Weather

The weather in April is normally mild and pleasant, with daily temperatures ranging between 20ºC during the day and 15ºC - 20ºC overnight. It is recommended that you wear some warm clothes for the evenings and bring a jacket or raincoat.

History

According to carbon dating of rock art found in caves in the Drakensberg. It is assumed that the first known inhabitants of the Durban area arrived from the north around 100 000BC. Little is known of the first residents of KwaZulu-Natal; as the first mention of the area was by the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama. He landed on the KwaZulu-Natal coast on Christmas in 1497 and thus named the area “Natal” (Christmas in Portuguese)
It was decided that a capital town needed to be built and it was named "d'Urban" after Sir Benjamin d’Urban, the governor of the Cape Colony at that time.
In 1844 the settlers accepted British annexation and appointed a British governor. Many settlers emigrated from Europe and the Cape Colony when the British established a sugar cane industry in the 1860s. The British brought thousands of indentured laborers to work on the plantations from India. As a result, Durban became and still has the largest Asian Community in South Africa.

Government and politics

The mayor of eThekwini is elected for a five year term. Since 1996, the mayor has been Obed Mlaba, who was re-elected to his third term in 2006.

Geography and climate

Durban is famous for its mild sub-tropical climate with warm wet summers and mild moist to dry winters. Due to large altitude variations, some western suburbs get very cold in the winter. Durban has an annual rainfall of 1,009 millimeters (39.7 in), with daytime maxima peaking from January to March at 28 °C (82 °F) and the minimum is 21 °C (70 °F), dropping to daytime highs from June to August of 23 °C (73 °F) and the minimum is 11 °C (52 °F).

Demographics

Geographical distribution of home languages in Durban.
Quick Facts
Land Area of 2,292 square kilometers (884.9 sq mi)
Population of almost 3.5 Million
Population density of 1,513 inhabitants per square kilometer (3,918.7 /sq mi)
Demographics
Black African 68.3 %
Asians 19.9 %
White African 8.89 %
Coloured 2.89 %
Unemployed 27.9 %

Durban is at coordinates 29°53′S 31°03′E /
Currency ZAR ( Rand)
Majority of Languages spoken - English; Afrikaans; Zulu; Xhosa

Durban's economic contribution to the region

The Durban Metropolitan Area is the main economic driver in KwaZulu-Natal. It contributes to over half of the province's output, employment and income. Durban accounts for 15% of national output, 14% of household income and 11% of national employment thereby making Durban the second most important economic complex after Gauteng,

Tourist Attractions

• The Golden Mile
• Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World
• uShaka Marine World, one of the largest Aquariums in the world.
• Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Electricity

City power systems are 220/230 volts AC. Adapters for electric shavers and hair dryers are available locally.
 

Emergency Telephone Numbers

South African Police
10111
Ambulance & Medical response
Netcare 082 911
Fire & Emergency
+27 31 361 0000
The Travel Doctor
+27 31 360 1122
 

Tours – Pre and Post conference tours

Bookings will open in March 2011
VAT
Value Added Tax (VAT) at the rate of 14% is levied on most goods and services and is included in the display price of most goods. International visitors are encouraged to keep their slips as they can reclaim VAT on goods (not services) priced higher than R250.00 at the airport on departure, some harbors and at Customs Offices.

Travel Requirements

Please note that with immediate effect, anyone travelling to South Africa must have two consecutive blank pages in their passport, which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. left and a right hand page). Passports must also be valid for at least six months. Passengers travelling to South Africa with passports, which do not comply with these requirements, will either be stopped from boarding the aircraft or risk deportation on arrival in South Africa.
In addition, a parent travelling with children, without the other parent, will need a letter of consent from the absent parent. The police must certify the letter of consent.
Visas
Visas are not required for citizens of most European countries and many other countries. A valid passport is required. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found at the South African Government website (http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/migration/visa/schedule.htm). Participants requiring a visa for entry into South Africa are strongly advised to make their applications in their home countries at least three months before their intended date of travel. For more information please contact your nearest embassy or South African Consulate or consult your travel agency. Delegates wishing to travel to South Africa's neighboring countries and back to South Africa are advised to apply for a multiple-entry visa. Passengers travelling to South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passport to enable the issuance of an entry visa. If there is insufficient space in the passport, entry will be denied and the passenger is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin. Perhaps this is the time to renew those almost-full passports!
Health
There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for persons entering South Africa. However, certain areas of the country, including the North-Eastern half of KwaZulu-Natal are Malaria regions. We do have to advise that if you anticipate travelling to a malaria area it is recommended that you take prophylactics before arrival and the necessary precautions while in the area (e.g. protective clothing, insect repellents). South African doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. It is strongly advised that delegates take appropriate health insurance prior to their departure. Yellow fever infected countries require inoculations to enter South Africa, i.e. Brazil, certain South American neighboring countries and central Africa.
Time Difference
South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.
Currency
Currency in South Africa is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with One Rand (R1) made up of 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and bureau de changes. All major credit cards such as American Express, Bank of America, Diners, Master Card, Visa and affiliates, are accepted in most places in South Africa. Generally, credit cards are not accepted for the purchase of petrol. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) offer a complete 24-hour service. Machines displaying international credit card logos can be used with the respective credit cards.

Useful Websites:

• ICC Durban: www.icc.co.za
• Currency Converter: www.renniesbank.co.za
• Durban Africa: www.durban.kzn.org.za/durban
• KZN Tourism: www.kzntourism.co.za
• SA Tourism: www.satourism.co.za