Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality lies in the Capricorn District of Limpopo province, southeast of Polokwane. It had 284,404 people at the 2022 census, up from 231,239 in 2011, over 3,484.3 km². The seat is Lebowakgomo.
Towns and Villages in Lepelle-Nkumpi
| Place | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lebowakgomo | Town | seat, former Lebowa capital |
| Zebediela | Village | historic citrus-farming area |
| Mathabatha | Village | rural ward |
| Ga-Mafefe | Village | rural ward |
Lepelle-Nkumpi counts 98 named places in GeoNames records:
- Bolahlakgomo
- Bolopa
- Boschplaats
- Byldrift
- Dithabaneng
- Doornfontein
- Droogte
- Eerste Geluk
- Ga-Madisaleolo
- Ga-Mafefe
- Ga-Makgoba
- Ga-Malegase
- Ga-Mampa
- Ga-Mathabatha
- Ga-Matshele
- Ga-Mmamogwasa
- Ga-Molapo
- Ga-Phaswana
- Ga-Rakgwatha
- Ganspoort
- Good-Hope
- Hwelereng
- Hwelesangeng
- Kapetseng
- Kgaphamadi
- Khureng
- La Dinong
- Lebowakgomo
- Lekhuswaneng
- Lekurung
- Lenting
- Lesetsi
- Leswika
- Letlhokwaneng
- Locatie van M’phatlele
- Mabokotswane
- Madika
- Mafefeslokasie
- Mafsiagobaba
- Magatle
- Magwaneng
- Mahlatjani
- Makurung
- Makweng
- Malehlage
- Malipsdrif
- Mamosweu
- Manaileng
- Manoge
- Mapatjakeng
- Marulaneng
- Masite
- Matabatas Location
- Mathabatha
- Mathibela
- Matome
- Mimosa
- Mispah
- Mmafefe
- Mmakotse
- Mmamati
- Moepeng
- Mogologolo
- Mogoto
- Moleke
- Moletlane
- Molsgat
- Morotse
- Mosetamong
- Motantanyana
- Motolong
- Motsane
- Motserereng
- Mphahlele 1
- Mphahlele 2
- Mphahlele 3
- Phosiri
- Pruizen
- Ramorake
- Raymond Estates
- Rivierplaats
- Sampse
- Sefalaolo
- Sekgophokgophong
- Sekurwaneng
- Sepitsi
- Seswikaneng
- Streatham
- Thabamoopo
- Thabaneng
- Thamagane
- Tooseng
- Tswaing
- Twinvallei
- Vaalboschlaagte
- Volop
- Zebediela
- Zebedielas Location
Geography
Lepelle-Nkumpi takes its name from the Lepelle (Olifants) River, which drains the municipality’s eastern side toward Sekhukhune, and from the Nkumpi hills that rise near Lebowakgomo. The terrain is mostly open bushveld and grassland, well suited to both grazing and irrigated orchards along the river valleys. Within Capricorn District it borders Polokwane, Blouberg and Molemole.
Demographics
The population grew from 231,239 at the 2011 census to 284,404 in 2022, a rise of about 23%. Northern Sotho is the dominant home language across the municipality’s villages, and Lebowakgomo continues to draw residents from surrounding rural wards for schooling and government services.
Economy and Local Life
Lebowakgomo, built as an administrative capital under the former Lebowa homeland before 1994, still functions as the municipality’s public-sector and trading hub, with government offices, a hospital and a shopping centre. Zebediela is historically known for one of the country’s largest citrus estates, planted in the 1920s and still a significant employer in the fruit-packing season. Elsewhere, most households depend on subsistence farming, cattle-keeping and remittances from relatives working in Polokwane or further afield.
Getting There
The R37 connects Lebowakgomo to Polokwane in the north and Burgersfort in the southeast. Polokwane International Airport, about 50 km away, is the nearest scheduled airport.
History
Lebowakgomo was built from the 1970s as an administrative capital of the Lebowa homeland, a self-governing territory created under apartheid for Northern Sotho-speaking South Africans. Its wide streets and government complex still reflect that planned, homeland-capital origin. Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality was formed in the 2000 local government reorganisation, combining the town with surrounding rural wards including the historic Zebediela citrus estate.
FAQ
What is the seat of Lepelle-Nkumpi?
Lebowakgomo.
How many towns are in Lepelle-Nkumpi?
GeoNames records list 98 named places.
What is the population?
284,404 at the 2022 census, up from 231,239 in 2011.
Which district and province is it in?
Capricorn District, Limpopo province.
What is the main industry?
Public administration around Lebowakgomo and historic citrus farming around Zebediela.
Was Lebowakgomo a homeland capital?
Yes, it was built as the administrative capital of the Lebowa homeland from the 1970s.
What is the largest settlement?
Lebowakgomo, the seat, followed by the Zebediela farming area.
What is Zebediela known for?
One of South Africa’s largest citrus estates, planted in the 1920s.
How far is Lebowakgomo from Polokwane?
Roughly 50 km southeast, along the R37.
What river gives the municipality its name?
The Lepelle (Olifants) River, which drains the eastern part of the municipality.
What language is mostly spoken?
Northern Sotho, spoken across nearly all of the municipality’s villages.