The name was derived from the fact that King Shaka found the water from the river sweet tasting, “Kanti amanza mtoti”.
Amanzimtoti is a residential area for Durban commuters and for workers of a large explosives and chemical factory on the Umbogintwini Riverbank. It is a seaside resort with a long stretch of coast; a sandy beach with a shark protected swimming area, several rocky points and a tidal pool. It forms part of the Durban-Southern Metropolitan Council.