Which region of South Africa was named after being sighted on Christmas Day?
Question #649. Asked by l.
Last updated May 17 2023.
McGruff
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McGruff 25 year member
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The coast of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) was first sighted by the Portuguese discoverer Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day 1497 during the journey which took him to India. As Christmas is translated in Portuguese as 'Natal' this gave the original name to the region. The first part of this Province's name 'KwaZulu' meaning the place of the Zulu has been added more recently, and it was decided to keep both names together as the name for the Province of KwaZulu Natal.
NATAL -- From Portuguese Natal ("Christmas"), because the region in South Africa was discovered by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day, 1497.
http://www.sa-venues.com/kwazulu_natal.htm
