Umzimkhulu | |
---|---|
![]() Location in KwaZulu-Natal | |
Country | South Africa |
Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
District | Harry Gwala |
Seat | Umzimkhulu |
Wards | 20 |
Government | |
• Type | Municipal council |
• Mayor | Mphuthumi Mpabanga |
Area | |
• Total | 2,435 km2 (940 sq mi) |
Population (2011)[2] | |
• Total | 180,302 |
• Density | 74/km2 (190/sq mi) |
Racial makeup (2011) | |
• Black African | 99.3% |
• Coloured | 0.3% |
• Indian/Asian | 0.1% |
• White | 0.1% |
First languages (2011) | |
• Zulu | 47.3% |
• Xhosa | 46.3% |
• English | 1.6% |
• Other | 4.8% |
Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
Municipal code | KZN435 |
Umzimkhulu Municipality (Zulu: UMasipala wase Mzimkhulu; Xhosa: uMasipala wase Mzimkhulu) is a local municipality within the Harry Gwala District Municipality, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Umzimkhulu is an isiXhosa and isiZulu word meaning "big/great house".[4] Prior to the Twelfth Amendment of the Constitution of South Africa in 2005, confirmed by the Thirteenth in 2007, it was part of the Eastern Cape.
About 90.8% of the population reside in rural areas, while the remaining 9.2% are urban-based. The municipality faces severe backlogs with respect to water, sanitation and electricity provision. In addition, road infrastructure remains poor and provides only limited access to the area.[5]