Richmond Local Municipality lies in uMgungundlovu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, seated at the town of Richmond.
The 2022 census recorded 62,754 residents across 1,231.4 km², down from 65,540 in 2011.
Towns and Villages in Richmond
| Place | Type | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | Town (seat) | 32,445 |
| Hopewell | Village | 13,321 |
Smaller settlements and localities (full count 25):
- Aloe Corner
- Atherstone
- Baynesfield
- Blarney
- Byrne
- Craig Side
- Durslade
- Greenhill
- Hela Hela
- KwaCebelele
- KwaGengeshe
- KwaMagoda
- Lovodale
- Pateni
- Simozomeni
- The Rest
- Thornville
- Thurlough
- Trewirgie
- eKupholeni
- eMgadleteni
- eMngwenya
- eNgqekweni
Geography
Richmond sits in the Umkomazi River valley south-west of Pietermaritzburg, in rolling
midlands country used mainly for farming. It shares uMgungundlovu District Municipality borders with Impendle,
Mkhambathini, Mpofana, Msunduzi, uMngeni and uMshwathi. The settlements of Hopewell
and Byrne lie along the same valley, with smaller communities such as Thornville and Trewirgie
scattered through the surrounding hills.
Demographics
Population declined from 65,540 in 2011 to 62,754 in 2022. Zulu is the first language of
about 86% of residents, with the population 95% Black African. Richmond town holds the bulk of
formal housing and services; most other residents live in rural wards and traditional
authority areas across the valley.
Economy and Local Life
Farming — timber, dairy and vegetables in the Umkomazi valley — remains the main economic
activity, with Richmond town serving as the local trading and service centre for surrounding
farms and villages. Byrne, settled originally as a Victorian-era agricultural colony, still
supports smallholder farming today. Beyond the town, most households rely on subsistence
plots alongside commercial employment on the valley’s timber and dairy farms, and public
transport links to Pietermaritzburg carry many workers daily. Traditional authority areas cover
much of the municipality outside the Richmond–Byrne–Hopewell corridor, with land use split
between commercial farms and communal grazing and cropping.
Getting There
Richmond town is reached via the R603 from Pietermaritzburg, about 35 km to the north-east.
Pietermaritzburg Airport is the closest airstrip; King Shaka International near Durban serves
international routes. Hopewell, on the same road toward the coast, sits roughly midway between
Richmond and the N3. Durban, via the R603 and N3, is roughly 90 minutes’ drive for residents
needing specialist medical or retail services.
History
Richmond was named after the Earl of Richmond, father-in-law of Sir Peregrine Maitland, who
governed the Cape from 1844 to 1847 — one of several KwaZulu-Natal settler towns named for
British peers of that period. It grew as a farming service town for the surrounding Umkomazi
valley, a role it still plays for the municipality’s rural wards. Baynesfield, a working farm and
agricultural training estate established in the early 20th century, remains one of the
municipality’s best-known landmarks and continues to run cattle and forestry operations.
FAQ
What is the seat of Richmond Local Municipality?
Richmond town.
What is the population of Richmond?
62,754 at the 2022 census, down from 65,540 in 2011.
Which district is Richmond part of?
uMgungundlovu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
Who was Richmond named after?
The Earl of Richmond, father-in-law of Cape Governor Sir Peregrine Maitland.
What is Richmond’s main industry?
Farming in the Umkomazi valley, chiefly timber and dairy.
What other towns are in the municipality?
Hopewell and Thornville, both service points for surrounding farms.
Is Richmond growing or shrinking?
Shrinking — population fell from 65,540 in 2011 to 62,754 in 2022.
How is Richmond reached from Pietermaritzburg?
Via the R603, a paved road running south-west for about 35 km.
What language do most residents speak?
Zulu is the first language of about 86% of residents.
What is the area of Richmond Local Municipality?
1,231.4 km², roughly midway in size among the seven uMgungundlovu local municipalities.