The development of Umlazi Mission Station and Reserve, 1856 - 1948, with special reference to the land problem

Abstract

The aim of this study was to give a general survey of the history of Umlazi Mission Station with particular emphasis on the land question between 1856 and 1948. The study highlights the fact that during these years, the Anglican Mission Station was characterised by many problems which aroused much controversy among various parties concerned.

The numerous factors that led to the dispute among the parties can be broadly categorised as:

(i) the inconsistent or erratic land policy of the Natal Colonial Government on mission stations which subsequently deprived the Blacks of Umlazi the right to own the land,

(ii) ecclesiastical problems within the Anglican Church and the schism that emerged,

(iii) interest shown by Whites and Indians in the mission station,

(iv) the expansion of Durban as an industrial and commercial city, the dynamics of urbanisation and the proximity of Umlazi to Durban,

(v) the pressure exerted by the Durban City Council to acquire Umlazi Mission for a black urban township and the resistance by black landowners at the mission station against incorporation, and

(vi) Government intervention through the appointment of the Native Affairs Commission (1945) and the Broome Commission (1947 - 1948).

The conclusion drawn is that Umlazi was a victim of many factors - geographic, religious, social, economic and political. The crucial period in the history of the mission station was 1942 -1948. The events during this period show how the geographic factor became the central issue in the dispute.

The mission station had inevitably to be affected by the urbanisation process because of its proximity to the rapidly growing city. In addition to the above the industrial development in Durban was following a southward direction which brought the boundaries of the city close to Umlazi. Had the mission station been situated elsewhere in some remote part of the country, as with most mission stations in Natal, the development of the area would probably have taken a different course.

This trend whereby rural areas situated close to fast growing urban areas are urbanised, is a world-wide phenomenon. However, one cannot overlook the fact that the Blacks were politically disadvantaged and without parliamentary power to veto the decision. This study shows, however, that much was done by the Smuts Government during the height of the controversy to treat the matter in an unbiased fashion by using commissions, consultations and open discussions from all parties concerned. All these events make the history of Umlazi Mission exceptional, fascinating and worthy of study.