Emakhazeni Local Municipality sits in the Nkangala District Municipality in Mpumalanga province. The 2022 census counted 50,165 people across 4,736 km², up from 47,216 in 2011. Its seat is Belfast, also called eMakhazeni. The name Emakhazeni means “place of cold” in the Nguni languages, a nod to the municipality’s escarpment climate, noticeably colder and wetter than the rest of Nkangala District.
Towns and Villages in Emakhazeni
Emakhazeni’s four main towns string out along the N4 and the old rail line, each with a distinct character: Belfast as the administrative seat, Dullstroom as a fly-fishing and tourism town, and Machadodorp and Emgwenya as former railway settlements on the steep descent toward the Lowveld below the escarpment.
| Place | Type | Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast | Seat | 20,036 |
| Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) | Town | 7,410 |
| Machadodorp | Town | 10,712 |
| Dullstroom | Town | 6,256 |
Smaller settlements and localities:
- Bambi
- Bothasberg
- Crossroads
- Gemsbokhoek
- Helvetia-Noord
- Hydro
- Panorama
- Schoemanskloof
- Siyathuthuka
- Sterkloop
- Torburnlea
- Tranquilitas
- Wagenbietjieshoek
- Waterval-Onder
Geography
Emakhazeni lies on the Mpumalanga escarpment, where the Highveld drops toward the Lowveld. The terrain runs from open grassland around Belfast and Dullstroom to forested slopes and steep kloofs near Waterval Boven and Machadodorp, where the land falls away sharply toward the Lowveld. It borders Steve Tshwete and Thaba Chweu municipalities and is one of six local municipalities in Nkangala District. Cold winters and high rainfall define the escarpment climate, unusual for a Mpumalanga municipality otherwise dominated by drier Highveld conditions.
Demographics
Population rose from 47,216 in the 2011 census to 50,165 in 2022, a gain of about 6%. Black African residents form the large majority, at 87.2% of the population, with White residents at 10.8%. Swazi (28.3%), Zulu (21.8%) and Southern Ndebele (18.7%) are the most-spoken home languages, reflecting the municipality’s position between traditional Swazi, Zulu and Ndebele-speaking areas of the eastern Highveld.
Economy and Local Life
Forestry and agriculture support the escarpment towns, while Dullstroom is known regionally for trout fishing and weekend tourism, with guesthouses and fly-fishing lodges drawing visitors from Gauteng. Waterval Boven and Machadodorp grew up around the Pretoria–Maputo rail line, a steep and historically significant section of track, and still see rail-linked trade and some tourism from railway enthusiasts. Belfast serves as the municipality’s administrative and commercial centre, with agricultural produce moving through the town toward Gauteng and Maputo markets.
Getting There
The N4 toll route runs through Machadodorp and Waterval Boven on its way from Pretoria to Nelspruit and Maputo. Belfast sits on the N4 as well, roughly two hours east of Pretoria. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is about 90 km further east, serving Nelspruit and the Kruger National Park region. Dullstroom lies just off the N4 on the R540, a short detour for travellers heading toward the Lowveld.
FAQ
What is the seat of Emakhazeni Local Municipality?
Belfast, also known as eMakhazeni, is the seat.
What is the population of Emakhazeni?
50,165 people at the 2022 census, up from 47,216 in 2011.
Which district is Emakhazeni part of?
Nkangala District Municipality, in Mpumalanga.
What towns are in Emakhazeni?
Belfast, Emgwenya (Waterval Boven), Machadodorp and Dullstroom are the main towns.
Is Dullstroom in Emakhazeni?
Yes. Dullstroom, known for trout fishing, falls inside Emakhazeni municipality.
What was Emakhazeni previously called?
The municipality was formerly known as Highlands Municipality before adopting its current name.
How do I get to Emakhazeni from Pretoria?
Take the N4 east; Belfast and Machadodorp are both roughly two hours from Pretoria by road.
What does the name Emakhazeni mean?
“Place of cold” in the Nguni languages, describing the municipality’s cool escarpment climate.
Which municipalities border Emakhazeni?
Steve Tshwete and Thaba Chweu, the latter across the Mpumalanga escarpment toward Sabie and Lydenburg.