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Introduction

Umlazi River

Also known as	Mlazi River

The Umlazi River is situated south west of Pietermaritzburg in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province in South Africa. The river sits at 1 500m above sea level and flows through the Baynesfield and Mapstone dams and enters into the Tala Valley. From this isolated forestry, the river continues to flow into Thornlea Dam, into Shongweni Dam. From that point, it is joined by the Sterkspruit and Wekeweke tributaries. The river runs through steep sided valleys, rural areas in Mpumalanga, Chatsworth, Umlazi town and an industrial zone near the Durban airport in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal before flowing out to sea through a concrete canal. The population of the Umlazi catchment is 690 800.

History

The Umlazi River also known as Mlazi River is a isiZulu name for ‘whey’ (milk curdle) which refers to its colour and the flavour. The name Umlazi may have been adapted from "umlaza" which is isiZulu for the sour acid which fermented milk or sour milk is produced. In the Zulu tradition it was believed that the name of the river was derived from the Zulu King, Shaka. When he was passing through the area, he refused to drink from local rivers as he alleged that it had the flavour or taste of "umlaza".

The Umlazi settlement got its name from the “Mlazi River.”

Environment

The quality of the water in the Umlazi River is good, however, the water quality deteriorates in the lower reaches.

The fish in the Umlazi River are in good condition, however in the middle reaches, the fish are fair and poor as you get to sea. The biota of the Sterkspruit are in poor condition.

The riparian habitat is good in the upper reaches, however invasive alien plants are a problem in the lower reaches, despite control efforts.

The instream habitat is natural in the upper reaches, which is due to the removal of alien plants from the banks. Due to excessive nutrient inputs, the lower reaches of the Umlazi River are only fair.