IN A NUTSHELL

Distance from the city 80km from Richards Bay, 100km from Ballito and 150km from Durban

Facilities Eshowe has a Pick n Pay, SuperSpar, Build It, Spur, doctors, pharmacies, a dentist, various clothing and furniture stores, tyre places, car dealerships and branches of most banks.

Nearest hospitals The town has a state hospital ( 035 474 4500), but the nearest private hospitals are in Richards Bay, Ballito and Durban.

Nearest retirement resort Zululand Homes for the Aged ( zha.org.za 035 474 2636) is a neat retirement facility with beautiful gardens.

Schools There are a number of schools, among them Gratton Primary School ( gratton.co.za), Eshowe High School ( eshowehigh.org.za) and Eshowe Christian School ( 035 474 2846).

Nearest Woolworths Richards Bay (80km)

Municipality Eshowe is the seat of uMlalazi Local Municipality, which also incorporates Mtunzini, Gingindlovu, Amitikulu and Ntumeni. The local municipality forms part of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality and is generally regarded as one of the better ones in KZN when it comes to service delivery and financial management.

Big events In March 2017, local rugby teams will battle it out for the 71st time in the annual Bozas Cup ( 082 496 1169). The annual Harvest Festival ( 082 875 8313) is held in May and the Ngoje Trail Run (ngoje.co.za) at the end of July. During Eshowe Birding Weekend ( 035 474 1225) in October visitors get to go out with guides to explore various bird-watching spots.

Tourism information Visit eshowe.co.za, eshoweguide. co.za and visitzululand.co.za – or phone uMlalazi publicity officer Ronel Hulley on 035 473 3359.