Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality was formed in August 2016 by merging the former Ingwe and Kwa Sani local municipalities, in Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal. The 2022 census counted 128,565 people (103,318 in 2011) across 3,602 km². The seat is Creighton.
The municipality carries the towns of both predecessors: Bulwer and Donnybrook from the old Ingwe area, and Himeville and Underberg — gateway to Sani Pass — from the old Kwa Sani area.
Quick Facts
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| District | Harry Gwala |
| Seat | Creighton |
| Status | Local Municipality (29-member council) |
| Area | 3,602 km² |
| Population (2011) | 103,318 |
| Population (2022) | 128,565 |
Towns and Villages in Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
| Place | Type | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Underberg | Town/village | 3,227 |
| Himeville | Seat | 2,033 |
| Bulwer | Town/village | 1,285 |
| Avocadale | Town/village | — |
| Beersheba | Town/village | — |
| Blackmoor | Town/village | — |
| Buckquoy | Town/village | — |
| Cars End | Town/village | — |
Other settlements and localities in the municipality:
- Centocow
- Coleford
- Costmore
- Creighton
- Donnybrook
- Drakensberg Garden
- Eastlyn
- Ekuthuleni
- Epsom
- Fairview
- Forest View
- Gailynn
- Gala
- Garden Castle
- Glen Bain
- Hansonia
- Hartlea
- Highbury
- Hilltop
- Jokweni
- Keyelaer
- KwaBhidla
- KwaMphephethwa
- KwaPheshe
- KwaSandanezwe
- Magadini
- Magdalena
- Makhuzeni
- Makuzeni
- Mangwanteni
- Manston
- Mashayilanga
- Mbodleni
- Mkhomazana
- Mkobeni
- Mpumulwane
- Mqatsheni
- Ngudwini
- Ngwangwana
- Nkelabantwana
- Nkifa Farm
- Nkronze
- Nkumba
- Nkwezela
- Nsimbini
- Oaklands
- Pevensey Place
- Polela
- Retreat
- Sani Pass
- Scotston
- Seaforth
- Sebensa
- Siphahleni
- Steadmore
- Sun Valley Farm
- Sunnyside
- Thembeni
- Thonsini
- Waterfall
- Weathercote
- Winters
- Xosheyakhe
- e Dazini
- eFikesuthe
- eMdutshini
- eMfulumane
- eMkhohlwa
Geography
The municipality runs from the Midlands foothills near Creighton and Bulwer in the north-east down to the Drakensberg escarpment at Underberg and the Sani Pass border crossing into Lesotho in the south-west. It borders Ubuhlebezwe to the north and Greater Kokstad and Umzimkhulu to the south, within Harry Gwala District. At 3,602 km² it is the largest local municipality in the district by area, though not the most populous.
Demographics
Population rose from 113,446 across the pre-merger area at the 2011 census to 128,565 in 2022 (the 2011 figure in the current municipal boundary is recorded as 103,318 in some datasets, reflecting boundary adjustment). Zulu is the leading first language. The 29-member council splits 15 ward councillors and 14 proportional-representation seats.
Economy and Local Life
Underberg and Himeville anchor tourism to the southern Drakensberg and Sani Pass, alongside farming and forestry across the district’s higher ground; Bulwer and Donnybrook serve the northern wards as smaller trade centres for surrounding farms.
History
Before 2016 the area was split between two separate local municipalities: Ingwe, covering the Bulwer-Donnybrook-Creighton area, and Kwa Sani, covering Himeville and Underberg near the Drakensberg escarpment. The August 2016 local government elections merged the two into a single municipality, later renamed for former African Union Commission chair and anti-apartheid activist Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Locally, residents still sometimes refer to the northern and southern halves by their old Ingwe and Kwa Sani names, particularly when giving directions between Creighton and Underberg.
Getting There
The R617 runs from Bulwer and Creighton through Himeville and Underberg to Sani Pass. The nearest airport is Pietermaritzburg, roughly two hours’ drive from Underberg. Sani Pass itself is a gravel mountain road requiring a high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle, popular with hikers and day-trippers heading into Lesotho.
FAQ
What is the seat of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality?
Creighton.
How was the municipality formed?
By merging the Ingwe and Kwa Sani local municipalities after the August 2016 elections.
What is the population?
128,565 at the 2022 census.
Which district is it part of?
Harry Gwala District Municipality.
Is Sani Pass in this municipality?
Yes, the pass and border crossing into Lesotho lie within its Underberg area.
What towns did the old Ingwe and Kwa Sani municipalities cover?
Ingwe covered Bulwer and Donnybrook; Kwa Sani covered Himeville and Underberg.