Ngoma Local Municipality
Nongoma, set in beautiful, picturesque Zululand, is located to the north of KwaZulu-Natal Province. Nongoma Local Municipality is Zululand’s second largest municipality in terms of population and the second largest in terms of area.Nongoma is the Royal City of Zululand. It is the home of King Goodwill Zwelethini, the hereditary leader of the nation and his royal palaces are among the main tourist attractions in the town. The royal family is highly respected and has a dominating presence in this rural and very traditional part of Zululand.
Nongoma Town is mainly a service-orientated centre resulting from it being the seat of the Nongoma Local Municipality and centrally located with regard to surrounding rural / farming communities. The radial network of roads all converging in Nongoma Local Municipality bears testimony in this regard.
The demographic profile of the disadvantaged communities is characterised by high levels of unemployment, low-income levels of skill / training and relatively poor health conditions. The area experiences high levels of poverty and has a high incidence of HIV/AIDS infection. Another prevailing problem is poor accessibility to basic facilities and services.
Economy
The economic base of the Nongoma Municipality is mainly vested in the agricultural sector. The need to develop this sector is important from a household livelihood point of view and from an economic/commercial agricultural point of view.
The need to establish and develop small-scale agricultural projects in the municipal area is important and is also a priority of the KZN Dept of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs as well as the National Department of Land Affairs and Agriculture. Small-scale agricultural projects therefore need to be identified on the Ingonyama Trust land and other land in the municipal area.
Tourism
Nongoma is a potential tourist destination. The town offers the best mix of eco-attractions as a holiday destination with a rich diversity and scenic nature trails, historic heritage and a unique moderate climate. Family members of the Zulu king are playing an important part in encouraging tourists to Nongoma and are often willing to appear at dinners to chat informally to guests about the Zulu Royal House and the traditions of its people.
