Formerly known as Umlazi mission reserve, Umlazi became a place of contention when in the early 1940s government considered Umlazi as a relocation point for Cato Manor residents. The reasoning behind this was because of its proximity to the south of the area and, initially, the land was unoccupied therefore they could resettle there.

The residents of Umlazi reserve mission, together with the Advisory Board, were surprised by this idea, and eventually, in the Cape Town Parliament, it was announced that the people of Umlazi had approved that the mission reserve should be converted into a township. This prompted the mission community to take action. Delegates from Umlazi were sent to Cape Town to represent the Umlazi residents to former South African Prime Minister Jan Smuts, and the whole issue was left pending. The delegation consisted of CCW Nxumalo, Rev Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu, Rev Siveshe, Gideon Mthembu, Bob Nzimande, H.P. Ngwenya, Z.E. Maphumulo, and Chief Albert Luthuli.