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Mthonjaneni was Dingaan’s spring, located on the Mthonjaneni heights in Kwazulu Natal

Mthonjaneni means ‘place of the little fountain’. It was Dingaan’s spring, located on the Mthonjaneni heights.

History on Mthonjeni KwaZulu Natal

At the gateway to the Zulu highlands lies the picturesque town of Melmoth. Founded in 1888 as a ‘gold-rush’ town on a portion of the farm Golden Reef, owned by Reinhold Ortlepp, it is named after Sir Melmoth Osborn, the resident commissioner of Zululand at that time. The town is situated 800 m above sea-level with an unsurpassed climate and is considered to have the cleanest air in the country.

Apart from some light industry, the town is largely dependent on agriculture, primarily sugar-cane and timber, and cattle. Citrus and avocado pear production also play a significant role, with markets both locally and overseas.

Apart from a scenic golf course, the town offers a variety of sporting clubs for cricket, rugby, bowls, soccer, squash, tennis and korfbal. There is also a pony club.

The spiritual side of the community is well catered for, with more than eight churches.

Places to visit in the Mthonjaneni Place

  • Melmoth is well situated as a base for travellers wanting to visit the many places of interest within an hour’s drive of Melmoth.

  • uMgungundlovu: the historic royal homestead of Dingaan

  • eMakhosini: the sacred burial ground of the Zulu kings

  • Cengeni Gate: entrance to the world-renowned Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game Reserve where the white rhino was brought back from the verge of extinction

  • Nkandla Forest: where metal workers secretly crafted King Shaka’s dreaded short-shafted stabbing assegais, and home to the endangered rare Karkloof Blue butterfly.

  • Zululand Birding Route: in excess of 400 bird species including a number of rare ‘specials’

  • Dlinza Forest: a 250-hectare indigenous forest boasting the first aerial boardwalk in South Africa and rare bird species

  • Ongoye Forest: a unique indigenous forest

  • Mtunzini: gem of the Tuzi Gazi coast with its natural tidal lagoon and sun-drenched beaches

  • Ntingwe Tea Plantations

  • Kwanzimela: a popular site for walks and bird watching

  • Matatane Crocodile Ranch: a popular place for hikers and those interested in crocodiles and small animals

  • Simunye Zulu Lodge: a unique mixture of pioneer and Zulu culture.

Towns within the municipal boundaries: Melmoth, Mthonjaneni, Osborn, Thubalethu

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Mthonjaneni was Dingaan’s spring, located on the Mthonjaneni heights in Kwazulu Natal

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