Ehlanzeni District Municipality

The provision of a socio-economic infrastructure in order to enable a participatory client utilisation of development opportunities, thereby ensuring a ‘better life for all.

The Ehlanzeni District Municipality is responsible for the planning, coordination, promotion and management of human-centred development, and for co-ordinating with central and provincial governments to ensure that projects rendered comply with the needs of the people in the region.

The area is very well suited to agriculture. There is an abundance of citrus and subtropical fruits: mangoes, avocadoes, paw-paws, guavas, bananas, granadillas and litchis. Sugarcane, macadamia and pecan nuts, and various types of vegetables are also all cultivated. Nelspruit is currently the second biggest citrus-producing area in South Africa and accounts for a third of the country’s export of oranges.

In preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Mbombela Stadium, a multi-purpose regional sports stadium, is being constructed within the Mbombela Local Municipality. This development is expected to have a major impact on the area, attracting financial investment, improvements to infrastructure and tourism. Ehlanzeni is home to many fascinating and unique attractions. The Sudwala Caves are the oldest known caves in the world. Adjacent to these caves is the Sudwala Dinosaur Park and the Sudwala Cultural Village. Kaapsehoop is an historic mining village, as is Pilgrims Rest. As well as having many of its own nature and game reserves, a large portion of the municipal area is bordered by the Kruger National Park. Thaba Chweu Municipality is home to the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon. The scenic Long Tom Pass lies between Lydenburg and Sabie.