Nkandla in KwaZulu Natal Was named When Shaka Shaka Went To Resolve a Dispute in The Area
|
|
Nkandla is derived from the verb ‘khandla’ meaning ‘to tire, exhaust or prostrate.’ Shaka went to resolve a dispute in the area and upon reaching his destination, claimed he was exhausted.
Nkandla Municipality is one of six local municipalities within the uThungulu District Municipality, in north-eastern KwaZulu- Natal. The primary administrative centre is Nkandla, approximately 280 km north of Durban. The town is strategically located at the intersection of four important transport routes: south to Kranskop and Pietermaritzburg, west to Vryheid, north to Ulundi and eastwards to Eshowe, uMhlathuze and the coast.
The area has a wealth of undisturbed forests which boast many indigenous species, Nkandla has a claim to be the ‘cradle’ of Zulu history. From Malandela to Shaka, to Dingane and Cetshwayo, Nkandla has been at the centre stage of the Zulu nation’s history. The graves of King Malandela and Cetshwayo are at Nkandla.
Nkandla is comprised of large rural areas, with about 98% of the land belonging to Ingonyama Trust. There are 18 amakhosi in the area. Nkandla town is the primary development node. The secondary nodes are: Dlolwana, Qhudeni, Jameson’s Drift, Khomo, Fort Louis and Chwezi. Developments are afoot to link them with Nkandla and with each other via new roads and bridges.
Places to see and visit in Nkandla KwaZulu Natal
Nkandla Forest: a beautiful indigenous forest and home to the endangered rare Karkloof Blue butterfly; metalworkers here crafted King Shaka’s dreaded short-shafted stabbing assegais; King Shaka and Zwide’s war was fought in the Nkandla forest; the place where many warriors of the famous Bambatha rebellion 1906 hid, and planned their operations.
King Cetswayo’s grave: just outside Nkandla Forest near Mome River.
Thaleni battlefield: where King Dingane’s warriors fought white settler farmers. Sgananda’s grave: one of the leaders of the Bambatha rebellion of 1906, his grave is opposite the Ndlamadoda Mountain and about 3km from Nkandla.
Matshenezimpisi Game Reserve: established by the people of Mahlayizeni, it boasts chalets, a multi-purpose hall and game such as zebra and impala. This eco-tourism venture includes indigenous forest and a beautiful waterfall where the Ntumbeni River joins the Mhlathuze River.
Qhudeni Forest: indigenous forest with a beautiful waterfall called Manzawayo ‘falling waters’. Plans are afoot to establish a game reserve in and around this forest.
Ntingwe tea plantation: a very successful tea plantation in the north-eastern region that exports tea to the UK.
Towns within the municipal boundaries: Dlolwana, Nkandla, Qudeni, Randalhurst
More Attractive places in KwaZulu Natal
The Great History of Endumeni KwaZuluNatal
Msinga Municipality in KwaZulu Natal Was Established in December 2000
Enquthu KwaZulu Natal Means Flat-Topped Vessel in IsiZulu
Umvoti KwaZulu Natal Umvoti is the Zulu Name For The Municipality & River
History of the eThukela Municipality in the KwazuluNatal Province
Emnambithi Was Named by King Shaka Zulu After Tasting the Klip River
History of the Uthungulu in KwaZulu Natal
Mthonjaneni was Dingaan’s spring, located on the Mthonjaneni heights in Kwazulu Natal
Nkandla in KwaZulu Natal Was named When Shaka Shaka Went To Resolve a Dispute in The Area