Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This KwaZulu-Natal Town was originally founded in 1867 when marble deposits were discovered near the mouth, on both sides of the Mzimkulu River. A harbour for marine trade was built after the river bed was opened up.

Regular trade started up between Durban and Port Shepstone from May 1880 and the main exports consisted of marble slabs, sugar and lime. In 1882 Norwegian settlers were brought in to farm the surrounding area. Marine trade continued from this KwaZulu-Natal town, but with the final advent of the much anticipated railway line in 1901, the harbour was used less and less and eventually the river silt built up again, making port entry here impossible.

More settlers of mixed origin arrived to boost the economy and this town has now become the administrative, commercial, distribution and transport centre of the South Coast. Port Shepstone has over the years also become a popular South African tourist destination with many attractions and amenities available.

Visitors can investigate the fascinating history of this South African area at the local Museum carrying a maritime theme which has a number of exhibits. Also of interest at the seaside are the lighthouse buildings. On the edge of this KwaZulu-Natal town is a charming church that is the cultural and social focus of the Norwegian settler's descendants.