Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay does not exist. It is a name that refers to the general area of the northern most coast of South Africa, also called the Elephant Coast. Although it is in daily use in place and business names the only real area that possibly could be considered Kosi Bay is the area at the mouth where the lakes join the ocean, in the actual bay itself. The name is thought to be derived from Inkosi which is Zulu for king. So it would be the Bay of the King or The King’s Bay.

Emanguzi or Manguzi

The small town that is our central hub for commerce is confused with KwNgwanase. The name Manguzi is given due to the high number of mango trees and the bountiful harvest of these sweet wild mangos (manguz). Most if not all local people will refer to the town as Manguzi and not KwaNgwanse. The town is a bustling African coastal border town with travelers passing through on their way to or from nearby Mozambique. Where our town differs from others is that is underdeveloped and thus has a real African feel with street vendors on the sidewalks, goats and chickens roaming the streets with throngs of people. Although it looks small and rough you can find most of what you need at the various shops and vendor.

KwaNgwanase

This name originates from one of the tribal kings Ngwanase, the kwa is Zulu for place. So the name is Place of Ngwanase. Being a tribal area ruled by a king its likely this king decided to stamp his name on the town and area. This name seems to have stuck on maps and with some government departments. So if you are going to post a letter to our local post office you will find that the postal code 3973 is associated with KwaNgwanse and not Manguzi.  However the hospital which has been in existence since 1948 is “Manguzi Hospital”. As is our library “Manguzi Library”.

UMhlabuyalingana

For most this is a mouthful and not the easiest name to pronounce it is the immediate magisterial area. Its meaning is a place without mountains. This you will see when you arrive in the area. It’s very flat with only hilly vegetated sand dunes. The area is very sandy with fine sands, undulating grassed and forested sand dunes.  

Umkhanyakude

This is the name for our district Municipality and in Zulu means Fever Tree or “seen from afar”. The yellow green bark of the fever tree (Acacia xanthophloea) stands out in the African bush with its very different coloring.