uMfolozi Municipality

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Introduction

uMfolozi Municipality is one of five municipalities within the District. The N2 national road passes through the municipality, which connects it to major towns such as Richards Bay and Durban. The significance of this road to the Municipality is that it serves as the major economic corridor in the area.

The municipality has an estimated population size of 122,889, of which 51.9% are women. The average population density is estimated at 88 people per km².The Municipality is adjacent to Richards Bay and Empangeni Complex. Its borders are the Indian Ocean to the east, Umfolozi River to the north, Mhlana Tribal Authority to the west and UMhlathuze Municipality to the south. 

It is characterised by three geographical districts portions which are: coastal: Sokhulu-Mfolozi Traditional Authorities, Commercial Plantations along the N2 and Mhlana Traditional Authority to the west.

Overview

The uMfolozi Local Municipality (previously Mbonambi Local Municipality) is a Category B municipality that forms part of the King Cetshwayo District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. It is one of the five municipalities that make up the district.

In close proximity to the City of uMhlathuze, the town of KwaMbonambi is situated alongside one of the country’s major highways, which runs from Cape Town to the Mozambican border, and carries both tourist and business traffic.

The biggest proportion of land within the uMfolozi Municipal area is owned by private organisations and Ingonyama Trust Land. This privately owned land is located in the centre of the municipal area surrounding KwaMbonambi. The second-biggest area is Mhlana Traditional Authority, followed by the Sokhulu and Mbonambi Traditional Authorities.

The uMfolozi Municipality is close to the St Lucia Estuary, a World Heritage Site, and to the popular fishing spot of Mapelane, as well as the world-famous Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserves. The Owen Sithole College of Agriculture, which is located in the area, contributes to the advancement of agricultural research and training.

Economic Analysis

The only town of uMfolozi i.e., KwaMbonambi is situated between Mtubatuba and Richards Bay approximately 33 km north of Richards Bay. A significant portion of uMfolozi forms part of the former KwaZulu which tended to be neglected in terms of economic development. Most of the area of the municipality is also rural and associated with a lack of development, poverty, and poor service provision.

uMfolozi’s economy is only 18% of that of uMhlathuze and 12% of that of uThungulu Municipality. uMfolozi Local Municipality is the 3rd largest in the district being exceeded by uMhlathuze and uMlalazi. The economies of Mthonjaneni, Nkandla and Ntambanana are all significantly smaller than that of uMfolozi.

In order to achieve its Vision and Mission, the uMfolozi Municipality will uphold the values of:

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Innovation
  • Excellence
  • Responsiveness
  • Accountability