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Location |
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Tongaat is a sugarcane growing town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that is situated on the banks of the Tongati River about 37 km north of Durban and 28 km south of Stanger. |
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History |
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Tongaat was established in 1945 and its name was corrupted from the river's name, Tongati, the Zulu word for the Strychnos mackenii trees that flourish on its banks. The town is the centre for the Tongaat Hulett Sugar and the Moreland Molasses Companies. Maidstone Sugar Mill, one of the country's first mills, completed in 1850. Some original sugar-crushing methods are still employed. Tongaat also host the Tongaat branch of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, founded by Rev John G. Lake in 1908. The Juggernathi Puri Temple which is a national monument and tourist attraction. It was built in 1920 by the late Pandit Sirikishan Maharaj in a North Idian style. The Tongaat South Methodist Church was opened on 26 September 1979. Sri Siva Soobramaniar Temple, which hosts what is arguably South Africa's largest Kavadi Festival, involving some of the oldest religious rituals in recorded history. also the Habibia Soofie Musjid which is 101 years old...
Tongaat's Victoria hospital opened in 1987
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Activities |
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Many drives in the area are picturesque including the road from Verulam and the parks and gardens of Amanzimyama on the approach into Tongaat. Feedings can be viewed by the Crocodile Creek which is a crocodile farm.
The Dudley Pringle Dam is a scenic venue north of the town; ideal for picnicking and water sports.
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Climate |
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Tongaat receives about 772 mm of rain per year, with most rainfall occurring mainly during mid summer. It receives the lowest rainfall of 12mm in June and the highest of 109mm in January. The average midday temperatures for Tongaat range from 22.2°C in July to 27.5°C in February. The region is the coldest during July when the mercury drops to 9.5°C on average during the night. |
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