uMfolozi Local Municipality lies on the KwaZulu-Natal coast between Richards Bay and the
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, part of King Cetshwayo District Municipality. Seated at KwaMbonambi, the 2022 census recorded 159,668
residents across 1,300.3 km², up from 125,669 in 2011.
Towns and Villages in uMfolozi
| Place | Type | Population |
|---|---|---|
| KwaMbonambi | Town (seat) | 3,441 |
Smaller settlements and localities (full count 16):
- Aboyne
- Acme
- Journey’s End
- Klonge
- Makhwezini
- Mfolozi
- Mfuyeni
- Nkiya
- Ntuthunga
- Nzalabantu
- Salpine
- Umfolozi
- Vulamahlo
- eMabuyeni
- eSitheza
Geography
The municipality stretches from the Indian Ocean coastline to the southern edge of the
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, bounded to the north by the uMfolozi River. It borders uMhlathuze to
the south and shares its northern boundary with the Big Five Hlabisa area, within King Cetshwayo District Municipality.
Coastal forest, wetlands and the Mapelane nature reserve make up much of the terrain, alongside
farmland further inland. The uMfolozi River mouth, where the river meets the Indian Ocean near
St Lucia, forms part of the municipality’s northern boundary and is an important wetland
system linked to the wider iSimangaliso Wetland Park area.
Local Life
KwaMbonambi holds the municipality’s main schools, clinic and government offices, though many
residents in the sugar-cane and timber wards depend on Richards Bay, just to the south, for
hospital care and larger shopping. Coastal villages nearer Mapelane see seasonal income from
recreational fishing and camping visitors.
Demographics
Population grew from 125,669 in 2011 to 159,668 in 2022, boosted by the 2016 incorporation of
part of the former Ntambanana Local Municipality. Zulu is the first language of about 93% of
residents.
Economy and Local Life
Sugar cane and timber plantations dominate the local economy, supplemented by fishing and
small-scale tourism linked to the coastal forests and Mapelane. KwaMbonambi serves as the main
service centre, with Richards Bay, just south in uMhlathuze, providing higher-order jobs and
services for many residents. The port and industrial complex at Richards Bay, though outside
uMfolozi’s own boundary, employs a significant share of the municipality’s commuting workforce,
alongside the local sugar mills that process cane grown across the coastal plain.
Getting There
KwaMbonambi lies on the N2 national route, about 30 km north of Richards Bay. Access to the
coastal and reserve areas runs off the N2 on secondary roads. Richards Bay has the nearest
airport and hospital.
History
The municipality was originally established as Mbonambi Local Municipality, renamed Mfolozi
in 2009 and uMfolozi in 2015. It was significantly enlarged in August 2016 when part of the
disbanded Ntambanana Local Municipality was added to its area, alongside uMhlathuze and the new
Mthonjaneni Local Municipality. Before the merger, uMfolozi’s core area was known mainly for the
farming settlement of KwaMbonambi and the neighbouring Umfolozi River mouth; the added
Ntambanana territory brought additional rural wards and villages further inland.
FAQ
What is the seat of uMfolozi Local Municipality?
KwaMbonambi.
What is the population of uMfolozi?
159,668 at the 2022 census, up from 125,669 in 2011.
Which district is uMfolozi part of?
King Cetshwayo District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
Why has uMfolozi changed names?
It was Mbonambi until 2009, then Mfolozi, then uMfolozi from 2015.
Did uMfolozi absorb another municipality?
Yes — part of the former Ntambanana Local Municipality was added in the August 2016 mergers.
What language do most residents speak?
Zulu is the first language of about 93% of residents.
What is uMfolozi’s main industry?
Sugar cane and timber farming, alongside fishing and coastal tourism.
What is the area of uMfolozi Local Municipality?
1,300.3 km², stretching from the coast to the edge of Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.
Which municipalities border uMfolozi?
uMhlathuze to the south, both within King Cetshwayo District Municipality, with the Big Five Hlabisa area to the north.