Ulundi Local Municipality is a local municipality located on the southern boundary of the Zululand District Municipality in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is a mainly rural municipality that encompasses the town of Ulundi.Population characteristicsRecent surveys have identified the following characteristics of the municipality's population:More than half the population is younger than 19 years of age, placing pressure on the need for social facilities. A significant number of these children will be orphaned due to HIV/AIDS.At least 12% of the population (27 450 people) are already infected with HIV/AIDS. Population growth is expected to decline over the next 20 years.Education levels are very low; 29% of the population has no formal education.Income levels are very low; nearly 40% of households have no income. Unemployment levels are very high, with only 12.5% of the total population being formally employed.The population is predominantly Zulu in ethnicity and culture.Places of interestThe tourism potential of the area remains largely undeveloped; however, the area features a number of activities and places of interest. These include game reserves, historical/cultural sites, cultural events and guest lodges. Game reserves include the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Parks, the Ophathe Game Park, the Emakhosini (Valley of the Zulu Kings), the planned Emakhosini-Ophathe Conservancy, and the ThakaZulu Game Reserve. Historical/cultural sites include Nodwengu (King Mpande’s residence and grave), Ulundi Battlefield, Amafa and Dingaan Stat/Piet Retief’s grave.
