Mandeni Municipality Overview
Mandeni Local Municipality is located along the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 100km north of eThekwini Metro, and 80km south of the uMhlathuze, Municipality. It lies along the N2 national and provincial corridor, as well as the north-south rail link connecting the economic hubs of Durban and Richards Bay. As such, the municipality is strategically located to provide services to, and derive economic benefits from, these economic hubs.
Mandeni Local Municipality is one of the four local municipalities that make up the iLembe District; and the other local municipalities are KwaDukuza, Maphumulo, and Ndwedwe. Mandeni Local Municipality covers approximately 545.48km2, and is made up of 18 electoral wards. The municipality is predominantly rural in character, with Ingonyama Trust land accounting for the majority of its landmass.
There are four Traditional Council areas within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction, namely:
- Sikhonyane (eLangeni) Traditional Council area, which includes wards 6, 11, and 16. This area is located along the municipality’s northwestern boundary.
- Mathonsi Traditional Council area, which covers wards 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18.
- Macambini Traditional Council area, which covers the electoral wards of 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9. This area is located between the N2 and the coast. It has huge potential for tourism, commercial, and industrial activities; leisure, and upmarket housing development.
- Hlomendlini (Ngcobo) Traditional Council located along the southwestern boundary.
