At this harbour-side site, within view of the bustling cargo wharfs,
the distant container terminal, and the yacht basin with its forest
of masts, the historical growth of the ocean city of Durban - currently
mightiest port on the African continent - is placed in its maritime
context.
The visitor is invited to imagine how working men of Durban lived
out life on the sea-lanes, and also learns that some of the earliest
resistance to labour exploitation was from black stevedores: At
their barracks on the Point, they helped give birth to the first
local trade unions.
Those who've never been aboard a ship can go below decks and explore
three restored 'floating exhibits' - the coal-fuelled steam tug,
Ulundi (1927), oldest surviving pilot tug in a South African harbour;
another tug, the JR More (1961), one of the last of her kind; and
a mahogany-hulled coastal minesweeper, the SAS Durban (1957).
There is also a number of small vessels, plus equipment used around
the harbour, and an exhibition hall - the ‘Britannia Room’
- housing displays reflecting the city’s nautical origin and
heritage.
The Hunters and the Hunted: Whaling off Durban 1908-1975
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed: Good Friday, Christmas Day
Address:
Natal Maritime Museum
c/o Local History Museum
Old Court House
Aliwal Street
4001 Durban
SOUTH AFRICA
