The Earth Times/THE DURBAN CONFERENCE: Fun facts about Durban. By Anjuli Bose

DURBAN--As far as resort towns go, Durban is one where brochures and pamphlets are not hard to come by. In fact, it is difficult to wander around town without coming across several-they are just about everywhere you look. However, there are many facts and statistics that are rarely mentioned in brochures about Durban. Some are interesting, some are funny, and some are just plain useful to know. Here are ten little-known, fun facts about Durban:

Durban's population is about three million people.
Tina Turner's famous blonde wigs are made at Emile's Postiche in Durban.
Michael Jackson is a huge fan of South Africa and is said to vacation in Durban at least once a year.
Durban is the largest sugar port in the world.
Every July, Durban hosts the Mr. Price Pro surfing competition, one of the largest and most prestigious of its kind in the world.
Durban is the gateway to the Kingdom of the Zulu, which was named after Shaka Zulu.
The most popular beverages in Durban are Appletiser and Grapetiser-sparkling apple juice and grape juice.
Craig Native, one of the world's hottest young designers, who includes Lenny Kravitz amongst his customers, grew up in, lives in and refuses to leave Durban.
The largest wildlife preserve in Durban is the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, home to elephants, lions, buffalo, rhino, leopard, wild dogs, and even cheetahs.
Instead of the Slim Jims and beef jerky that are sold in the United States, Durban shops sell a healthier alternative-ostrich jerky.

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February 2002