Nkandla Local Municipality lies in the hill country of King Cetshwayo District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, seated at
Nkandla town. The 2022 census recorded 108,896 residents across 1,827.6 km², down from 114,416
in 2011.
Towns and Villages in Nkandla
| Place | Type | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Nkandla | Town (seat) | 4,261 |
Smaller settlements and localities (full count 19):
- Bayete
- Cungewane
- Dolwana
- Ekombe
- Ekuthokozeni
- Fort Louis
- KwaZondi
- Mabaleni
- Makhanyezi
- Mbiswe
- Mdimela
- Ohlelo
- Pholela
- Qudeni
- Randalhurst
- Sibhudeni
- Spinnies
- Tandanani
Geography
Nkandla sits inland in the forested hills of central KwaZulu-Natal, bordering uMfolozi,
uMhlathuze and uMlalazi within King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The Nkandla Forest, a dense indigenous woodland, covers
much of the terrain and was historically used as a refuge during conflicts between Zulu forces
and colonial armies. Steep, forested terrain limits farming to smaller pockets of arable land
in the valleys, with much of the higher ground under natural forest and grassland.
Local Life
Nkandla town holds the municipality’s hospital, main schools and government offices, though
outlying villages across the forested hills can be a considerable drive away on gravel roads.
Ekombe and Qudeni, further into the hills, remain some of the more remote settlements in the
municipality, and most households there rely on subsistence farming, livestock and social
grants rather than formal wages.
Demographics
Population declined from 114,416 in 2011 to 108,896 in 2022. Zulu is the first language of
about 96% of residents, and the population is 99.6% Black African.
Economy and Local Life
Subsistence and communal farming dominate the local economy, with limited formal industry.
Nkandla town provides government offices, schools and a hospital for the surrounding rural
wards, and is known nationally as the home town of former President Jacob Zuma. Beyond farming,
municipal and provincial government employment is one of the few sources of formal salaried
work, and many working-age residents commute to Richards Bay, Eshowe or Empangeni.
Getting There
Nkandla town is reached via the R66 from Melmoth or Eshowe, on mostly mountainous roads.
The nearest airport is in Richards Bay, roughly two hours away by road. Eshowe, the closer
of the two towns, also has the nearest hospital of any significant size for much of the
municipality’s population.
History
The name Nkandla refers to a Zulu hiding place used during wartime, and the thick Nkandla
Forest sheltered Zulu warriors during the 1906 Bambatha Rebellion against colonial poll taxes.
Several Zulu heroes’ graves remain in the surrounding hills, and the area retains strong
significance in Zulu royal history. That reputation as a stronghold persists in local memory,
and the forest remains a protected area today, managed jointly with conservation authorities.
FAQ
What is the seat of Nkandla Local Municipality?
Nkandla town.
What is the population of Nkandla?
108,896 at the 2022 census, down from 114,416 in 2011.
Which district is Nkandla part of?
King Cetshwayo District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
What is Nkandla known for?
Being the home town of former President Jacob Zuma and the historic Nkandla Forest.
What happened at Nkandla in 1906?
Zulu fighters used the Nkandla Forest as a refuge during the Bambatha Rebellion.
What towns border Nkandla?
uMfolozi, uMhlathuze and uMlalazi, all within King Cetshwayo District Municipality.
What is the area of Nkandla Local Municipality?
1,827.6 km² of forested hill country in central KwaZulu-Natal.
Is Nkandla growing or shrinking?
Shrinking slightly — population fell from 114,416 in 2011 to 108,896 in 2022.
What language do most residents speak?
Zulu is the first language of about 96% of residents.
How do residents reach hospital care?
Most travel to Eshowe or, for higher-level care, Richards Bay.
What roads lead into Nkandla?
The R66, connecting Nkandla town to Melmoth and Eshowe over mountainous terrain.