Editing Scottburgh

{{More citations needed|date=April 2011}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Scottburgh
| image_skyline            = Scottburgh Beach, South Africa.JPG
| image_caption            = View of Scottburgh Beach
| pushpin_map              = South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa#Africa
| coordinates              = {{coord|30|17|S|30|45|E|region:ZA|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         =  {{flag|South Africa}}
| subdivision_type1        = Province
| subdivision_name1        =  {{flag|KwaZulu-Natal}}
| subdivision_type2        = District
| subdivision_name2        = [[Ugu District Municipality|Ugu]]
| subdivision_type3        = Municipality
| subdivision_name3        = [[Umdoni Local Municipality|uMdoni]]
| subdivision_type4        = Main Place
| established_title        = Established
| established_date         = 1860<ref name=established>{{cite thesis |last=Robson |first=Linda Gillian |title=The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact |date=2011 |type=PhD thesis |publisher=University of Pretoria |chapter=Annexure A |chapter-url=https://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/26503/05back.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y#page=31 |url=https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/26503 |hdl=2263/26503 |pages=xlv–lii}}</ref>
| leader_title             = Mayor
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="census2011">{{Cite web |url=http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/561011 |title = Main Place Scottburgh |work=Census 2011}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 23.80
| elevation_m              = 19
| population_footnotes     = <ref name="census2011" />
| population_total         = 11403
| population_as_of         = 2011
| population_density_km2   = auto
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->| demographics_type1       = Racial makeup (2011)
| demographics1_footnotes  = <ref name="census2011" />
| demographics1_title1     = [[Bantu peoples of South Africa|Black African]]
| demographics1_info1      = 27.7%
| demographics1_title2     = [[Coloureds|Coloured]]
| demographics1_info2      = 3.0%
| demographics1_title3     = [[Indian South African|Indian]]/[[Asian South African|Asian]]
| demographics1_info3      = 22.0%
| demographics1_title4     = [[White South African|White]]
| demographics1_info4      = 46.8%
| demographics1_title5     = Other
| demographics1_info5      = 0.6%
<!-- demographics (section 2) -->| demographics_type2       = [[First language]]s (2011)
| demographics2_footnotes  = <ref name="census2011" />
| demographics2_title1     = [[South African English|English]]
| demographics2_info1      = 68.0%
| demographics2_title2     = [[Zulu language|Zulu]]
| demographics2_info2      = 16.0%
| demographics2_title3     = [[Afrikaans]]
| demographics2_info3      = 11.2%
| demographics2_title4     = [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]]
| demographics2_info4      = 2.1%
| demographics2_title5     = Other
| demographics2_info5      = 2.7%
<!-- blank fields (section 2) -->
<!-- Other information -->| timezone1                = [[South African Standard Time|SAST]]
| utc_offset1              = +2
| postal_code_type         = [[List of postal codes in South Africa|Postal code]] (street)
| postal_code              = 4180
| postal2_code_type        = [[Post-office box|PO box]]
| postal2_code             = 4180
| area_code_type           = [[Telephone numbers in South Africa|Area code]]
| area_code                = 039
| official_name            = 
}}

'''Scottburgh''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|k|ɒ|t|b|ər|ə}}) is a [[coastal resort town]] located along the [[South Coast (KwaZulu-Natal)|south coast]] of [[KwaZulu-Natal]], [[South Africa]]. It situated south of the mouth of the Mpambanyoni River ''(confuser of birds).''<ref name="Ill01">{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/illustratedguide0000unse_d6x7 |title=Illustrated guide to Southern Africa |date=1980  |editor=Vic Mayhew |place=Cape Town |publisher=Reader's Digest Association South Africa in association with T.V. Bulpin |isbn=978-0-620-04650-3}}</ref>{{rp|332}}

Prior to 1 December 2023, [[Vehicle registration plates of South Africa|vehicle registration plates]] in Scottburgh started with NX - [[N]] for Natal, X for Ale'''x'''andra as the town once formed part of the Alexandra County in the 1800s along with [[Umzinto]], [[Umkomaas]], [[Park Rynie]] and [[Sezela]]-[[Pennington, South Africa|Pennington]].<ref>{{Cite web| title=A sketch of colonial Umzinto | author=Duncan Du Bois | url=https://www.natalia.org.za/Files/44/Article%20Du%20Bois%20pp%2033%20%20to%2047.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525230055/http://natalia.org.za/Files/44/Article%20Du%20Bois%20pp%2033%20%20to%2047.pdf | archive-date=2015-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title=A sketch of colonial Umkomaas | author=Duncan Du Bois | url=https://natalia.org.za/Files/45/Natalia%20No%2045%20Article%20Umkomaas.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830112525/http://natalia.org.za/Files/45/Natalia%20No%2045%20Article%20Umkomaas.pdf | archive-date=2016-08-30}}</ref> The reason why it was not registered as NA instead was because the town of [[Harding, South Africa|Harding]], 140 kilometres south-west, already bore the vehicle registration “NA”.

== History ==
Named after [[Natal Colony]] Governor [[John Scott (governor)|John Scott]],<ref name=Ill01/>{{rp|332}} in 1860 it became the second township at the end of [[Durban]] but was initially known as ''Devonport''. Scottburgh then became a very promising port as well as a new attractive location for sugar farms and sugar mills. In about 1850 the town started to attract immigrants especially from [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Great Britain and Ireland]], known as the ''Byrne Settlers''. They came to take advantage of the good harbours, to export their sugar both internally and overseas. Scottburgh became an independent municipality in 1964.

== Geography ==
=== Location ===
Scottburgh is situated along the Umdoni Coast sub-region of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, approximately 53 km south-west of [[Durban]] and 58 km north-east of [[Port Shepstone]]. Neighbouring towns of Scottburgh include [[Amahlongwa]], [[Amandawe]], [[Bazley Beach]], Clansthal, [[Dududu]], [[KwaCele]], [[Sezela]],  [[Umkomaas]] and [[Umzinto]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Distance Scottburgh, Ugu, Kwazulu-Natal, ZAF > Port-Shepstone, Ugu, Kwazulu-Natal, ZAF - Air line, driving route, midpoint |url=https://www.distance.to/Scottburgh,Ugu,Kwazulu-Natal,ZAF/Port-Shepstone,Ugu,Kwazulu-Natal,ZAF |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.distance.to |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distance Scottburgh, Ugu, Kwazulu-Natal, ZAF > Durban, EThekwini, Kwazulu-Natal, ZAF - Air line, driving route, midpoint |url=https://www.distance.to/Scottburgh,Ugu,Kwazulu-Natal,ZAF/Durban,EThekwini,Kwazulu-Natal,ZAF |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.distance.to |language=en-us}}</ref>

=== Communities ===
The Greater Scottburgh area encompasses seven distinct areas including Scottburgh proper, Scottburgh South, [[Park Rynie]], [[Pennington, South Africa|Pennington]], Selborne Golf Estate and [[Kelso, South Africa|Kelso]] to the south of the Mpambanyoni River and Freeland Park to the north of the river.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census 2011: Main Place: Scottburgh |url=https://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/561011 |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=census2011.adrianfrith.com}}</ref>

=== Drainage ===
Scottburgh is a bay situated on the southern banks of the Mpambanyoni River, a short river that culminates in a lagoon. It is one of the best geographic examples of a bay on the South African coast. Mpambanyoni mouth has fluctuated in surface area and volume dramatically over the years, due to the frequent droughts, occasional cyclones, and other extreme weather conditions that can affect KwaZulu-Natal.

Most notorious of the above-mentioned cyclones was [[Tropical Storm Domoina|Domoina]] of 1984 and the floods of 1987, which resulted in widespread flooding and infrastructural damage, including the destruction of the Old Main Road bridge from [[Umkomaas]].

=== Wildlife ===
Wildlife found regularly inside the township includes [[snake]]s, [[skink]]s, [[gecko]]s, numerous [[insect]]s, millipedes, [[Cape bushbuck|bushbuck]], mongi, and most famously, large numbers of  [[vervet monkey]]s. [[Genet (animal)|Genets]] have been sighted, and there are occasional unverified spottings of [[civet]]s and similar small [[felidae|felines]] and cat-like mammals. Birds are abundant, perhaps the most noticeable being the raucous and much-loved [[hadeda ibis]].

The [[Indian mynah]] is widespread but regarded as a pest due to its habits of defecating in public restaurants and eating areas and pillaging the nests of native birds. This bird has presented similar problems in other areas in South Africa, [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. The  [[sardine run]] is also visible from the shores of Scottburgh and its surroundings most winters. The [[umdoni]] and ''[[Strelitzia]]'' are the best-known trees specifically associated with Scottburgh and its environs.

== Economy ==
Scottburgh is also particularly renowned for its large surfing community. Superior waves are to be found along the coast, especially during the winter months. Popular spots include Green Point, Pennington, Kelso, Scottburgh and Rocky Bay. Many other perfect breaks along this coast can be found. Surfers and bodyboarders from around the world come for surf trips around the south coast, and would visit Scottburgh in particular for its worldwide surfing reputation.

However, one appeal of Scottburgh beach is its grass-covered banks leading down to sandy beaches, which have made it a popular holiday resort for holidaymakers for many years.

Most Scottburgh residents work for small local businesses or the state sector, while larger industries are located in the nearby towns of Umkomaas, [[Umzinto]], and Sezela.

North of the Mpambanyoni lies the suburb of Freeland Park, largely residential but also possessing the [[Cutty Sark]] Hotel and a river populated by juvenile and adolescent [[crocodile]]s. These crocodiles are also the product of the 1987 cyclone, when infant crocodiles escaped from the nearby Crocworld theme park. South of Scottburgh proper, and separated from it by the Country Club, Golf Course, and a considerable expanse of bush, is Scottburgh South, and a few kilometres inland lies the [[sugarcane]] farming hamlet of Renishaw, well known for its chapel.

==Culture and contemporary life==
=== Tourism ===
[[File:Scottburgh Beach.jpg|thumb|An aerial view of Scottburgh]]
[[File:Save the sharks.jpg|thumb|]]
[[File:Scottburgh Beach and Pool.jpg|thumb|]]

Scottburgh Main beach along with Pennington and [[Park Rynie]] have been awarded blue flag status as of the 2014/15 summer season. Scottburgh and Pennington are both very popular for tourists to make their way to the beach. Scottburgh along with the two hotels and many B&Bs is also home to an award-winning caravan park and camping ground.

The summer season sees many tourists from the inland flock to the beaches of the South Coast. There are many activities that contribute to Scottburgh being a popular destination such as microlighting, diving, shark cage diving, sea rides, rock and surf fishing, surfing, bicycle trails and the Umdoni Park run, There are many more activities that can be inquired at the local South Coast tourism office.
[[File:Scottburgh2.jpg|thumb|A microlight view of Scottburgh beach]]

== Education ==
Scottburgh has several educational institutions, including pre-primary schools, a co-ed primary school, and an English medium co-ed high school.
* Scottburgh Pre-Primary
* Hilltop Pre-Primary
* Casa di Montessori Pre-School
* Scottburgh Primary (Grades 1-7),<ref>{{Cite web|title=Scottburgh Primary School|url=https://www.sps.org.za/|access-date=2022-10-27|website=Scottburgh Primary School|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.schooljotter.com/imagefolders/SCOTTBURGHP/Scottburgh_Govt-Aided_School_23_Galway_Street_Residence_of_Mr_H._A._Campbell.jpg|title=Scottburgh Primary School in 1925}}</ref>
* Scottburgh High School (Grades 8-12)<ref>{{Cite web | title=Coming Soon | url=http://www.scottburghhigh.co.za/ | access-date=2025-01-11 | website=www.scottburghhigh.co.za}}</ref>
*Umdoni Christian Academy (Grades R-12)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Umdoni Christian Academy – Building Childrens Lives On Gods Way, Wisdom & Knowledge|url=https://www.umdonica.co.za/|access-date=2022-10-27|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
===Roads===
The [[N2 (South Africa)|N2]] is a major north–south freeway bypassing Scottburgh from [[Durban]] in the north to [[Port Shepstone]] in the south. The original N2, now renumbered to the [[R102 (South Africa)|R102]] bypasses Scottburgh from [[Umkomaas]] in the north to [[Park Rynie]] and [[Pennington, South Africa|Pennington]] in the south. The P188 (Dududu Road) is the main road connecting Scottburgh with [[Amandawe]] and [[Dududu]] and provides access to the N2.

== Notable residents ==
Well-known people associated with Scottburgh include:

* [[Thomas Chalmers Robertson|Dr Thomas Chalmers Robertson]] – world-renowned conservationist and author
* [[Joel Stransky]] – former Springbok rugby player
* [[Tony Pooley]] – the late conservationist
* Dave Bell

== See also ==
*[[Black December]]

{{Geographic Location|width=auto
|Centre    = Scottburgh<ref>[http://www.saexplorer.co.za/south-africa/distance/scottburgh_distance.asp SA Explorer Scottburgh distances]</ref>
|North     = [[Durban]] {{convert|58|km|0|abbr=on}}
|Northwest = 
|West      = [[Pietermaritzburg]] 96 km
|East      = ''[[Indian Ocean]]'' 0.3 km
|Northeast = 
|Southwest = 
|South     = [[Hibberdene]] 41 km
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Ugu District Municipality}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Populated places in the Umdoni Local Municipality]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in South Africa]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1860]]
[[Category:KwaZulu-Natal South Coast]]