Nkangala is the Nguni word for Highveld.
Nkangala District Municipality is made up of the following local municipalities: Delmas, Dr J.S. Moroka, Emalahleni, Emakhazeni, Steve Tshwete, and Thembisile. It is also responsible for the Mdala District Management Area. Nkangala was awarded the prestigious VUNA Award, as the best District Municipality in South Africa, during 2004, for municipal service excellence.
Nkangala is at the economic hub of Mpumalanga and is rich in minerals and natural resources. The Districts economy is dominated by electricity, manufacturing and mining. These sectors are followed by community services, trade, finance, transport, agriculture and construction.
The manufacturing sector in Middelburg is increasing at an average annual rate of 16, 3%, making it a major contributor to the provinces overall gross value added. Although, Steve Tshwete is the main contributor to agricultural activity, the sector is largely underdeveloped. Nkangala proposes to integrate employment creation with the stimulation of the agricultural sector. The major products are maize, livestock, chicken and vegetables (potatoes).
A strength of the District is the Maputo Corridor, which brings increased potential for economic growth and tourism development. The proximity to Gauteng opens up opportunities to a larger market, which is of benefit to the Districts agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The further potential inherent in exporting goods, provides opportunities that need to be investigated.
It is necessary to regenerate the economic systems, not only to assist the local economy, but also to help community leaders understand the structural changes that have occurred and continue to occur in their region. Active marketing to promote and brand businesses and industries, as well as creating an awareness of investment opportunities in Nkangala is in progress. Nkangala has developed a Growth and Development Summit Agreement with its partners in all sectors, committing them to its economic growth path of 6% by the year 2014.
