Ndwedwe

Ndwedwe Local Municipality is one of the four local municipalities within the Ilembe District Municipality. Situated approximately 20km inland form the Indian Ocean coast and bordering the eThekwini Metro to the south, Maphumulo Local Municipality to the north, and KwaDukuza to the east, most of the municipality is trial authority land. Within the regional context, much of the Ndwedwe Local Municipality represents the former KwaZulu homeland and is fairly rural, consisting of traditional settlement areas which, while located in relatively close proximity to major urban and economic developments (e.g., King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort), have remained relatively underdeveloped.

  • It has unique tourism attractions (Zulu Rural Cultural Trail) such as the Nhlangakazi Holy Mountain, which represents a significant cultural and religious attraction.
  • It also has beautiful mountains such as the Ozwathini Mountain; KwaMatabata Mountain; Carmen Mountain; KwaMkhalanga Mountain and Goqweni Mountain. These mountains accommodate activities such as 4×4 routes; hiking trails, horse trails; camping sites; caravan parks; and birding.
  • Other attractions include the Malangeni Game Reserve; and KwaLoshe Forests (Ecotourism). It has high agricultural potential (e.g. sugar cane and traditional foods).

Population share by local municipality – Ndwedwe 21.1%

Sugarcane cultivation is the predominant economic activity and land use in the municipality. The key features that define Ndwedwe are the opportunities that have emerged at various levels:

  • Business cluster developments (manufacturing warehouses and distribution)
  • Business Parks
  • Agro-processing plant for processed food and semi-perishables
  • Agricultural distribution warehouses and
  • Housing Estates at Mona Area (10km radius of Dube Trade Port) and at Ndwedwe Village

INVESTMENT PROJECTS

Bamshela retail developments – Bamshela in Ndwedwe is home to a recently developed 1ha retail centre anchored by Spar. The centre is now operational. Construction has commenced on a 2ha retail centre to be anchored by Shoprite.

Ndwedwe Town retail developments – In Ndwedwe Town, there are plans to develop a 2ha retail centre anchored by Spar and a 1ha central shopping plaza to complement the existing 2ha Boxer Shopping Centre.