Emalahleni Local Municipality is a lively and diversified municipality in the heart of South Africa that plays an important role in the country’s socioeconomic landscape.
Emalahleni, located in the Mpumalanga province, is noted for its rich history, cultural legacy, and major contributions to the nation’s progress.
The municipality is distinguished by a combination of urban and rural areas, resulting in a distinctive tapestry of life that reflects both traditional traditions and modern aspirations.
Emalahleni, which translates to “place of coal,” derives a large part of its identity from its strategic location within the Highveld coalfields.
The wealth of coal resources has propelled the local economy’s expansion and established Emalahleni as a prominent participant in South Africa’s energy industry.
Emalahleni is an economic hub, with diverse sectors propelling its development. For decades, the mining industry, particularly coal mining, has been a pillar of the municipality’s economy.
Coal extraction and processing have not only created jobs, but have also considerably contributed to the nation’s energy supply.
Emalahleni has a varied range of economic activity, including industry, agriculture, and services, in addition to mining.
Because of its strategic location along important transportation lines, the town has enabled trade and commerce, stimulating economic development, and attracting investments.
Emalahleni is a cultural melting pot as well as an economic powerhouse. The town celebrates its diversity through a variety of cultural events, festivals, and traditions that highlight its citizens’ unique heritage.
Support for local arts, crafts, and traditional performances demonstrates the municipality’s dedication to conserving and developing cultural identity.
Emalahleni’s educational landscape displays a commitment to enabling future generations. The municipality is home to quality education and skill development schools, colleges, and training institutes.
This emphasis on education is viewed as an investment in the youth, providing them with the tools they need to make significant contributions to society.
Population
 (2023)
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|
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 • Total | 395,466 |
 • Density | 150/km2 (380/sq mi) |
Emalahleni, like any other community, confronts hardships. Infrastructure development, access to basic services, and socioeconomic inequality are among the issues on the municipality’s agenda for continual improvement.
Local governments and community leaders are actively trying to address these issues, aiming for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all citizens.
Emalahleni Local Municipality remains a dynamic and resilient part of South Africa as it evolves.
The 2001 census divided the municipality into the following main places:
Place | Code | Area (km2) | Population | Most spoken language |
---|---|---|---|---|
Boschmans Colliery | 80901 | 0.63 | 3 | Xhosa |
Clewer | 80902 | 36.52 | 2,657 | Zulu |
Coalville | 80903 | 1.33 | 154 | Afrikaans |
Cologne | 80904 | 0.45 | 120 | Zulu |
Coronation | 80905 | 0.96 | 6 | Southern Ndebele |
eMalahleni | 80948 | 240.39 | 61,093 | Afrikaans |
Greenside Colliery | 80907 | 10.86 | 1,314 | Afrikaans |
Hlalanikahle | 80908 | 4.38 | 27,092 | Zulu |
Ikageng | 80909 | 0.46 | 311 | Zulu |
Kendal | 80910 | 32.65 | 285 | Zulu |
Khutala Colliery | 80911 | 0.58 | 0 | – |
Klarinet | 80912 | 0.52 | 195 | Northern Sotho |
Klipplaat | 80913 | 0.14 | 249 | Zulu |
Klippoortjie | 80914 | 0.99 | 382 | Zulu |
Kriel | 80915 | 37.87 | 11,695 | Afrikaans |
KwaGuqa Part 1 | 80916 | 1.87 | 8,005 | Northern Sotho |
KwaGuqa Part 2 | 80918 | 8.57 | 67,461 | Zulu |
KwaGuqa Part 3 | 80919 | 0.09 | 189 | Zulu |
KwaGuqa Part 4 | 80920 | 0.21 | 1,997 | Northern Sotho |
KwaGuqa Part 5 | 80917 | 0.05 | 510 | Northern Sotho |
Landau Colliery | 80921 | 4.71 | 1,707 | Zulu |
Lehlaka Park | 80922 | 1.85 | 2,867 | Zulu |
Lekama | 80923 | 0.48 | 283 | Zulu |
Madressa | 80924 | 0.63 | 189 | Zulu |
Matla Coal Mine | 80925 | 1.04 | 1,207 | Xhosa |
Naauwpoort | 80926 | 0.50 | 1,782 | Zulu |
New Largo | 80927 | 26.50 | 797 | Zulu |
Ogies | 80928 | 1.50 | 897 | Afrikaans |
Pambili | 80929 | 0.43 | 108 | Northern Sotho |
Paxton | 80930 | 1.00 | 1,410 | Zulu |
Phoenix Colliery | 80931 | 2.69 | 99 | Afrikaans |
Phola | 80932 | 3.26 | 22,864 | Zulu |
Pine Ridge | 80933 | 1.07 | 898 | English |
Reedstream Park | 80934 | 1.19 | 905 | Zulu |
Rethabile | 80935 | 1.12 | 762 | Xhosa |
Rietspruit Opencast Mine | 80936 | 51.22 | 292 | Southern Ndebele |
Saaiwater | 80937 | 0.12 | 270 | Zulu |
Soetvelde | 80938 | 0.21 | 118 | Zulu |
Springbok | 80939 | 0.90 | 369 | Afrikaans |
Tavistock Colliery | 80940 | 0.66 | 0 | – |
Thubelihle | 80941 | 0.96 | 5,746 | Zulu |
Travistock South | 80943 | 0.47 | 307 | Afrikaans |
Travistock | 80942 | 0.47 | 709 | Zulu |
Tweefontein | 80944 | 0.93 | 650 | Afrikaans |
Vandyksdrif | 80945 | 2.56 | 2,010 | Sotho |
Voltargo | 80946 | 0.43 | 237 | Zulu |
Vosman | 80947 | 2.15 | 13,126 | Zulu |
Witbank Consolidated Colliery | 80949 | 0.13 | 249 | Tsonga |
Witcons | 80950 | 0.63 | 184 | Afrikaans |
Wolwekrans | 80951 | 1.40 | 463 | Afrikaans |
Zaaiwater | 80952 | 0.23 | 21 | Southern Ndebele |
Remainder of the municipality | 80906 | 2,182.06 | 31,209 | Zulu |
Emalahleni is positioned as an example for sustainable development in the region due to the interaction of tradition and modernity, as well as a dedication to tackling difficulties.
The municipality looks forward to a future that is not only economically prosperous but also socially and culturally alive, thanks to the collaborative efforts of its people and leaders.