Harding, South Africa

Harding
Harding Harding
Coordinates: 30°35′S 29°53′E
Country	South Africa
Province	KwaZulu-Natal
District	Ugu
Municipality	UMuziwabantu
Area
• Total	25.18 km2 (9.72 sq mi)
Population  (2011)
• Total	9,544
• Density	380/km2 (980/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2023)
• Black African	77.3%
• Coloured	19.5%
• Indian/Asian	11.3%
• White	3.1%
• Other	2.8%
First languages (2023)
• Zulu	57.4%
• Xhosa	36.6%
• English	12.6%
• Afrikaans	3.8%
• Other	4.7%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	4680
PO box	4680
Area code	039

Harding is a town situated in the Mzimkulwana River valley, Ugu District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background

Harding was established as a military outpost following the British annexation of East Griqualand in 1874. Named after Sir Walter Harding (c 1812-1874) who in 1858 became the first Chief Justice in Natal. It was declared as a township in 1911.

Timber and dairy farming are the main economic activities. The abandoned 122 kilometres (76 mi) narrow gauge Alfred County Railway used to serve the farming areas, linking Harding with Port Shepstone. Harding lies at the foot of the Ingeli Range, 34 km north-west of Izingolweni and 84 km north-west of Port Shepstone.

Administration

Harding is located in the uMuziwabantu Local Municipality which is located in the larger Ugu District Municipality which governs the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. It is the municipal seat of the uMuziwabantu Local Municipality which governs Harding, Weza and its surroundings.