A] Durban's Art Deco Heritage

Traditionally Durban was well known for its conservatism when it came to the erection of public buildings. Yet in the 1930's the city threw off this mantle and enbraced the new style. Numerous buildings, especially residential high rises, were erected in this new design. Durbanites too, it seems, were keen to embrace a new identity. The politics of the early 30's rested heavily on Prime Minister Hertzog's attempts to gain clarity on the issue of "Dominion Status" at numerous Empire Conferences.