The City of uMhlathuze comprises the economic powerhouse of Richards Bay and Empangeni, and its supporting areas of Esikhawini, Ngwelezane, Nseleni, Felixton, Vulindlela, and rural areas. Some 796km2 falls under the jurisdiction of one of South Africa’s most sophisticated local authorities, which is focusing on attracting more industrial, commercial and tourism investment to the region on the north coast of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal. uMhlathuze Municipality is not only financially sound, but also offers investors and visitors first class facilities, services and infrastructure. The City of uMhlathuze is the third largest municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and is located on the north-east coast of the province. It is a strategically placed aspirant metropolitan due its close proximity to Durban. It is home to the country’s largest deep-water port and an industrial development zone and enjoys the associated economic spin-offs. The John Ross Parkway, the major access road to the City from the inland provinces, boasts the country’s longest road bridge and has been designed to meet the growing transport needs of the City in line with development plans of the C*D and harbour.
