ESHOWE, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of. — With territory detached from the apostolic vicariate of Natal, the apostolic prefecture of Zululand was erected on 27 Aug. 1921. On 11 Dec. 1923 it was enlarged with other territories likewise detached from Natal and elevated to an apostolic vicariate entrusted to the Benedictines of S. Ottilia (Bavaria).
Over an area of approximately 32,152 sq. km. lives a population of approximately 560,000 inhabitants, of whom 15,300 are of European origin: English, Dutch, and German. The natives are of the Zulu race, with several thousand of Basuto and Tonga race; they generally speak Zulu and Sesuto, while few speak Afrikaans. Catholics number 14,557 in all, of whom 13,393 are natives, 46 Indians, 687 coloured persons, and 451 Europeans. Catechumens number 1,324. Protestants number approximately 120,000, Jews approximately 500, Muslims 700, and pagans approximately 433,000. There are (1949) 49 missionaries, including one native; 32 brothers; 58 European and 46 native sisters; 32 catechists; 87 churches, 3 deaneries, 12 principal and 139 secondary stations. There are 4 hospitals with 302 beds; 7 dispensaries; and 4 orphanages with 686 children. There are 70 elementary schools with 4,975 pupils, 7 middle schools with 463 pupils, 1 higher school with 182 pupils, and 7 vocational schools with 26 pupils. The mission seeks especially to develop schools and Catholic Action.