Geography, History & Economy
King Cetshwayo District Municipality comprises:
- City of uMhlathuze Local Municipality
- Mthonjaneni Local Municipality
- Nkandla Local Municipality
- uMfolozi Local Municipality
- uMlalazi Local Municipality
MDB code: DC28
Description: The King Cetshwayo District Municipality (previously uThungulu District Municipality) is a Category C municipality and is located in the north-eastern region of the KwaZulu-Natal Province. It covers the area from the uMfolozi River in the north, to KwaGingindlovu (previously Gingindlovu) in the south, and inland to Nkandla. The district is home to five local municipalities: City of uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni, Nkandla and uMfolozi.
The N2 highway links the district to other significant economic centres, such as Durban and Johannesburg. It also offers a direct route to Maputo in Mozambique. The development of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone is boosting economic activity and attracting international investors.
Area: 8 213km²
Cities/Towns: Empangeni, Eshowe, KwaGingindlovu, KwaMbonambi, Melmoth, Mtunzini, Nkandla, Ntambanana, Richards Bay
Main Economic Sectors: Manufacturing (40.9%), mining (15.2%), community services (11.9%), finance (8.7%), transport (8.5%), trade (6.5%), agriculture (5.3%), construction (2.1%)