This district in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal offers numerous economic opportunities and tourist highlights.
Vision
Our vision is an economically sound district with effective infrastructure and a district municipality that empowers people, protects the environment and demonstrates leadership excellence.
Mission
Our mission is to create a prosperous district by:
• Providing a high standard of essential basic services
• Supporting sustainable local economic development
• Encouraging community participation in service delivery projects
Geography and location
The uThungulu District is located in the north-eastern region of KwaZulu-Natal and stretches from the agricultural town of Gingindlovu in the south to the uMfolozi River in the north and inland to the mountainous beauty of rural
Nkandla.
The district’s climate and terrain are suited to the development of both agriculture and tourism. The existing agriculture in the area benefits from an established irrigation infrastructure. The scenic coastal terrain provides numerous opportunities for the development of tourism infrastructure.
Main industries/business sectors
Commercial agriculture
uThungulu’s main crop is sugar cane, grown largely in the lower-lying coastal belt. The production of horticultural crops includes citrus, subtropical fruits and vegetables.
Forestry
The commercial forestry sector is well developed with large plantations owned by private companies such as Mondi and Sappi. Local communities are also involved in small-grower timber production.
Main resources/attractions
uThungulu’s gateway to the world markets is the Port of Richards Bay, the largest deepwater port on the African
continent. It imports the highest volume of bulk cargo of all African ports and has double the capacity of the Port of Durban, handling in excess of 75 million tons of cargo annually.
The harbour’s bulk-handling facilities are worldclass and the trade links with international economies through the port have been the prime impetus for large-scale industrialisation in the area. The manufacturing sector is the largest economic contributor in the district, contributing over 50% to gross geographic product.
Richards Bay, as a harbour and industrial town, offers a unique combination of a laid-back coastal lifestyle combined with an abundance of career opportunities and economic activity within a variety of sectors, from large-scale global industries such as BHP Billiton’s two aluminium smelters to the burgeoning small and medium business sector.
Key development objectives and strategies
Strategic focus areas
The five
strategic focus areas of the uThungulu District Municipality are:
• an economically sound district
• effective infrastructure
• people empowerment
• an integrated environment
• leadership excellence
Local economic development (LED)
The district’s LED strategy focuses on its comparative advantages in the agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sectors.
Vast areas of the district hold enormous agricultural potential and further development in this sector will contribute significantly to the district’s economy. The rich natural heritage presents opportunities for community-based tourism projects in rural areas. Within the manufacturing sector, downstream beneficiation remains a key challenge, as many of the primary industries located in uThungulu produce primarily for the export market. The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone is focusing on attracting a number of downstream beneficiation businesses, particularly in the aluminium and timber sectors.
The need to address poverty, crime and the HIV and Aids pandemic are major challenges facing local government in the district. Over 80% of the population is rural, with a high number of people in the zero to 19-year age group. The accessibility of transport infrastructure to rural communities throughout the district remains a pressing concern, as the transport network remains concentrated in the urban areas.
Tourism
Tourism is a major source of income for the district and offers potential for further growth. uThungulu forms a gateway to some of the country’s finest game reserves and is rich in cultural heritage, offering a unique Zulu Kingdom experience. uThungulu and the neighbouring Zululand District Municipality are together considered to be the heart and soul of the Zulu Kingdom. Traditional Zulu arts and crafts are in increasing demand in both
local and international markets.
uThungulu also has a number of wetlands, the most notable being Lake Cubhu and the Greater uMhlathuze Wetlands to the south of Richards Bay at Esikhawini, which could potentially be developed as ecotourism destinations.
Key facts and figures
Local municipalities covered: Mbonambi, uMhlathuze, Ntambanana, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni
Population: 885 966 (2001 census estimate)
Area covered: 8 213km2
Major towns: Richards Bay
Key infrastructure:
Main roads: N2 highway connecting to Durban and Ermelo
Ports: Port of Richards Bay
Contact details
Key personnel:
Mayor: Cllr Thembeka Mchunu
Municipal Manager: Bonginkosi Biyela
Key contact person:
Danie Lubbe, Deputy Municipal Manager
Elitza Marais, Senior Manager: Planning and Development
Tel:
+27 35 799 2501
Fax: +27 35 789 1641
Email: sceo@uthungulu.co.za
Physical address: Uthungulu House, Kruger Rand, Richards Bay 3900
Postal address: Private Bag X1025, Richards Bay 3900
Website: www.uthungulu.org.za
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