Mtubatuba

Mtubatuba is one of the five municipalities within Umkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu Natal. Mtubatuba was named after the inkosi Mtubatuba of the Mkhwanazi Clan.  It is situated on the north-east coast of the province, and was home to 175  425 people.  Covering an area of approximately 1970km² Mtubatuba Municipality was one of the most urbanised municipality within the district, with 15% of the municipality falling under urban areas. The two main town areas are Mtubatuba and St Lucia.  The vast majority of the municipality was under traditional authority - almost 80% - indicating a high proportion of people residing in scattered, rural villages under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities.  The Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site falls under Matubatuba.read more »

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Nkandla

Nkandla is situated in a remote area of breathtaking mountainous beauty, which consists mainly of tribal lands and state-owned land. The area has a wealth of undisturbed forests, which boast many indigenous species. Nkandla has a claim to be the ‘cradle’ of Zulu history. From Malandela to Shaka, to Dingane and Cetshwayo, Nkandla has been at the centre stage of the Zulu nation’s history. The graves of King Malandela and Cetshwayo are at Nkandla. Nkandla Town is the only urban area in Nkandla Municipality which offers the full array of urban development, albeit at a smaller scale compared to the majority of towns in KwaZulu-Natal. This includes low-density residential, active and passive open space, schools, commercial areas, service-industries, churches, offices, government buildings an services, financial services, etc.read more »

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KwaSani

KwaSani is an isiZulu name. "Kwa" means "at" and "Sani" means "San people". The name was chosen because it was easy to pronounce for overseas visitors to the World Heritage Site of Ukhahlamba. KwaSani Local Municipality is strategically placed at the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, bordering the World Heritage Site. The municipality is bordered by Umkhomazi Wilderness Area to the west, Greater Kokstad to the south-west, Eastern Cape to the south, Ingwe Local Municipality to the east, and Impendle Local Municipality to the north. The area is 1 180 km2 in extent with a population of 12 898.

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Maphumulo

Maphumulo is situated on the R74 Road from Stanger to Kranskop.The Maphumulo Local Municipality is classified as a Category B Municipality according to the Municipal Structures, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998). It comprises of mostly rural areas governed by Traditional Authorities. Maphumulo Municipality possesses a lot of untapped cultural/eco-tourism potential due its cultural background and natural heritage. It boasts tourist such natural attractions as Kwa-Shushu Hot Springs, ItshelikaNtunjambili and Sabuyaze Mountain amongst others. From both a historical and cultural perspective, IzibayazikaGcugcwa and the world famous battlefields of the Bambatha Rebellion serve as a good attraction for the area.read more »

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Greater Giyani

Greater Giyani Local Municipality was established in 1969. It is an administrative and commercial centre of the Mopani district and also the former capital of Gazankulu. Greater Giyani Local Municipality derives its name from the town Giyani, whichis a Tsonga word meaning‘a place where people dance’and‘aland of the friendly people’. Giyani is also rich in cultural history with royal families dating back as far as 1822. The town of Giyani is located approximately 185 km from Polokwane, 100 km from Thohoyandou and 550 km from Pretoria. The municipality covers about 2 967 km2 land area. Its eastern section borders the world famous Kruger National Park,with N’wamankenaVillage to the west, Mphakani Village to the south, and the Klein Letaba River to the north. The Municipality is demarcated into 30 wards and has 60 councillors. The ten traditional authority areas comprise 91 villages. Giyani town is the only town within the municipality and attracts most of the people from around the district.read more »

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