Nongoma Local Municipality lies in KwaZulu-Natal’s Zululand District and is closely tied to the
traditional Zulu royal house. Nongoma town is the municipal seat. The 2022 census counted 225,278 people
across 2,182.1 km², up from 194,908 in 2011.
Nongoma town itself is small — about 2,700 residents at the last detailed count — while the
surrounding traditional wards of Mandlakazi, Usuthu and Matheni between them hold the great majority of
the municipality’s population.
Towns and Villages in Nongoma
Nongoma town is the main urban centre, with the Mandlakazi and Usuthu traditional areas among the
largest rural population zones and home to significant Zulu royal history. GeoNames records 29
named places, listed below.
| Place | Type | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Nongoma | Seat | 9,140 |
- Bangonomo
- Bhicini
- Buxedeni
- Dayeni
- Dongothuli
- Gusenzamo
- Hlambanyathi
- KwaDuma
- KwaMandlakazi
- KwaMateni
- KwaMememe
- Lindizwe
- Mahashem
- Mahashini
- Mahlombe
- Majomela
- Maphophoma
- Mngamude
- Ncungu
- Ngwabe
- Njampela
- Ogedleni
- Qonggo
- Saint Alban
- Sidinsi
- Sizabantu
- Sovane
- Zihlakenpele
Geography
Nongoma sits in Zululand’s rolling grassland interior, at the centre of the district, with deeply
dissected valleys draining toward the Black Mfolozi River to the south. Within
Zululand District it neighbours
Abaqulusi, eDumbe,
Ulundi and uPhongolo.
Demographics
Population rose from 194,908 in 2011 to 225,278 in 2022, up about 16%. The municipality is over 98%
rural, one of the highest shares in KwaZulu-Natal, with the small Nongoma town centre the only
significant urban node.
Traditional leaders (amakhosi) administer customary land across nearly all of Nongoma, working
alongside the elected municipal council based in Nongoma town.
Livestock auctions and small local markets in Nongoma town serve as the main formal trading points for
the surrounding traditional wards, alongside government offices, schools and clinics that draw residents
from across the municipality.
Economy and Local Life
Subsistence and small-scale farming underpin the local economy; overgrazing and cultivation on marginal
land have caused erosion in parts of the municipality. Electricity access remains limited outside Nongoma
town, with many households relying on hydrocarbon fuels and biomass for energy.
Cattle remain central to household wealth and cultural life across Nongoma’s traditional wards, alongside
small-scale maize and vegetable cropping on communal land.
History
Nongoma has long been associated with the Zulu royal house, hosting royal residences in the area.
The municipality itself was established in December 2000 as part of South Africa’s nationwide local
government demarcation.
Getting There
The R66 links Nongoma town south to Eshowe and north to Ulundi. King Shaka International Airport is the
nearest major airport. Ulundi, about 45 km south-west, is the nearest town with a large hospital and
airport.
FAQ
What is the seat of Nongoma Municipality?
Nongoma town.
What is Nongoma’s population?
225,278 people at the 2022 census, on 2,182.1 km².
Which district is Nongoma part of?
Zululand District Municipality.
What are the main towns?
Nongoma, and the Mandlakazi and Usuthu areas.
What language do most Nongoma residents speak?
isiZulu, spoken by nearly all residents.
Is Nongoma mostly urban or rural?
Over 98% rural, one of the highest shares in KwaZulu-Natal.
Which district is Nongoma part of?
Zululand District Municipality.
Is Nongoma associated with the Zulu royal family?
Yes, the area hosts Zulu royal residences and is closely tied to the monarchy.
How electrified is Nongoma?
Limited outside the town centre; many rural households rely on hydrocarbon fuels and biomass.
What is Nongoma’s total area?
2,182.1 km².
What was Nongoma’s population in 2011?
194,908 people, growing to 225,278 by 2022, up about 16%.
Does Nongoma have a proclaimed town?
Yes, Nongoma town, though it remains small relative to the surrounding traditional wards.
Which district municipality is Nongoma part of?
Zululand District Municipality.
Is Nongoma linked to the Zulu royal house?
Yes, the area is closely associated with the Zulu monarchy and royal residences.