Discover our history, vision, mission and commitment to delivering responsive services and sustainable development across our communities.
The uMlalazi Municipality is a local municipality within the King Cetshwayo District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The municipal area is characterised by an undulating topography, which presents certain challenges in the delivery of engineering services. Covering approximately 2 217 km², it is one of the largest local authority areas in South Africa and borders the Indian Ocean, with a coastline of approximately 17 kilometres.
The municipality includes commercial farming areas, traditional authority land, coastal communities, urban centres and important transport routes connecting Durban, Richards Bay, Eshowe, Gingindlovu, Melmoth, Ulundi and Vryheid.
Eshowe, Mtunzini and Gingindlovu
Supporting rural communities and local governance
Bordering the Indian Ocean
To the gross geographic product of the area
uMlalazi is shaped by agricultural production, traditional communities, coastal environments and historically important urban centres.
The municipal area is characterised by commercial farming in a broad continuous band from the west of Eshowe to Gingindlovu and north towards Mtunzini.
Agriculture plays an important role in the economic wellbeing of the municipality. Sugar cane and timber production dominate agricultural activity, with citrus farming also found in the Nkwaleni Valley.
Population distribution is characterised by higher population densities in urban nodes and lower densities across rural areas.
The municipality includes extensive traditional authority land and fourteen recognised Traditional Authorities.
Mtunzini is situated on the North Coast on the banks of the uMlalazi River and borders the uMlalazi Nature Reserve.
The area is known for its greenbelt environment, peaceful residential character and strong eco-tourism potential.
Eshowe, Mtunzini and Gingindlovu form the three main towns of uMlalazi Municipality, each contributing a unique identity, economic role and community character.
Eshowe is historically significant and serves as the administrative and service centre of the municipality. The town is associated with Zulu history, the Dlinza Forest and traditional cultural tourism.
Mtunzini is a coastal residential and eco-tourism destination offering a peaceful environment, access to nature reserves and close proximity to Richards Bay and Empangeni.
Gingindlovu supports surrounding agricultural and rural communities and forms an important part of the municipality's transport and service network.
uMlalazi Municipality forms part of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality and is strategically positioned between key economic and transport routes in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The N2 motorway connects the municipal area with Durban and Richards Bay.
The R34 provides access between Richards Bay, Empangeni and the Nkwaleni Valley.
The R66 links Gingindlovu, Eshowe, Melmoth, Ulundi and Vryheid.
“A just and prosperous municipality that is people empowering and service delivery driven through good and clean governance with trust of Traditional Authorities and future generations.”
“In consultation with traditional authorities the uMlalazi Council will progressively address service delivery backlogs, whilst promoting equal access to socioeconomic development opportunities for the youth, women and people with disabilities, in a lawful and transparent manner.”
The uMlalazi Municipality strives to deliver effective governance, responsible resource management and inclusive community development.
Creating a just, safe and prosperous municipal area through service delivery, good governance and active community participation.
Create sustainable and better services for all.
Ensure a skilled, motivated and committed workforce.
Create mutual trust and understanding through effective communication.
Emphasise the responsible and efficient use of municipal resources.
Provide infrastructure and strengthen investor confidence.
Enhance Batho Pele principles and Back-to-Basics pillars.
Create a safe environment for all communities.
Improve the Green Economy by partnering with stakeholders to create cleaner, safer communities.
Ensure effective land-use management and sound environmental practices.
Enhance good governance through leadership excellence and community participation.
Facilitate institutional transformation.
Ensure continued sound financial management.
Provide services to the entire community with diligence and empathy.
Apply good and transparent corporate governance to promote community prosperity.