The Amajuba District is strategically positioned on the border of KwaZulu-Natal, acting as an entry point into Mpumalanga and Free State provinces. Ladysmith, Newcastle, Charlestown, and Volksrust form part of the primary rail link between Gauteng and eThekwini, enabling efficient transportation of goods for heavy industry within the district. Amajuba serves as the province's main hub for metal manufacturing, significantly contributing to the district's GVA compared to the provincial level. Newcastle-Madadeni-Osisweni stands out as the principal economic center in the district and ranks among the larger economic hubs in the province. Utrecht and Dannhauser represent the smaller urban centers within the district.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Misizwe Khumalo
| Population | 583249.2 |
| Youth | 583249.2 |
| Male | 279897.7 |
| Female | 303351.5 |
Community services (30.5%), followed by manufacturing (18%), finance (15%), trade (9.7%), mining (7.6%), transport (7.1%), electricity (5.6%), agriculture (4.4%) and construction (2.2%).
GDP: R39 billion, contributing 4% to KZN GDP
R7,6 billion, contributing 5% to KZN Domestic Investment
The manufacturing sector is vital for the area's economy, with Karbochem, a synthetic rubber plant, and Arcelor-Mittal Steelworks dominating Newcastle's industrial landscape. Other major facilities in the area include heavy engineering, a granite tile factory, steel reinforcement, and a slagment cement plant.
| Working Age Population | 361 688 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 173 166 |
| Number of Employed Person | 102 171 |
| Not Economically Active | 286 538 |
| Unemployment Rate | 41% (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | - |
The primary focus of the Harry Gwala District is its agricultural activities and emerging industries, given that it is a primarily rural area. It holds strategic importance due to its position as a gateway to the Eastern Cape Province and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The road network plays a crucial role in facilitating both intra and inter trade, as well as serving as tourism routes. The district's main areas of focus include dairy farming, forestry, and local trade, with a strong community presence. Despite facing economic development challenges, there are opportunities in small-scale manufacturing and local tourism.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Zamo Nxumalo
| Population | 736 510 |
| Male | - |
| Female | - |
Community services (36.7%), followed by trade (17.6%), agriculture (16.2%), finance (8.6%), manufacturing (8%), transport (5.7%), electricity (4.7%), construction (2.3%) and mining (0.2%).
GDP: R21 billion, 2% to KZN GDP
R3,6 billion, 2% contribution to KZN Domestic Investment
| Working Age Population | 418 085 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 123 343 |
| Number of Employed Person | 68 761 |
| Not Economically Active | 341622 |
| Unemployment Rate | 37% (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | Community Service (30,1%), Agriculture (16,6%),Trade (16,1%), Households (11,%) and Finance (9,7%) |
The administrative headquarters of the King Cetshwayo District (KCD) is situated in Richards Bay, within the province of KZN, around 150 kilometers north of the major metropolitan area of eThekwini. This district ranks as the third largest regional economy in KwaZulu-Natal, making an 8% contribution to the provincial GDP. The manufacturing sector serves as the primary economic catalyst within the King Cetshwayo district, boasting a well-established industrial base stretching between Richards Bay and Empangeni. Richards Bay is renowned for its world-class industry and is home to the world’s largest export coal terminal, the Richards Bay Coal Terminal.
Executive Mayor: Acting District Mayor Cllr SZ Dlamini
| Population | 1,02 million |
| Male | 448 287.5 |
| Female | 516 162 |
Manufacturing is the largest economic sector (24%), followed by community services (23.4%), finance (12.1%), mining (11.1%), trade (9.1%), transport (8.8%), agriculture (6.4%), electricity (2.6%) and construction (2.5%)
GDP: 3rd largest regional economy in the province, R79 billlion
8% to KZN GDP and 2%
The district, specifically City of uMhlathuze is home to Mondi, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), Bell Equipment, Foskor, South 32/ BHP Billiton, and major comapnies. The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) has allocated a significant area of serviced land for foreign direct investments.
| Working Age Population | 313 695 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 114038 |
| Number of Employed Person | 71 718 |
| Not Economically Active | 231 629 |
| Unemployment Rate | 32 % (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | 1. Community Service (24%), 2. Trade (16%), 3. Finance (15%), 4. Manufacturing (12%) and 5. Agriculture (9,9%) |
The district is situated around 250 kilometers to the north-west of the province, north of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, and shares a border with the Kingdom of Eswatini (refer to map 1). It borders the Gert Sibande District Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province to the northwest, and the Amajuba and uMzinyathi District Municipalities to the west. To the south, it shares a border with the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, and to the north with the uMkhanyakude District Municipality. There are six main urban areas in the district, with Vryheid and Ulundi being the largest, and around 866 rural settlements spread across the district.
Executive Mayor: Cllr MB Khumalo
| Population | 951 989 |
| Male | 414 643 |
| Female | 474 961 |
Community services (37.3%) as a largest economic sector, followed by finance (23.7%), trade (8.6%), agriculture (7.5%), transport (6.2%)
GDP: R36 billion, 4% to KZN GDP
R6,8 billion, contributing 4% to KZN Domestic Direct Investment
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Park
- Forestry and agriculture are the two key economic activities. There is a small manufacturing sector in Paulpietersburg / Dumbe and an informal sector
| Working Age Population | 577 986 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 175 659 |
| Number of Employed Person | 105 473 |
| Not Economically Active | 402 327 |
| Unemployment Rate | 32% (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | Community Services (32,1%), Trade (15,8%), Finance (15,5%), Manufacturing (14,9%) and Household (10,4%) |
eThekwini, also known as Durban Metro, serves as the economic and cultural center of KwaZulu-Natal. It holds the distinction of being the largest city in the province and plays a vital role as a major port, facilitating regional and international trade. The city's population is diverse, and its economy is bolstered by strong sectors such as services, manufacturing, and tourism. Given its importance as a hub for commerce and industry, Durban Metro plays a critical role in propelling the economic growth and progress of the province.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Cyril Xaba
The eThekwini Metro has been divided into five functional municipal planning regions (MPRs), namely, North, Central, South, and Outer West
| Population | 4,2 million |
| Youth | 414 103 000 |
| Male | 2,06 million |
| Female | 2,07 million |
GDP:559 billion, 54% to KZN GDP
R87 billion (51% to KZN Domestic Investment)
- Durban Port Authority (Transnet Port Terminals)
- Sappi
- Unilever South Africa
- Bidvest
- Pioneer Foods
- Toyota South Africa
- Tongaat Hulett
- Adcock Ingram
- Illovo Sugar
- Nampak
| Working Age Population | 2,9 million |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 1,7 million |
| Number of Employed Person | 1,2 million |
| Not Economically Active | 1,4 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 29 % (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | 1. Community Services (22,3%), 2. Trade (19,8%), 3. Finance (19,0%), 4. Manufacturing (14,5%) and 5. Households (9,7%) |
The headquarters of his Majesty King Shaka ka Senzangakhona were once located in the district, which also used to be the residence of Africa's first Nobel Peace laureate, iNkosi Albert Luthuli, and Mahatma Gandhi. Situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), it is positioned between the eThekwini Metro to the south and the King Cetshwayo District to the North.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Ndabuko Zulu
| Population | 782, 661 |
| Youth | 714179.5 |
| Male | 337196.3 |
| Female | 376983.1 |
Manufacturing (25.4%) followed by Community services (20.7%), Finance (16.0%), Agriculture (15.5%), and Trade (10.3%).
GDP:R48 billion, 5% to KZN GDP
R8,2 billion, 5% to KZN Domestic Investment
- King Shaka International Airport
- Isithebe Industrial Estate
- Tongaat Hulett Sugar
- Umhlali Country Club
- Zimbali Estate Management
- Sappi Southern Africa
- IFA Hotels and Resorts
- Ballito Estates
- Thukela Refractories
- Simbithi Eco Estate
| Working Age Population | 448 410 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 199777 |
| Number of Employed Person | 136663 |
| Not Economically Active | 317 403 |
| Unemployment Rate | 32% (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | Manufacturing (19,3) , Community Service (17,9%), Trade (16,7%), Finance (13,1%) ,Agriculture (11,9%) |
uGu District Municipality is a category C municipality with municipal executive and legislative authority in an area that includes more than one municipality. It is 4 908 km² in extent and boasts a spectacular coastline of 112 kilometres, which forms its Eastern border. The region is bordered on the North by the eThekwini, in the West by Umgungundlovu and Harry Gwala District municipalities and on the Southern side shares its borders with the Eastern Cape Province. Ugu is a popular tourist destination with a 112-kilometre coastline, encompassing established coastal towns like Port Shepstone, Pennington, Margate, and Scottburgh. The N2 highway, a modern thoroughfare, runs alongside the sea, traversing Port Shepstone, the administrative center of the District Municipality and the primary commercial hub.
Executive Mayor: Cllr SI Mnqadi
| Population | 773 402 |
| Male | 394 766 |
| Female | 432 241 |
Community services (28.4%), followed by trade (17%), finance (14.5%), manufacturing (13.4%), and agriculture (11.7%).
GDP: R45 billion, 4% to KZN GDP
R7,6 billion, contributing 4% to KZN Domestic Direct Investment
- NPC CIMPOR, KZN premier cement manufacturing company
- The Gorge Private Game Lodge and Spa
- San lamer Resort Hotel & Spa
- Marble Delta
- Banana Beach Holiday Resort
- Selbourne Beach Club
- Commercial Agriculture Farms- Banana, Sugar Cane and Macadamia Nuts
| Working Age Population | 448 410 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 197 191 |
| Number of Employed Person | 133 248 |
| Not Economically Active | 297 293 |
| Unemployment Rate | 32% (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | - |
The uMgungundlovu District, which surrounds Pietermaritzburg, features a combination of rural and urban environments. Its proximity to the provincial capital allows it to serve as the administrative and legislative center of the provincial government in KwaZulu-Natal, while also playing a significant role in the province's economy through commercial and industrial activities. The district boasts several infrastructural advantages, including major dams like Midmar, Nagle, Wagendrift, and Albert Falls, with another dam under construction near Mooi River. These dams serve as the primary water source for the province's most densely populated areas, including eThekwini. Additionally, the district has an excellent road network, centered primarily around the N3 but also including the R33, R56, R617, and R103, as well as numerous rail linkages.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Thobani Shandu
| Population | 1,2 million |
| Youth | 117 679 |
| Male | 556 952 |
| Female | 619 984 |
- Community services (34.7%),
- Finance (16.2%),
- Trade (12.6%),
- Manufacturing (12.9%),
- Transport (8.7%),
- Agriculture (7.5%),
- Electricity (4.4%),
- Construction (3%)
GDP: Second biggest regional economy in KwaZulu-Natal; R122 billion 12%
- Industrial - Aluminium, footwear, textiles, furniture, wood products, electronics, motor components.
- Agriculture - Timber, beef, dairy, sugarcane, citrus, exotic fruit, cut flowers.
- Business - Major service centre for the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands area, legal services.
- Tourism - Parks and Gardens, historical buildings and architecture, dams.
| Working Age Population | 821 000 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 425 679 |
| Number of Employed Person | 300 464 |
| Not Economically Active | 435 242 |
| Unemployment Rate | 29 % (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | 1. Community Service (27,9%), 2. Trade (16%), Finance (15,2%), 3. Manufacturing (11,3%) and 4. Agriculture (10,4%) |
The uMkhanyakude District is predominantly rural, with Mtubatuba as the largest town located in the southern part, and Hluhluwe, Mkuze, Jozini, Kwangwanase, and Ingwavuma situated further north. It shares its borders with Swaziland and Mozambique, as well as with the Zululand and King Cetshwayo districts. The uMkhanyakude District is renowned for its ecological and cultural richness, including attractions like the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Jozini Dam. This region is highly sought after for eco-tourism and conservation efforts, with a focus on preserving its natural heritage and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It combines a strong community focus with growing opportunities in the tourism industry.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Siphile Mdaka
| Population | 736 510 |
| Male | 315 402 |
| Female | 388 122 |
Government services and the wholesale and retail trade, catering and accommodation are the dominant contributors to the economy.
GDP: R21 billion, contributing 2% to KZN GDP
R3,4 billion, contributing 2% to KZN Domestic Investment
| Working Age Population | 418 085 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 123 343 |
| Number of Employed Person | 68 761 |
| Not Economically Active | 341622 |
| Unemployment Rate | 40 % (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | Community Service (39,6%), Trade (15,2%), Finance (11,4%), Households (9,4%) and Agriculture (8,5%) |
The uMzinyathi District is situated in the northwestern region of KwaZulu-Natal and is predominantly rural, with a primary emphasis on agriculture and local commerce. Within KwaZulu-Natal, uMzinyathi encompasses some of the least affluent and least developed rural areas, particularly the Msinga and Nquthu Municipalities. The more developed urban centers within the district include Dundee and Greytown, which are significant regional hubs with a considerable amount of commercial and agricultural activity. Dundee serves as the administrative center of uMzinyathi.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Petros Ngubane
| Population | 649 261 |
| Male | 262729.8 |
| Female | 371477 |
Largest economic sector is Community services (37.3%), followed by agriculture (15.0%), finance (14.2%), manufacturing (6.3%), transport (5.8%)
GDP: R20 billion
2% to KZN GDP
R3,3 billion (2% to KZN Domestic Investment)
| Working Age Population | 334 334 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 102 386 |
| Number of Employed Person | 182746 |
| Not Economically Active | 291 114 |
| Unemployment Rate | 44 % (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | Community services (37.3%), followed by agriculture (15.0%), finance (14.2%), manufacturing (6.3%), transport (5.8%), |
The uThukela District is situated in the western part of the Kwazulu-Natal Province. Its name comes from the uThukela River, one of the main rivers in KwaZulu-Natal, originating from the Drakensberg mountains and providing water to a significant portion of the province. This district is renowned for its natural features, including the uKhahlamba Drakensberg, which serves as a physical barrier between the uThukela district and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The national routes N3 (running from south to north and vice versa) and N11 (connecting to N3 via the R103 in the Ladysmith Urban Centre) traverse the municipal area and are vital provincial corridors linking the major industrial centers of Johannesburg.
Executive Mayor: Cllr Inosi B. Shabalala
| Population | 789, 092 |
| Male | 333 382.4 |
| Female | 371 477 |
Community services (27.9%), followed by manufacturing (14.3%), finance (13.5%), trade (12.8%), agriculture (11.6%), AND electricity (8.9%)
GDP: R31,1 billion, contributing 4% to KZN GDP
R6 billion, 4% to KZN Domestic Investment
| Working Age Population | 450 575 |
| Labour Force/Economically Active | 174547 |
| Number of Employed Person | 102 224 |
| Not Economically Active | 335 821 |
| Unemployment Rate | 41% (official definition) |
| Sectoral Employment | Community Service (28,3%), Trade (18,2%%), Finance (12,5%), Agriculture (12,2%) and Manufacturing (11,3) |