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Travelling along the KwaZulu-Natal
North Coast, one would have to be
totally oblivious to their surroundings
not to notice the dramatic investment and
expansion that to have occurred happened
along the coastline.
Towns such as Ballito, Umhloti and
Umhlanga are unrecognisable from the quiet
villages they were 20 years ago, while names
like Sibaya and Zimbali trip off the tongue
with ease despite not existing a few years ago.
As a result it is refreshing to discover
space along the coastline where the country
lifestyle and gentler pace of life still prevail.
Located 130km north of Durban, Mtunzini
has its roots in being the gateway to
Zululand. The area was the centre of power
for the white Zulu John Dunn – and his
extensive family including about 50 wives
and more than 150 children – and a buffer
zone between the white settlers in Natal
and the Zulus to the north after the AngloZulu War in 1879.
Mtunzini Residents’ Association (MRA)
treasurer Quinton Vivier says the town
remains the gateway to Zululand today.
Richards Bay is the economic hub for the
region, given its port, and middle and
upper-management employees working for
Richards Bay-based companies have a long
history of living in Mtunzini and commuting
to work.
The Village Square offers commercial space to let. Picture: Terry Haywood Photography
MRA chairman Jeremy Nottingham says
Mtunzini’s central location along the North
Coast guarantees its strategic value for
commercial activities, but is without the
ability to grow like Ballito or Umhloti.
The
9km² Umlalazi Nature Reserve provides a
protected green belt as an asset to the town
but limits expansion eastwards, while the
N2 inhibits growth to westwards.
“Mtunzini is an island of
peace and tranquillity.”
However, the town has
its own economic value
– in 2002, it became the
landing point for the
optical-fibre submarine
communications cable
linking Melkbosstrand to
the west with Saint Paul
(Reunion), Baie Jacotet
(Mauritius), Cochin (India)
and Penang (Malaysia).
In 2009, it became a landing
point for the Seacom cable, the
submarine communications cable and
terrestrial high-speed fibre-optic cable
operator serving the east and west coasts
of Africa, and in 2010, the landing point for
the EASSy, the eastern African submarine
cable system.
Vivier says these connections have
made it possible for the MRA to sign a
commercial agreement with a fibre-optic
service provider to offer quality highspeed connectivity to every household and
business within Mtunzini. This is part of the
town’s initiative to take control of its own
destiny, specifically to influence its growth
and development.
“The MRA has taken a commercial view
on Mtunzini as a whole, approaching
its growth and development as well
as security, lifestyle and provision
of services, as a business to
supercharge the town.
Businesses and residents are
reinvesting in upgraded
security measures and
working together to bind
and market Mtunzini,”
Nottingham says.
Vivier adds that, in
having a coordinated
approach, Mtunzini gives
investors an estate-like
community from which to
work, live and play without
the boundaries and restrictions
associated with formal housing
complexes.
A commercial development constructed at the entrance to Mtunzini offers businesses shop and office space to let. Picture: Terry Haywood Photography
“We are making strides in upgrading
and improving our town as an attractive
alternative on the KwaZulu-Natal North
Coast,” he says.
The town has around 1 300 plots, with
200 undeveloped, and commercially zoned
land on the outskirts of town labelled Lot
167 will be opened for development in
the near future.
The land extends from the
N2 to the town and is bordered by HelyHutchinson Road, McCullum Road and
Brown Extension.
Vivier says building costs in Mtunzini are
R4 000 to 5 000/m², reflecting prices 25% to
30% below Ballito. Commercial opportunities
exist in developing a retirement complex
and a home-based care facility, while
development in Lot 167 will be undertaken
after engagement with the municipality.
As a reflection of vacant land prices, plots
on the market range between R430 000 for
1 105m² and R1.1175 million for 2 039m².
Restaurant, law firm and
plenty of places to stay in town
The Clay Oven
An informal restaurant, The Clay Oven promises one of the best views in Mtunzini
from which to watch ships on the horizon, boats on the river, golfers on the greens
and occasional wildlife.
Casual eatery The Clay Oven not only has great views, but fulfils the needs of those wanting good quality food without a hefty price tag. Picture: Terry Haywood Photography
Du Toit Inc
Law firm Du Toit Inc is passionate about consumer rights and has successfully
defended and represented numerous consumers who had been exploited by banks
and credit providers.
Tradewinds Country Inn and Conference Centre
A quiet country hotel set in tranquil surroundings, Tradewinds Country Inn and
Conference Centre is conveniently located equidistant between Durban and the game
parks and nature reserves in Hluhluwe, Umfolozi and Mkuze. The conference centre
provides flexible, productive seminars for up to 120 guests.
Mtunzini Forest Lodge
Mtunzini Forest Lodge is a timeshare and self-catering resort consisting of 22 rustic log
cabins to accommodate nature and bird lovers. Fully self-catering and serviced daily, it
offers an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city living.
Oliver’s Bed and Breakfast
The four-star rated bed-and-breakfast facility in the heart of Mtunzini offers a
selection of rooms and self-contained apartments to cater for the business and leisure
accommodation markets.
Oliver’s Bed and Breakfast provides accommodation for business and leisure visitors to the town. Picture: Terry Haywood Photography
Good opportunities
for tourism
Village Hardware caters for the town’s building and construction requirements. Picture: Terry Haywood Photography
Accessibility
The town has swift access to
the N2 national freeway, with
travelling time to the port of
Richards Bay 35 minutes and to
King Shaka International Airport
reachable in one hour. This allows
for easy trade routes and export
opportunities.
Lifestyle
Waking up to the sounds of the
Indian Ocean and the calls of
African fish eagles, while not being
crowded into multi-unit housing
complexes, has a certain appeal.
Mtunzini presents the opportunity
to live in a quiet, peaceful
neighbourhood and commute to
Richards Bay for work. The 9km²
Umlalazi Nature Reserve provides
a protected green belt which is an
asset to the town.
Tourism and retirement potential
The relatively unspoilt beauty of
the town promises opportunities
for investors to seek out tourism
initiatives, including hotels
and smaller guest lodges. The
opening for development of Lot
167 also provides opportunity
for investment into retirement
accommodation.
Fibre-optic connectivity
In 2002, Mtunzini became a
landing point for the optical-fibre
submarine communications cable
linking Melkbosstrand to the west
with Saint Paul (Reunion), Baie
Jacotet (Mauritius), Cochin (India)
and Penang (Malaysia); in 2009,
for the Seacom cable and in 2010,
for the EASSy cable.