Geography, History & Economy
eMadlangeni Local Municipality is part of Amajuba District Municipality.
MDB code: KZN253
Description: The eMadlangeni Local Municipality (previously Utrecht Local Municipality) is a Category B municipality in the Amajuba District of the KwaZulu-Natal Province. It is located 52km east of Newcastle and 68km west of Vryheid on the R34, bordering with the Mpumalanga Province in the north. It is the largest municipality of the three in the district, accounting for half of its geographical area.
Established in 1854, Utrecht is one of the oldest towns in KwaZulu-Natal. The land was bought from the Zulu King, Mpande. At the foot of the northern end of the Drakensberg, known as the Balele Mountains, this small valley, with the Inchuba River (Schoonstroom) running through it, was chosen by the then settlers for its beauty, peace and tranquillity.
Area: 3 539km²
Cities/Towns: Utrecht
Main Economic Sectors: Agriculture, industrial, tourism, service