Durban

In 1824, a group of 25 men under the leadership of Lieutenant Francis Farewell arrived in what is now Durban, establishing the first European settlement in the area. Farewell had successfully negotiated with the Zulu King Shaka to obtain a strip of land for a settlement. The site was initially known as Port Natal. This event marks the beginning of colonial influence in the region, which would grow significantly in the years to follow leading to the development of Durban into a major port city.

The Second Boer War, also known as the Anglo-Boer War, began on October 11, 1899. Durban, as part of the British colony of Natal, became strategically important during the war. The conflict was fought between the British Empire and two Boer republics: the South African Republic and the Orange Free State. The war resulted from tensions over British imperial ambitions and the independence and economy of the Boer republics. Durban's port and railway were critical logistics hubs for the British, leading to significant military activity in and around the city.

On May 31, 1910, the Union of South Africa was established, which unified the colonies of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange River. Durban, located in the Natal province, became part of this new political jurisdiction. The Union marked a significant political change, laying the groundwork for the future Republic of South Africa. Policies favored by the white minority laid the foundation for the later apartheid regime, with Durban being affected by the socio-political dynamics that emanated from this union.

In the general election of 1948, the National Party came to power in South Africa and immediately began implementing its policy of apartheid—a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. Durban, as one of South Africa's major cities, experienced significant changes due to these policies. Apartheid laws affected urban planning and social dynamics, segregating communities and limiting non-white people's rights and opportunities in Durban, dramatically reshaping the city's social landscape for the decades of apartheid rule.

On December 16, 1961, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), was formed to fight against the apartheid regime through sabotage and other means. The activities of Umkhonto we Sizwe, including in Durban, symbolized the active resistance of many South Africans against apartheid. Uprisings and sabotage activities intensified in the area as a result. Durban, being a key urban center, saw a significant amount of clandestine activity as resistance groups used the city’s infrastructure to their advantage against the apartheid government.

In January 1973, Durban was the epicenter of a massive wave of strikes by black workers against the apartheid regime, demanding better wages and working conditions. These strikes were a pivotal moment in South African history, as they marked the first widespread and organized action by African workers since the 1960s. Modern trade unionism in South Africa grew from the roots of these strikes, with significant ramifications on labor relations and anti-apartheid activism within the region of Durban and beyond.

On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first multiracial elections, resulting in Nelson Mandela becoming the country's first black president. Durban, like the rest of the country, participated in these landmark elections, marking the end of apartheid rule. This period represented a significant political and social change in Durban, where decades of racial segregation officially came to an end, leading to a restructuring of political power and societal dynamics. Celebrations and challenges marked the day as Durban transitioned to the new democratic South Africa.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup was hosted by South Africa, marking the first time the event was held on the African continent. Durban was one of the host cities, playing a key role in the tournament. The city hosted several matches, including a semi-final, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which became an iconic venue due to its unique architectural design and vibrant atmosphere. The event significantly boosted Durban's global profile and had lasting effects on tourism and infrastructure development.

On April 23, 2019, Durban was declared a UNESCO City of Literature, joining a global network of cities committed to promoting literature and reading. This recognition was granted due to Durban's vibrant literary scene and its commitment to using literature as a tool for social development and inclusion. The city hosts numerous literary events and festivals, contributing to its reputation as a hub of creativity and cultural exchange in South Africa and internationally.

In April 2022, Durban experienced devastating floods due to heavy rains, resulting in significant loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of residents. The crisis was a reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, as extreme weather patterns increasingly impact urban areas. The government and local communities have had to work rapidly to provide relief and rebuild, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning and resilience measures in the face of environmental challenges.