MBOMBELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Mbombela Local Municipality is situated in the Lowveld Region of , in the North Eastern part of . Mbombela is a SiSwati term meaning “a lot of people together in a small space” and fittingly describes several areas within the municipality.

Vision: Together in partnership, building a model African City of Excellence

The seven wonders AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND NATURE MAIN BUSINESS SECTORS IN MBOMBELA of Mbombela With the world-famous right on Transport Sector its doorstep, Mbombela is the gateway city to a The development corridor, linking to Maputo, runs through Mbombela. PROVINCE OF THE RISING SUN world of abundant natural beauty and wildlife. Another of South Africa’s most scenic tourism routes, Trading Sector the panorama route, is close by and features some Mbombela is situated in the Province of Trading mainly occurs in Nelspruit’s CBO, White of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga means “province of River, Hazy view and Kanyamazane. country. The wild, fresh air promises to rejuvenate the rising sun” and is rich in what it has to offer the and refresh visitors, while they enjoy the warm visitor. From the white beaches of Agricultural Sector climate and friendly local hospitality. which borders the province in the east to the Commercial and subsistence farming in the subtropical climate of Mbombela facilitates the culturally rich Kingdom of Swaziland in the production of a wide variety of crops, namely south–east. RICH AND DIVERSE CULTURES mangoes, avocados and litchis. Nelspruit played an important role in the history of MODEL AFRICAN CITY OF EXCELLENCE Manufacturing Sector South Africa and this history has been preserved Furniture, metal, manganese and paper and through the city’s museums and old buildings. Mbombela, also known as Nelspruit, is an ambitious pulp manufacturers dominate in Mbombela The province’s rich cultural diversity has also been and progressive city that strives to be a model of protected and encouraged, resulting in an eclectic excellence for other African cities to follow. As the Financial Sector mix of friendly people. capital and key centre for Manufacturing, Trade, Mbombela has a well-established banking and Catering, Government, Finance, Real Estate, financial sector, which is the second-largest contributor after the manufacturing sector. Transport, Communication and Agriculture in the ECO AND ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES province, the city has, under astute leadership, Tourism Sector blossomed from a once sleepy town into a thriving As a lively, action-filled city, Mbombela serves as the perfect base for exploring some of the region’s Mbombela is a tourism destination for all seasons economy. Mbombela is the major service centre for and focuses on an expanding tourism economy. the Lowveld, Mozambique and Swaziland and was hotspots. From coming face-to-face with Africa’s big five, to an exciting nightlife or a selection of a 2010 FIFA World Cup City. Main Attractions outdoor adventures, the region has something for Kruger National Park, Lowveld Botanical TRULY AFRICAN STADIUM AND WORLD every visitor. The more adventurous can try Gardens, Dinosaur Park, , Croc skydiving, mountain biking through indigenous CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE river Environ park, Jane Goodall Institute forests, kloofing, abseiling, rock climbing, and biking, Chimpanzee Eden, Cultural Village 4x4 trails, bungee jumping, microliting and The latest addition to the Mbombela skyline is the parachuting. Key Facts and Figures magnificent African-themed . District municipality: Ehlanzeni District Municipality A 46,000 capacity sports venue serving as a host to FRIENDLY AND PEACEFUL PEOPLE Population: 527,203 four matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The giant Area covered: 3,411,780 square kilometers orange “giraffes” or roof columns that dominate the Major towns: Nelspruit, White River, , Visitors to Mbombela can expect a warm and stadium’s façade, give the arena an unmistakable Kaapschehoop, , , African and Mpumalanga Safari look. As do the friendly welcome from its entire people. You would Tekwane, Kanyamazane and Matsulu black and white criss crossed seats that resemble be hard-pressed to find a more laid-back, easy- the hide of a Zebra. Lively Ndebele paintings light going population than in this portion of the Key Infrastructure up the meeting rooms, foyer and lounge areas, Mpumalanga province. It is home to the Swazis, Main roads: National Road, , Provincial while the stadium corridors are in bright lime green, Shangaans and Sothos including Ndebele, who are Road and the Maputo development corridor sky blue and sunset yellow and orange. Wherever recognized internationally for their artistic talents Railways: A railway link to Maputo, Swaziland and the rest of South Africa possible, the stadium was built using the local labour and craftwork. Airports: Kruger Mpumalanga International airport and materials, thereby boosting the local economy. Ports and harbors: 200km from Maputo harbor

Contact details Key Contact Officials Physical address: 1 Nel Street, Nelspruit 1200 Key personnel: Dr M Van Niekerk, Postal address: P O Box 45, nelspruit 1200 LL Chiwayo, Executive Mayor Senior Manager, Local Economic Development, Tel: 2713 759 2063/2029 T Ndlala, MMC for Economic and Tourism and Trade Fax: 27 13 759 9097 Tourism Development EB JELE, Manager Email: [email protected] N Mthembu, Acting Municipal Manager Local Economic Development Website: www.mbombela.gov.za