEH-tah is-ee-NGEE-see]
• I don't understandAngazi
  [ahn-GAH-zee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgiyafuna ukubona iminikelo, ngiyacela
  [ing-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-BOH-nah ee-mee-nee-KAY-lo, ing-YAH-seh-lah]
• I don't eat meatAngiyi kudla inyama
  [ahn-GEE-yee koo-DLA ee-NYAH-mah]
• Cheers!Ongakhetha
  [ohn-gah-KHEH-tah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgiyafuna ukulipha, ngiyacela
  [ing-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-LEE-pah, ing-YAH-seh-lah]

• Help!Usizo!
  [oo-SEE-zoh]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [HAM-bah]
• Call the Police!Vula amaphoyisa!
  [voo-LAH ah-mah-poh-YEE-sah]
• Call a doctor!Vula udokotela!
  [voo-LAH oo-doh-koh-TEH-lah]
• I'm lostNgihlupheka
  [ng-ee-loo-PHEH-kah]
• I'm illNgisemosheni
  [ng-ee-seh-MOH-sheh-nee]

• I'd like to buy...Ngiyafuna ukuthenga...
  [ing-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-THEH-ngah]
• I'm just lookingNgicabanga kuphela
  [ng-ee-chah-BAH-ngah koo-PEH-lah]
• How much is it?Kuyaphi?
  [koo-YAH-pee]
• That's too expensiveLokhu kungakwaziyo okukhulu kakhulu
  [loh-KOO koon-gah-KWAH-zee-yoh oh-koo-KHOO-loo kah-KHOO-loo]
• Can you lower the price?Ungakwazi ukushitsha iphesa?
  [oon-gah-KWAH-zee oo-koo-SHEET-shah ee-PHEH-sah]

• What time is it?Ngubani ihora?
  [ng-oo-BAH-nee ee-HO-rah]
• It's one o'clockKuyihora yokuqala
  [koo-yee-HO-rah yoh-koo-KAH-lah]
• Half past (10)Ngemuva kokulandela (ishumi)
  [ng-eh-MOO-vah koo-koo-LAHN-deh-lah ee-SHOO-mee]
• MorningEbusuku
  [eh-boo-SOO-koo]
• AfternoonEmuva kwesontondlo
  [eh-MOO-vah kweh-sohn-TOHND-loh]
• EveningEbusuku
  [eh-boo-SOO-koo]
• YesterdayIzolo
  [ee-ZOH-loh]
• TodayNamuhla
  [nah-MOOH-lah]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
• 1Kunye
  [koo-NYEH]
• 2Kubili
  [koo-BEE-lee]
• 3Kuthathu
  [koo-TAH-too]
• 4Kune
  [koo-NEH]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [koo-HLAH-noo]
• 6Isithupa
  [ee-see-TOO-pah]
• 7Isikhombisa
  [ee-see-KHOHM-bee-sah]
• 8Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]
• 9Isishiyagalolunye
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-loh-LOO-nyeh]
• 10Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]

• Where's a/the...?Kuyaphi...
  [koo-YAH-pee]
• What's the address?Ikheli elikuphi?
  [ee-KHEH-lee eh-lee-KOO-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ungakwazi ukubonisa mina (emephu)?
  [oon-gah-KWAH-zee oo-koo-BOH-nee-sah MEE-nah (eh-MEH-poo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuyaphi i-ntuthuko esilandelayo?
  [koo-YAH-pee ee-n-too-THOO-koh eh-see-lahn-deh-LAH-yoh]
• A ticket (to ....)Ikhiti (kusuka ...)
  [ee-KHEE-tee (koo-SOO-kah ...)]

Durban, originally known as Port Natal, was established as a European settlement in 1824 when British settlers arrived. Henry Francis Fynn, a British trader, played a key role in establishing relations with the Zulu King Shaka, leading to the establishment of the settlement. The town was later renamed Durban in honor of Sir Benjamin d'Urban, the then Governor of the Cape Colony.

During the colonial era, Durban saw significant growth and development. The British colonial administration established infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports. The city became a major hub for trade and commerce, especially with the sugarcane industry booming in the 1860s. The Indian indentured laborers brought to work on sugar plantations also added to the cultural mosaic of Durban.

Durban holds a special place in the history of Mahatma Gandhi. It was here, in 1893, that Gandhi, a young lawyer, experienced discrimination which led him to develop his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance). Gandhi’s time in Durban was pivotal in shaping his future role as a leader in the struggle for Indian independence and civil rights.

The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 had a profound impact on Durban. The conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom resulted in significant changes to the region. Although the war did not take place within Durban itself, the city served as a strategic point for British military operations and logistics.

Durban’s port has been instrumental in the city’s economic development. Established in the mid-19th century, it grew to become the busiest port in Africa. The construction of the Durban Harbour in 1855 and subsequent expansions have made it a critical node for maritime trade, contributing significantly to the city's prosperity.

During the apartheid era, Durban, like the rest of South Africa, was deeply affected by the policies of racial segregation. The Group Areas Act led to the forced removal of non-white communities from central areas. However, Durban was also a center of resistance, with significant anti-apartheid activities and leaders emerging from the city. The 1973 Durban Strikes were a major turning point in the labor movement against apartheid.

The end of apartheid in 1994 marked a new era for Durban. The city has undergone significant transformation, with efforts to address past inequalities and promote economic development. Durban became part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which focuses on inclusive growth and development. The city's cultural diversity and heritage have also been celebrated and preserved in this new era.

Durban is a vibrant cultural melting pot, with influences from Zulu, Indian, and colonial heritage. The annual Durban July, a prestigious horse racing event, and the Durban International Film Festival are key cultural highlights. The city’s cuisine, markets, and festivals reflect this rich tapestry of cultures, making it a unique and dynamic destination.

Durban is served by King Shaka International Airport (DUR), located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center. The airport offers both domestic and international flights. There are regular shuttle services, taxis, and ride-hailing options like Uber and Bolt available to take you from the airport to your accommodation. Additionally, Durban is well connected by road and rail, making it accessible from other major South African cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Public transportation in Durban includes buses operated by the eThekwini Municipality, as well as minibus taxis that are widely used by locals. For tourists, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt offer a convenient and relatively safe option for getting around. Car rentals are available and can be a good option if you plan to explore areas outside the city. The People Mover buses are a tourist-friendly option, offering routes that cover major attractions within the city.

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Durban, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. Foreign exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and currency exchange offices.

While Durban is generally safe for tourists, it is important to remain vigilant. Areas such as the Central Business District (CBD) and certain parts of the beachfront can have higher crime rates, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone after dark and keep your belongings secure in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets, and consider using ride-hailing services for transportation during late hours.

In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance, 10177 for medical emergencies, and 112 from a mobile phone for general emergency services. Major hospitals like Netcare St. Augustine’s Hospital and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital offer emergency medical services. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and carrying expensive items in public. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove your hat and avoid loud conversations in these places. Public Transport: Do use registered taxis or ride-hailing services for safety. Don’t use unmarked minibus taxis. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'howzit.' A handshake is common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like bunny chow and Durban curry. Don’t refuse food offerings, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Durban like a local, visit the Victoria Street Market for a blend of African and Indian cultures. Spend time at the Golden Mile beachfront, where you can enjoy surfing, swimming, and people-watching. Don’t miss a visit to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where you can take a SkyCar ride for panoramic views of the city. For an authentic cultural experience, explore the township of Umlazi with a local guide.