Umlazi, urban area, southeastern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. It lies along the south bank of the Mlazi (Umlazi) River and adjoins the city of Durban on the southwest. The present site of Umlazi was occupied by American missionaries in 1836, but it became an Anglican mission reserve in 1856. Umlazi was officially opened to black residents in 1965 (most of whom formerly resided in Durban) and acquired town status in 1973. In the early 21st century Umlazi became part of the eThekwini Municipal Area. Local industries in Umlazi produce beverages, wearing apparel, leather goods, sawn wood and wood products, paper, rubber goods, and plastic products. A branch campus of the University of Zululand is located at Umlazi.