“Hijack Capital of KZN”: Man Explores Biggest Zulu Township in South Africa

• Keith Dodgen, a local content creator also known as Young Earn, shared that he visited Umlazi, the largest Zulu township in KwaZulu-Natal
• While in the area, Keith expanded his taste buds and visited Exit Carwash and Shisanyama and learnt the traditional Zulu dance
• Although riddled with crime, the young man had a positive experience, which resonated with several social media users

Content creator Keith Dodgen, also known as Young Earn, travelled to Umlazi, the biggest Zulu township in South Africa, after an online user stated that they had never seen an umlungu, a white person, in the area.

He posted a video of his escapade on 14 September, 2025 to his Facebook account, where he learnt the traditional Zulu dance and enjoyed a plate of food at Exit Carwash and Shisanyama, where patrons are searched upon entry.

Keith told the online community:

"A place once known as the hijack capital of KZN, it's a township so big that the cars have their own registration plates, but things have changed."

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According to South Africa's crime statistics for October to December, 2024, Umlazi, along with Inanda, were among the top stations for rape and murder, as reported by IOL.

"Once a place that even the cops were afraid to go into, but now, it's a super lively place filled with hustlers, good people, smiles, and some of the best shisanyamas you'll ever find."

South Africans react to Umlazi visitor

Several local members of the online community commented on Keith's activities in the township, with some sharing their surprise when the young man stated that it was once known as the hijack capital of the province. However, some social media users felt that Umlazi still held that title.

Ndips Jwarha Mazaleni received lots of laughs when they said to the content creator and the online community:

"The Zulu dance looks simple until you have to do it."

Mel Lynnette shared in the comments:

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"My husband used to enjoy the braai in Umlazi with his friends. Yes, he was also brave, and they always had his back. Lovely, enjoy."

Thato Fatz, who had the opposite experience of Keith, stated:

"I went there once. Never, never, never again. I saw things I see on TV."

Rather annoyed, Phili Mlaba-Ngcemu wondered under the post:

"Why are they showing shacks when we have beautiful houses, too?"

Zama Pretty Khumalo wrote under the post:

"You're so brave for trying new things and exploring different cultures! Keep being versatile and open-minded."

An appreciative Ntando Cibane added in the comment section:

"This was a lovely video, bro. We need more videos like this."

Take a look at the Facebook video below:

3 Other stories about Umlazi

• In another article, Briefly News reported that earlier in the year, Umlazi residents gathered at a petrol station to wait for matric results, eager to buy newspapers as soon as they were available after midnight.
• Popular hangout spot Eyadini Lounge got a new name and owner, promising to continue the entertainment hub's legacy. However, several argued that the rebrand would negatively impact the business.
• On 17 May, 2025, a mass shooting occurred in the township, leaving eight people dead, six men and two women, after unknown assailants opened fire on a shack in an informal settlement.

Source: Briefly News