Lekwa Local Municipality

Geography, History & Economy

Lekwa Local Municipality is part of Gert Sibande District Municipality.

MDB code: MP305

Description: The Lekwa Local Municipality is Category B municipality situated within the Gert Sibande District in the Mpumalanga Province. It is one of seven municipalities in the district. It was established on the 5th of December 2000 after the amalgamation of three former Transitional Local Councils, namely Standerton, Sakhile and Morgenzon.
It is located in the south-west of the district, with immediate entrances to the KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Free State Provinces. Newcastle, Heidelberg and Vrede are respective immediate entrances. Standerton serves as an urban node, whilst Morgenzon, which is 45km north-east of Standerton, serves as a satellite node.
The Lekwa Municipality lies on the large open plains of the Highveld region, which is characterised by tall grass, and it is transversed by the Vaal River, which flows in a western direction. The municipality is named after the Vaal River, which is commonly known as Lekwa (the Sesotho name for the Vaal River).

Area: 4 594km²

Cities/Towns: Morgenzon, Standerton

Main Economic Sectors: Agriculture, forestry and fishing (30%), community, social and personal services (13%), private households (12%)