Kelso, South Africa
Kelso is located in the uMdoni Coast region of South Africa facing the Indian Ocean. Kelso is located 65 kilometers south of Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal.[2]
Kelso | |
|---|---|
Kelso Kelso | |
| Coordinates: 30°21′37″S 30°42′43″E / 30.36028°S 30.71194°E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| District | Ugu |
| Municipality | Umdoni |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.20 km2 (0.46 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
| • Total | 425 |
| • Density | 350/km2 (920/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 73.3% |
| • Coloured | 0.5% |
| • Indian/Asian | 11.1% |
| • White | 14.9% |
| • Other | 0.2% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Zulu | 61.6% |
| • English | 24.4% |
| • Xhosa | 5.1% |
| • Afrikaans | 4.4% |
| • Other | 4.4% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| PO box | 4183 |
History edit
Henry Cooke, one of the original mid-nineteenth century Byrne settlers, named the South African coastal village after the town of Kelso on the Tweed River in Scotland. Before modern transportation, the village of Kelso served as an important link in the transportation of sugar. Vessels launched on the Umzinto River could take their cargo out to the larger ships anchored at sea, off the river mouth.
The Umzinto River, which borders its southern side was the site of a mini gold rush during the 1860s.[3]
Recreation edit
Kelso is known for its excellent golden beaches and waves that provide great conditions for kitesurfing and surfing. Several competitions take place here annually, including hosting part of the South Coast Surf Carnival.[4]
Fishing at sea is also a popular activity.
Transport edit
Kelso is served by the railway from Port Shepstone to Durban and had a branch to Umzinto, connecting to the Umzinto - Donnybrook narrow gauge railway until its closure in 1987.
References edit
- ^ a b c d "Sub Place Kelso". Census 2011.
- ^ . Zoco Travel. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2010.
- ^ "Scottsburg South Coast KZN South Africa History". Retrieved 27 February 2010.
- ^ . Surfer's Village. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2010.