| Harding | |
| Pushpin Map: | South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa |
| Coordinates: | -30.5833°N 82°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | South Africa |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Ugu |
| Subdivision Type3: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name3: | UMuziwabantu |
| Subdivision Type4: | Main Place |
| Established Title: | Established |
| Leader Title: | Councillor |
| Area Footnotes: | [1] |
| Area Total Km2: | 25.18 |
| Population Total: | 9544 |
| Population As Of: | 2011 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Racial makeup (2023) |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Black African |
| Demographics1 Info1: | 77.3% |
| Demographics1 Title2: | Coloured |
| Demographics1 Info2: | 19.5% |
| Demographics1 Title3: | Indian/Asian |
| Demographics1 Info3: | 11.3% |
| Demographics1 Title4: | White |
| Demographics1 Info4: | 3.1% |
| Demographics1 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics1 Info5: | 2.8% |
| Demographics Type2: | First languages (2023) |
| Demographics2 Title1: | Zulu |
| Demographics2 Info1: | 57.4% |
| Demographics2 Title2: | Xhosa |
| Demographics2 Info2: | 36.6% |
| Demographics2 Title3: | English |
| Demographics2 Info3: | 12.6% |
| Demographics2 Title4: | Afrikaans |
| Demographics2 Info4: | 3.8% |
| Demographics2 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics2 Info5: | 4.7% |
| Timezone1: | SAST |
| Utc Offset1: | +2 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postal code (street) |
| Postal Code: | 4680 |
| Postal2 Code Type: | PO box |
| Postal2 Code: | 4680 |
| Area Code Type: | Area code |
| Area Code: | 039 |
Harding is a town situated in the Mzimkulwana River valley, Ugu District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Harding was established as a military outpost following the British annexation of East Griqualand in 1874. Named after Sir Walter Harding (c 1812-1874) who in 1858 became the first Chief Justice in Natal.[2] It was declared as a township in 1911.
Timber and dairy farming are the main economic activities. The abandoned 122km (76miles) narrow gauge Alfred County Railway used to serve the farming areas, linking Harding with Port Shepstone. Harding lies at the foot of the Ingeli Range, 34 km north-west of Izingolweni and 84 km north-west of Port Shepstone.[3]
Harding is located in the uMuziwabantu Local Municipality which is located in the larger Ugu District Municipality which governs the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. It is the municipal seat of the uMuziwabantu Local Municipality which governs Harding, Weza and its surroundings.