Durban West Community Tourism Organisation

The Durban West region has a diverse and interesting past. Here you will learn about Colonialism, The Struggle and everything that makes South Africa the interesting and diverse country it is today.

Bellair, Hillary & Malvern

Relics of the past can be seen scattered throughout the Durban West area. One of the ways to experience the past is to visit some of these historical buildings and places. 

Places of interest and tourist attractions in Bellair, Hillary & Malvern:

• The Bellair Railway Station, Sarnia Road
  
• Hillary Cemetery War Graves
• The All Saints Anglican Church in Bellair
• Colonel James Henry Bowker’s Monument in Malvern

Cato Manor

The earliest known history about this area, through which the Umkhumbane River flows, dates back to the 1700s when the Nqondo clan occupied this land. Cato Manor is named after Durban’s fist mayor, George Cato, who was granted this land in the 1840s. This area is known for the larges forced removals of African and Indian people in South Africa. 

By 1943 the squatter population had grown to 17,000 and by 1950 the population is estimated to have reached up to 50,000. In 1949 however many Indian residents fled the area when the ‘Durban Riots’ broke out, which spread to Cato Manor.

In 1960 nine policemen were killed by a mob and this resulted in the rapid clearance of the area. By 1968 Cato Manor was left largely vacant. In the early 1990s the population began to grow again rapidly with waves of informal settlement taking place. 

Places of interest and tourist attractions in Cato Manor:

• Cato Manor Heritage Centre
  
• Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Temple

Chatsworth

Chatsworth is a former Indian township, strategically positioned to create a buffer between former White areas and Umlazi. The relocation of Indians into this area began in the 1950s. Here you will experience rich Indian culture and tradition. 

Places of interest and tourist attractions in Chatsworth:

• The Temple of Understanding, Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
  
• Gandhi Centenary Park

Mariannhill

In 1882 monk Francis Pfanner bought this property; the name is derived from Virgin Mary and Saint Anne. Here he built what was once the biggest Trappist monastery in the world. Today it is still operational and a favourite tourist attraction. There is a tea garden and the St Mary’s Hospital is next door. 

Places of interest and tourist attractions in Mariannhill:

• Mariannhill Monastery
• Mariannhill Monastery Graveyard & War Graves

New Germany

New Germany’s history dates back to 1948 when a group of German immigrants settled here to grow cotton. Jonas Bergtheil was the driving force behind the immigration of 35 German families (188 people). In the end the cotton venture did not work out. Bergtheil approached Pastor Posselt to marry some of the settlers & to baptise  babies; this is how the New Germany Lutheran Church was formed.

Places of interest and tourist attractions in New Germany:

• The New Germany Lutheran Church
  

Pinetown

Pinetown was founded in the late 1940s around the Wayside Inn, along the wagon route between Durban and Pietermaritzburg; Mr Archibald Murray is known as the founding father of Pinetown. It was later named after Sir Benjamin Pine who was the Governor of Natal from 1973 to 1975.  

During the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, Pinetown was a Garrison town. During the 2nd Anglo-Boer war of 1899 a concentration camp was built which housed boer women and children.

Pinetown was home to the 1st cricket club in KwaZulu-Natal; the Pinetown Cricket Club was founded in the 1880s. The Club’s grounds were between what is today known as the Pinetown Civic Centre and the Library, along Old Main Road.

Places of interest and tourist attractions in Pinetown:

•  Pinetown Museum
•  Anglican Church of St John the Baptist
•  A visit to the Japanese Gardens in Pinetown
•  Experience history at Pineville Junction
•  Military graves at St Andrew’s Church
•  The Wayside Cross, Pinetown
•  Fort Funk and the Agnes Wood Way in Pinetown
•  Spectacular views from Spy Hill in Pinetown
•  Shanghai Lil’s house in Pinetown, a house with a view
•  Giba Gorge

Westville

Westville was established in 1848 when London merchant Jones Bergtheil together with 35 German farmers settled here to farm cotton. The area is named after Martin West, the 1st Lieutenant Governor of Natal.

During the days of the ox-wagons and prior to the construction of the railway in the late 1870s, Westville was the first outspan from Durban. The ‘Outspan Tree’, an old ficus natalensis (Natal Fig) today is part of the badge of Westville Boys High School. The original tree no longer exists, however one of its ‘offsprings’ provides shelter to a plaque erected in the area.

During Apartheid, this was a ‘White’ area.

Places of interest and tourist attractions in Westville:

• Bergtheil Museum
• The Outspan Tree
• Glaciated Pavements “Ancient Glacier Rock Formations”

Two of the biggest sporting events in South Africa runs through the Durban West region. This makes visiting this area perfect if you’re in town to cheer on family and friends.  The local community is very active participants in these events and you’ll often find runners and cyclists along the road keeping fit. Sports plays an important part in the school curriculum of local schools.

Comrades Marathon

This race takes place between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban; when this marathon starts in Pietermartizburg, it is usually referred to as a down-run and on alternate years when it starts in Durban, it is called an up-run. The distance covered by the runners is approximately 90km.

The 1st race took place in 1921 and since then it has grown from strength to strength. Spectators can be found along the route, cheering on the runners, having a braai and enjoying the company of friends.

Amashova Durban Classic

This cycle race starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban. For the serious cyclists, this is a 106km route. For the families just wanting to have a bit of fun, the fun run starts in Hillcrest and covers 40km.

The fun run is popular with families and many small children participate in this cycling race. 

15km Illovo Christmas Challenge

This race has been on the Westville calendar for about 30 years and the main purpose is not just to stay fit and healthy, but to have fun and get into the Christmas spirit. People dress up and have a jolly time! The race is organised by the Westville Athletic Club and has been sponsored by Illove for many years.

National Supermoto Street Race

This annual event takes place in the streets of Pinetown. For a weekend, the roads are blocked off for cars and the bikes take over! This is as much fun for the racers as it is for the spectators.

Chatsworth Ultra Freedom Marathon

The 52km race is a Comrades qualifier, however most use this as a training run for Comrades. The race takes you  through Chatsworth; with its hills, this is not the easiest run you would’ve ever had. Part of the race runs through the Silverglen Nature Reserve, where wildlife can be spotted. This is a unique experience that allows you to explore Chatsworth.