Department of Arts and Culture's list of local and district municipality's names.

First published at: http://sagns.dac.gov.za/local_authorities.asp

Municipality	Disestablished Municipality	Origin and meaning of Municipality name
!Ka! Garib Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	The name !Ka !Garib originates from the Khoi language and means "big great river". The name refers to the mighty Orange River that flows through the area.
!Kheis Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	!Kheis is a Khoi name meaning "a place where you live, or a home". The municipality is named in recognition of the Khoi people who were the first permanent dwellers of the area.
//Khara Hais Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	//Khara Hais means "big tree". The town was named //Khara Hais by Captain Lukas, leader of the Koramas. This is believed to be the original name of the place.
Abaqulusi Local Municipality	Vryheid	The name AbaQulisi has its origin in the era of King Shaka. After the death of Shaka's mother, Nandi, Shaka became increasingly isolated from his people. Due to the caring and support given to Shaka and his mother by his aunt, Princess Mkabayi, while they were refugees, he rewarded her by making her head of one of his most important " inkandla" (a royal homestead or military enclave). Mkabayi was a headstrong individual with huge political ambitions and she gained great influence as head of the AbaQulisi barrack. The AbaQulisi Impi became renowned for their bravery under the leadership of Mkabayi ka Jama. It is a well known fact that the town of Vryheid is situated in the centre of the AbaQulusi region, had its origin in an agreement entered into by the Boers and the Zulus.
Aganang Local Municipality	Northern DC, Alldays/LLT-Buysdorp, Bochum/My Darling, Moletjie/Matlala, Dendron, Dikgale/Soekmekaar, Maraba-Mashashane/Maja, Lebowakgomo, Zebediela, Mankweng, Noko-Tlou/Fetakgomo Pietersburg/Polokwane	Aganang is a Setswana name that means "building together". The municipal management comprises of four traditional leaders who will be building together for the good of the people they are serving.
Albert Luthuli Local Municipality	Eastvaal, Badplaas, Carolina LC and RC, Ekulindeni, Elukwatini, Empululzi, Breyten, Chissiesmeer/Kwa Chibikhulu, Greylingstad, Balfour/Siyathemba LC and RC, Dave/Kwadela, Ermelo LC and RC, Lothair/Silindile, Amsterdam/ Kwa Thandeka, Piet Retief LC and RC	The late Chief Albert Luthuli (05 December 1898 - July 1967) was a leader of black South Africans in their non-violent campaign for civil rights in South Africa. He was the first South African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1960, a year before the Sharpeville massacre and the banning of the African National Congress and the Pan Africanist Congress. Luthuli was a professional educator for fifteen years. In 1928, he became the secretary of the African Teachers Association and in 1928 its President. In 1944 Luthuli joined the African National Congress (ANC). In 1945 he was elected to the committee of the Natal Provincial Division of the ANC and in 1951 to the Presidency of the Division. The following year he joined with the ANC in organising a non-violent campaigns to defy discriminatory laws. The government then charged him with a conflict of interest, demanding that he withdrew his membership to the ANC or forfeit his office as the tribal chief. Refusing to do either, he was dismissed from his chieftainship. A month later Luthuli was elected President of the ANC. Responding immediately, the government sought to minimize his effectiveness by banning him from the larger South African centres and from all public meetings on several occassins. In July 1967, at the age of sixty-nine, he was fatally injured when he was struck by a freight train as he walked on the trestle bridge over the Umvoti River near his home.
Alfred Nzo District Municipality	Wild Coast DC, Mount Ayliff, Umzimkulu LC and TRC, Mount Frere, Kwabhaca/Mount Frere TRC, Maluti TRC, Mount Fletcher TRC	The late Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo was born on the 19 June 1925 in Benoni. He joined the ANC Youth League in the late 1940s. He was a health inspector in Alexandra Township in 1951 -1958. He was elected chairman of the ANC (Alexandra branch) in 1956, and was elected to the National Executive Committee in 1958. He became the ANC foreign representative in Cairo, India, Zambia and Tanzania. He was elected Secretary - General of the ANC in 1969 and was re-elected in 1985. He returned from exile in 1990 and was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee. As a result of years of service of working on the ANC's behalf from abroad, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1994. He received the award of "Order of Friendship Among People, Praesidium of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic's Supreme Soviet" in 1985. He passed away on the 13 January 2000.
Amahlati Local Municipality	Kei Road, Stutterheim, Keiskammahoek, Cathcart and portions of King Williams Town and Tsomo rural areas	Amahlati is an isiXhosa name that means "a place where many trees are grouped together, a forest". Forests are a key feature of the area. Stutterheim, Izile, Keiskammahoek and Isidenge are all forest found in the areas.
Amajuba District Municipality	Newcastle, Utrecht, Dannhauser, Hattingspruit, uMzinyathi, Potion of Chelmsford, Charlestown, Drystream	Amajuba is an isiZulu name meaning "a place of doves". The impis of King Shaka named the area Amajuba in 1825. It is associated with peace and it is a world-renowned name. The area is also the site of a battle in which the Boers defeated the British in 1881.
Amatole District Municipality	Amatola DC, East London, Tsomo LC and TRC, Stutterheim LC and TRC, Willowvale, Middledrift LC and TRC, Fort Beaufort LC and TRC, Adelaide LC and TRC, Bedfort LC and TRC, Alice, Idutywa LC and TRC, Kei Mouth, Nqamakwe LC and TRC, Elliotdale (Xhora) LC and	The name Amatole is derived from the plural of the isiXhosa noun, ithole, referring to an unweaned calf. The plural, amathole, refers to a scattering of something, such as, birds or grazing cattle, as well as the mountains. The English explorer and artist, Thomas Baines, pointed out in the late 1840s and the early 1850s the original name of the beautiful mountains, for which the Eastern Cape is justly famous, is Mathole (correctly in isiXhosa, uMathule) rather than Amatola (which literally means 'war doctor') or itola. In the olden days they used a war doctor to strengthen (ukuqinisa) the warriors before the battle. The name also refers to the Amatole mountain range which stretches from Nxuba to Amahlathi.
Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality	Northern DC, Mooketsi /Sekgosese, Bolobedu, Hlanganani, Duiwelskloof/ Ga-Kgapane, Haenertsburg, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Giyani, Letsitele/Gravelotte	Phalaborwa is a Setswana name meaning "better than the south". The people of the area decided that they want to be featured in the name, so "Ba" was included to the name, which means "people of". The name then means "those who are better than the south" or "people who are better than the south".
Baviaans Local Municipality	Steytlerville, Willowmore	The municipality is named after the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. The name is of Dutch origin and means "baboons ravine".
Beaufort West Local Municipality	Beaufort West LC and TRC	The area was named by Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape, 1814 - 1826 after his father, the fifth Duke of Bedfort.
Bela-Bela Local Municipality	Bosveld DC, Northam, Springbokvlakte, Vaalwater, Ellisras/Tswelopele, Bakenberg, Koesdoesrand-Rebone, Naboomspruit/ Roedtan-Thusang, Ellisras Marapong, Thabazimbi, Warmbaths, Nylstroom, Potgietersrus, Nabomspruit	"Bela" is a Sesotho word meaning "to boil". The name was given to the municipality because of the hot water springs found in the area.
Bergrivier Local Municipality	Redelinghuis, Aurora, Velddrif, Piketberg TRC, Vanrhynsdorp TRC	Bergrivier is an Afrikaans name meaning "mountain river". The name was given by Abraham Gabbema in 1657. The river forms the southern boundary of the municipality.
Blouberg Local Municipality	Northern DC, Alldays/LLT -Buysdorp, Bochum/My Darling, Moletjie/Matlala, Dendron, Dikgale/Soekmekaar,Maraba-Mashashane/Maja, Lebowakgomo, Zebediela, Mankweng, Noko-Tlou/Fetakgomo Pietersburg/Polokwane	Blouberg is an Afrikaans name meaning "blue mountain". The municipality is named after the mountain range in the area that looks blue from a distance due to the type of vegetation growing on the mountain.
Blue Crane Route Municipality	Cookhouse, Pearston, Somerset East	The municipality is named after the South African national bird, the blue crane. Blue Crane is endemic to South Africa with more than 99% of the population occurring within South Africa.
Bohlabela District Municipality	Northern DC, Bushbuckridge South/North/Midlands, Hoedspruit/Makhutswi, Lowveld, Escarpment, Kruger Park South, Sabie Park	Bohlabela is a Sepedi word meaning east. The municipality is situated in the eastern side of Limpopo.
Bojanala Platinum District Municipality	Rustenburg, Moretele, Koster, Brits	Bojanala is a Setswana name for "tourism". The area is a tourist attraction due to a number of activities, e.g. Sun City, the game reserves, Hartebeespoort Dam, etc. The municipal area has the largest platinum mine in the country, which is exported internationally. Both Bojanala and Platinum are the two names the local community can identify with.
Boland District Municipality	Breerivier DC, Matroosberg TRC, Witzenberg TRC,Winelands DC, Wynland TRC, Stellenbosch TRC, Paarl TRC	Boland is an Afrikaans name meaning "land above". Although the municipality is situated at a low elevation, it was so called because the Berg and the Breede rivers flow from here.
Bophirima District Municipality	Schweizer-Reneke, Vryburg, Christiana, Bloemhof, Reivilo	Bophirima is a Setswana word meaning "West". This district municipality is situated in the western part of the North West.
Breede River / Winelands Local Municipality	Touws River, Matroosberg TRC, De Doorns, Wynland TRC, Worcester, Rawsonville	Breede is an Afrikaans name meaning wide. The municipality refers to the Breede river valley.
Breede Valley Local Municipality	Rorbertson, Montagu, Ashton, McGregor, Bonnievale	Breede is an Afrikaans name meaning wide. The name refers to the Breede river in the area and the wine - making industry found in the area.
Buffalo City Local Municipality	East London, King William's Town	The municipality is named after the river that runs past King Williams Town and East London into the sea. Buffalo River is significant in that it is a geographical feature that links the two towns.
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality	Sabie Park, Bushbuckridge Midlands, BBR North, BBR South	The name of the municipality is derived from the fact that the area was inhabited by many bushbuck long time ago.
Cacadu District Municipality	Western DC, Aberdeen LC and TRC, Bathurst LC and TRC, Port Elizabeth TRC, Boesmansriviermond, Hankey LC and TRC, Hu-mansdorp LC and TRC, Jan-senvillle LC and TRC, Jef-freys Bay, Kirkwood LC and TLC, Klipplat, Patensie, Paterson, Pearston LC and TRC, Somerset East LC and TRC, Steytlerville LC and TRC, Willowmore LC and TRC, Grahamstown, Nieu-Bethesda, Riebeeck East, Alicedale, Cookhouse, Graaff–Reinet LC and TRC, Kenton-on-Sea, Port Alfred, St Francis Bay, Joubetina LC and TRC, Kareedouw, Al-bany TRC, Uitenhage TRC, Boknes/Cannon Rocks, Oys-ter Bay, Seafield, No-mathamsanqa	Cacadu is an isiXhosa name. Because of the clicking sound it reflects the people who live in the area, who happen to be Xhosa and the Khoisan.The name was chosen because the municipal area is semi - arid and moun-tainous.
Camdeboo Local Municipality	Aberdeen, Graaff- Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda	The name Camdeboo has evolved from a phonetically similar Khoi word meaning “green hollow”. The area was described by Hendrik Swellengrebel in 1776 as a triangular piece of land bounded on the north by the escarp-ment, on the south by stoney, tree - covered hills, the base near Aberdeen and the apex at Bruintjieshoogte, where there is still a farm named “Slot van Camdeboo”.
Cape Agulhas Local Municipality	Napier, Caledon TRC, Bredasdorp LC and TRC, Struisbaai	Agulhas is a Portuguese name meaning "needle". The area was given the name because the needle of the compass showed no magnetic deviation there but pointed due north.
Capricorn DistrictMunicipality	Northern DC, Alldays/LLT -Buysdorp, Bochum/My Darling, Moletjie/Matlala, Dendron, Dikgale/Soekmekaar,Maraba-Mashashane/Maja, Lebowakgomo, Zebediela, Mankweng, Noko-Tlou/Fetakgomo Pietersburg/Polokwane	The description of Capricorn Municipality is beautifully illustrated in its Coat of Arms as: Horizontal partition - Tropic of Capricorn. Agriculture/Mining and Industry. Sunflower - Represents both agriculture and the sun, which is overhead the Tropic on 21 December. Cogwheel - Mining and Industry Above the shield - Moral crown, heightened with palisades - representing civic authority and also stone work and rural palisades. Supporters - Ground Hornbills, link with eco-tourism. They are bushveld birds and comparatively rare. Base on which they stand - Representing grassland, bushveld and mountain. Motto ribbon - Re soma le setšhaba
Cederberg Local Municipality	Bitterfontein/ Nuwerus, Clanwilliam TRC, Malmesbury TRC, Rietpoort, Vanrhynsdorp TRC, Vredendal TRC, West Coast DC	The municipality was given the old Dutch name meaning "cedar mountains". There are cedar trees found in the area that grow high up on the mountain as they prefer a cool climate and they also grow very slowly. In earlier times, furniture and other household appliances were made from these trees as they contain oil that worms do not eat. It is presently prohibited to cut down the ceder trees.
Central District Municipality	Mafikeng, Delareysville, Lichtenburg, Zeerust, Sannieshof	The name refers to its geographical location. The municipality is situated in the centre of North West.
Central Karoo District Municipality	Central Karoo DC, Murraysburg LC and TRC	The name refers to the geographical location of the municipality. It is situated in the centre of the Karoo. Karoo is a Khoi name meaning "dry" or "hard".
Chris Hani District Municipality	Stormberg DC, Cradock LC and TRC, Middleburg LC and TRC, Hofmeyr LC and TRC, Tarkastad LC and TRC, Mol-teno LC and TRC, Sterkstroom LC and TRC, Queenstown LC and TRC, Whittlesea, Comfimvaba LC and TRC, Tsomo, Dordrecht, Indwe, Lady Frere, Engcobo, Cala, Elliot, Cacadu/ Glen Gray TRC, Hewu TRC, Nta-bethemba TRC	The municipality is named in honour of Chris Hani who was born on 28 June 1942 in Cofimvaba, Trankei. He matriculated at Lovedale in 1958. He then went to study at the University of Rhodes and Fort Hare, 1959/61 and obtained a BA in Latin and English.He joined the ANC Youth League in 1957 and was active in Eastern and Western Cape ANC before leaving South Africa in 1962.He was the Commissar in the Luthuli Detatchment, joint ANC/ZAPU military campaign, in 1967.He escaped to Botswana, and returned to Zambia in 1968.He infiltrated South Africa in 1973, and was then based in Lesotho.He left Maseru for Lusaka in 1982 after several unsuccessful assassination attempts.He was the Commissar and Deputy Commander of Umkhonto we Sizwe, armed wing of the ANC, and became Chief of Staff of MK in 1987. Chris Hani was gunned down on the 10 April 1993 by an assassin belonging to the extreme white right wing.
City Council of Klerksdorp Local Municipality	Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Wolmaranstad	Maquassi is said to be the Bushman name for an aromatic plant (Croton gratissimus). It is also interesting to note that there was once a Khoisan chief by the name Maquassi, who used to go to the top of the mountain and in the morning and look over the now three established municipalities which are Wolmaranstad, Makwasi and Witpoort. Along the municipality there is also a river leading to the Vaal river that has an abundance of sweet smelling scent called the Maquassi. This municipality can also be called by three different names, i.e. 1.Dithabana tsa Makwasi, 2.Makwasi-rante and 3. Maquassi Hills, which was the name that was decided to be used by the general public.
City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality	Blaauwberg, Cape Metropolitan Council, City of Cape Town, Tygerberg, Helderberg, Oostenberg, South Peninsula, West Coast DC, Winelands DC	“Cape” reflects the geographical description and “town” reflects the settlement from which the unicity has grown. Cape Town’s name evolved over time. During the early decades of Dutch settlements, Cape Town did not really have a name. It was referred to as de Kaapsche (the Cape Settlement) or Cabo the (Cape). By mid - 18th century the settlement had grown and Kaapstad, or Cape Town was accepted as the name being used. It was decided to retain the name of Cape Town because of the long - standing history of the name as well as the brand value of the name that has been built over the years.
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality	Greater JHB, Northern JHB, Eastern JHB, Southern JHB, Edenvale/Modderfontein, Midrand/Rabie Ridge/Ivory Park, Khayalami, Gatsrant	The city was named after Johann Rissik, the principal clerk of the office of the Surveyor-General of the former Transvaal Republic, and Christiaan Johannnes Joubert, Chief of Mining and the member of the Volksraad. They recommended that the land be declared a gold field, and that the Randjeslaagte or Doornfontein be the site of the town. The city was founded in 1886 on the farm Randjeslaagte. The first elected town council took over the administration in 1904, and the city status was acquired in 1928.
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality	Greater Pretoria, Pretoria, Centurion, Northern Pretoria, Hammanskraal, Eastern Gauteng, Pienaarsrivier, Crocodile River, Western Gauteng, Winterveld, Temba, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Eastern DC, Roodeplaat	The municipal area is named after Chief Mushi's son, Tshwane. Chief Mushi settled in the Pretoria area about 100 years before the arrival of the Voortrekker in the early 1800's. The Chief and his tribe had moved from Zululand and first settled at Mokgapane (Mooiplaas, east of Pretoria). He later moved from Mooiplaas to what is now called the Pretoria area, on the banks of the Tshwane River (now called the Apies River).The other explanation is that the name was used by migrant workers derived from the word tshwana, which means "we are the same".
Dannhauser Municipality	Dannhauser	In 1872 a German settler Renier Dannhauser purchased four farms from the then owner, the Natal government. These farms were, Rocky, Spruit, Palmietfontein, Cornwall and Klipkuil. Dannhauser was buried on the farm Palmietfontein but the four areas were collectively known from then on as Dannhauser.
Delmas Local Municipality	Highveld DC, Delmas LC and RC, Kriel LC and RC,Belfast LC and RC, Dullstroom, Machadodorp, Waterval Boven LC and RC, KwaMhlanga, Mkobola, Mathanjana, Mbibane, Mdutjana	The name Delmas was given by Frank Campbell Dumat, former owner of Witklip. He named the area after his grandfather's farm in France.
Dihlabeng Local Municipality	Eastern Free State DC, Arlington, Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Drakensburg, Eastern Free State DC, Greater Ficksburg, Harrismith, Kestell, Lindley, Maluti, Marquad, Mashae Fourie, Mautsendal, Memel, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa-qwa, Reitz	The Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme which flows into the Caledon River near Clarens is known as "Metsi a Dihlaba" in Sesotho. The water from the Caledon River near Clarens is also known as "Metsi a Dihlaba.The water from the Caledon River flows into the As River near Bethlehem. The rivers supply water to the towns that form part of the new municipality.
Dikgatlong Local Municipality	Kuruman, Kathu, Vanzylsrus, Deben, Mothibestad	Dikgatlong is a Setswana name meaning "confluence", and refers to the place where the Harts and Vaal rivers flow into each other in Delportshoop. The older residents of Dikgatlong and in particular in Delpoortshoop suggested to the Council that it should revive the area's initial name as the name was used as early as 1700.
Dipaleseng Local Municipality	Eastvaal, Badplaas, Carolina LC and RC, Ekulindeni, Elukwatini, Empululzi, Breyten, Chissiesmeer/Kwa Chibikhulu, Greylingstad, Balfour/Siyathemba LC and RC, Dave/Kwadela, Ermelo LC and RC, Lothair/Silindile, Amsterdam/ Kwa Thandeka, Piet Retief LC and RC,	Dipaleseng is a Sesotho name for "a place of flowers". There are seasonal flowers found in the area, especially during the festive season. These flowers are mostly white, yellow and pink.
Ditsobotla Local Municipality	Mafikeng, Delareysville, Lichtenburg, Zeerust, Sannieshof	The name means the sound that the horses's hoofs made in the mud during heavy rainfalls. This was experienced in one of the battles of the Boers, which took place in the Lichtenburg vicinity.
Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality	Highveld DC, Delmas LC and RC, Kriel LC and RC, Belfast LC and RC, Dullstroom, Machadodorp, Waterval Boven LC and RC, KwaMhlanga, Mkobola, Mathanjana, Mbibane, Mdutjana	The late Dr J S Moroka was born in Moretele, formerly known as Mathonjane. He attended school in the same area and moved to Soweto at a later stage. He was a political activist for the ANC and the Secretary General of the ANC Youth League, and was later appointed President of the ANC between 1949 -1952.
Drakenstein Local Municipality	Matroosberg TRC, Paarl LC and TRC, Saron, Wellington, Witzenberg TRC	The municipal area was named in October 1687 in honour of the High Commissioner, Hendrik Andriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein, who had visited the Cape two years previously.
East Griqualand / Sisonke District Municipality	Creighton, Himeville, Underberg, Cedarville, Matatiele, Kokstad, Ixopo, iNdlovu, Ugu, Bulwer, Pevensey, Stuartsville	The name East Griqualand refers to the geographical location of the area and Griqualand refers to the fact that the area was initially occupied by the Griquas. Sisonke is an isiZulu name meaning "we are together". The name draws inspiration from the places of the district under one jurisdiction the people from the formerly divided ethnic, cultural and racial groupings. The district is driven by the spirit of togetherness and unity in diversity and the recognition of co-operative governance in the reconstruction of the district and social delivery.
Eastvaal District Municipality	Eastvaal, Badplaas, Carolina LC and RC, Ekulindeni, Elukwatini, Empululzi, Breyten, Chissiesmeer/Kwa Chibikhulu, Greylingstad, Balfour/Siyathemba LC and RC, Dave/Kwadela, Ermelo LC and RC, Lothair/Silindile, Amsterdam/ Kwa Thandeka, Piet Retief LC and RC,	The municipality is named after its geographical location in the former Transvaal. It is situated in the east of the former Transvaal (one of the four provinces in the former Replublic of South Africa).
Eden District Municipality	Bo-Langkloof TRC, Haarlem, Klein Karoo DC, South Cape DC, Uniondale LC and TRC	The Eden District Municipality was formed on 5 December 2000 by amalgamating the former Little Karoo and South Cape District Councils. Although the Little Karoo and the Garden Route differ vastly in geography, vegetation and climate, one finds between Kynsa and Uniondale an area known as the Garden of Eden. The Prince Alfred Pass, which winds through this area, aptly forms the link between the vast openness of the Klein Karoo and the green forests of the Garden Route. The name Eden therefore symbolises the union of these two areas, each blessed with natural beauty and resources with unique character.
eDumbe Local Municipality	Paulpietersburg	The municipality is named after the Dumbe mountain. The amadumbe which is a type of a potato, are found on the mountain.
Ehlanzeni District Municipality	Lowveld Escarpment DC, Graskop, Lydenburg LC and RC, Sabie, Hazyview, Nelspruit LC and RC, White River LC and RC, Barberton LC and RC, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Pilgrims Rest, Nkomazi East, Nkomazi West	Ehlazeni is an isiZulu and siSwati name meaning "lowveld".
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality	Khayalami, Kempton Park/ Tembisa, Edenvale/ Modderfontein, Brakpan, Greater Germiston, Greater Nigel, Springs, Greater Benoni, Boksburg, Alberton, Eastern Gauteng SC, Greater JHB, East Vaal, Eikenhof, Midrand, Rabie Ridge/Ivory Park, Suikerbosrand, Randva	Ekurhuleni is a Xitsonga name meaning "a place of peace".
Elundini Local Municipality	Maclear, Mt Fletcher, Ugie	The name originates from isiZulu and it refers to the “Drakensberg Moun-tains”.The name is derived from an isiXhosa word Ukahlamba but has been used in isiZulu because of the cultural diversity of the area.
Emalahleni Local Municipality	Dordrecht, Indwe, Lady Frere	Emalahleni is an isiXhosa name meaning “a place of coal”. The people from the area get coal from Indwe, Guba and Dordrecht which they use to make fire and bricks.
Emalahleni Local Municipality	Highveld DC, Delmas LC and RC, Kriel LC and RC, Belfast LC and RC, Dullstroom, Machadodorp, Waterval Boven LC and RC, KwaMhlanga, Mkobola, Mathanjana, Mbibane, Mdutjana	Emalahleni is an isiZulu and isiNdebele name meaning coal. The municipality has the largest coal mines in South Africa at Indwe, Guba and Dordrecht. This coal is used to make small bricks and fire.
Emfuleni Local Municipality	Lekoa/Vaal, Vereeniging/Kopanong, Western Vaal, Heidelberg, Eastern Gauteng, De Deur/Walkerville, Devon/Impumelelo, Eikenhof, Randvaal, Vaal Marina, Blesbokspruit, Suikerbosrand, Western Gauteng, Vaal Rivier, Vaal Oewer, Vischkuil Lekoa/Vaal, Western Vaal	Emfuleni can be an isiXhosa or an isiZulu name meaning "a place where there is a lot of water or rivers". The name is derived from the word "mfula" meaning "a river". The municipality was given the name because it is situated next to the Vaal River.
Emnambithi-Ladysmith Local Municipality	Ladysmith, Colenso, Nyankezi	King Shaka (1785 -1828) regularly visited various chiefs and indunas from various clans in his kingdom. It was during one of these visits that he visited the area of Emnambithi. When a new area was visited, the custom at the time was to give a name to the place. In the case of this area, King Shaka drank water from the Klip river and found it to be sweet compared to the coastal water. He pointed out that the water is tasty. In isiZulu anything that is tasty is called "nambitheka". The river was then name "uMnambithi" because of its tasty water. The town of Ladysmith is named after the wife of Sir Harry Smith (Lady Juana Maria de los Delores). He was a prestigious officer in the British Army, fighting in more than 20 major battles throughout his life on four different continents. Lady Juana would follow her husband from battlefield to battlefield for 31 years. So strong was their love & devotion to each other that she silently endured the discomforts & danger of life on the battlefield, often having to flee for her own life.
Endodakusuka Local Municipality	Mandeni	Endodakusuka is an isiZulu name. Endoda means "delayed" and suka means "to move". The origin of the name arises from the Battle of Tugela, which was fought on the slopes of Ndodakusuka in 1838 between the settlers from Port Natal and an impi of Dingane. Another battle was fought here in 1856 between King Mpande's two sons, Prince Cetshwayo and Prince Mbuyazi. When Mbuyazi's iZigqoza army found the river flooded, they had to wait for a few days. This delay allowed Cetshwayo's uSuthu army to reach them. Hence the name Ndodakusuka (they delayed to move).
Endumeni Local Municipality	Dundee	Endumeni is an isiZulu name meaning "a place of thunderstorm". There is the Endumeni hill in the area where lightning usually strikes. The hill is also the landmark of the area as it can be seen as far as Estcourt and Maduba. Coal mining in the area was also done under the Endumeni hill.
Engcobo Local Municipality	Engcobo	Engcobo is an isiXhosa name for a sweet grass found in the area.The name is a common factor to all people living within the municipality.
Enthanjeni Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya, De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusvill	Emthanjeni is an isiXhosa name meaning a "vein". The people of the area receive water from underground. This underground water serves as a life - supporting system, or vein, to the people of the area.
eThekwini Metropolitan Unicity Municipality	Durban Transitional Metropolitan Council and Substructures, Umkomanzi/ Umkomaas, iLembe Regional Coucil, Indlovu Regional Council, Ugu Regional Council	There is great discrepancy over the meaning of the name Thekwini. Some argue that the name is derived from the joke made by Chief Shadwa when he or a jester looked down from the area of today's Berea and and said that the bay was one testicled thing referring to its shape. The other explanation is that Thekwini is derived from the isiXhosa word iteko meanig a meeting place and brought to the area by British settlers in 1824, many of whom had leant Xhosa whilst in the Cape. But according to the eThekwini Metropolitan Unicity Minicipality Thekwini is an isiZulu name meaning curvatute filled with presence activity, movement and living water. It is also believed that Etheku refers to horns of the bull, to which the shape of the bay is similar and Theku (harbour) is the symbol of the area's industrial competence, being the most important harbour in Africa.
Ezingoleni Local Municipality	Izinqoleni	Ezinqoleni is an isiZulu name word meaning "at the wagons". The area was established around 1870 because of a need for a halfway house between the coast and the hinterland of Alfred County. This area had to be situated to allow traffic to disperse to the coast, Pondoland, Harding and the interior. The area soon developed. Traffic in the early days was by wagon drawn by donkeys and post carts (drawn by mules). People named the area Ezinqoleni, referring to "at the wagons". The area was later known as Izinqoleni because white people could not get the name right when they wrote or pronounced it. It was decided that the municipality be named correctly by the original name, Ezinqoleni.
Fetakgomo Local Municipality	Northern DC, Bosveld DC, Hlogotlou/ Lepelle, Eastern Tubatse, Dilokong, Tubatse/ Steelpoort, Ngwaritsi/ Makhuduthamaga, Nebo North,Nokotlou/ Fetakgomo,Highveld DC, Globlersdal, Marbel Hall, Moutse, Steelpoort/Ohrigstad/ Burgersfort	Fetakgomo refers to a Sepedi proverb used by the people living in the rural areas. It means co-operation toward helping others, which is derived from the Sepedi proverb, “Tirisano motheo wa tswelopele”.
Frances Baard District Municipality	Kuruman	Frances Baard was born in 1909 in Beaconsfield. She was very involved in politics and joined the ANC in 1948 and became involved in the running of the ANC Women's League. During the Defiance Campaign, she was asked to organise home care for the men and women who had been imprisoned for participating in the campaign. The Federation of South African Women was formed in April 17 1954 and she was elected the president of the Port Elizabeth branch. She participated in the boycott of Bantu Education in 1955 and assisted in the potato boycott in response to the use of pass offenders as labourers on potato farms in the Bethal District. She was also involved in the drafting of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown in 1955. She was among the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1958 to protest against the passes for women. On 18 October 1956 Baard was arrested and charged with treason, but was later released. Frances Baard's name for the municipality was particularly favoured because very few women have been acknowledged for the role that they played in building our society.
Ga- Sekgonyana Local Municipality	Bankhara/Bodulang, Kuruman, Mothibistad, Rooiberg, Wrenchville, Batlharos, Maruping, Kogung	Segonyana is the name of a spring, commonly known as Kuruman Eye. The name is of Setswana origin. "Sego" means calabash and "nyana" is a diminutive. The name Segonyana means a "small calabash". The municipality was given the name because the water that poured from the fountain made a sound similar to the one made by thick milk from a calabash. Batswana used a calabash to make bodila (thick milk). The calabash has a wide base and a narrow mouth, therefore to take thick milk out of the calabash you have to use force, Similarly the water from the fountain come out in force, and it sounded like milk from the calabash. As in the case of Kgalagadi the colonial authorities changed the name of Segonyana to Kuruman Eye.
Gamogara Local Municipality	Diamantveld DC, Kimberley, Ritchie, Barkely West, Ulco, Delportshoop, Windsorton, Warrenton, Hartswater, Pampierstad, Jan Kempdorp	The name Gamogara is of Setswana origin. The municipality is named after a dry river which was in turn named after a man called Mogara of the Makwere clan (Batlhaping). During the early days of exploration, Mogara was the first person to settle in this part of the country. After 1887, the area became dominated by white farmers who then changed the name as they were unable to pronounce it correctly. Hence it was called Gamagara instead of Gamogara. The name is derived from a dry river that ran from Dibeng to join the Kuruman (Segonyana) river at Dikgatlong tsa ga Kganyile. Incidentally this is the route the Ba ga Motlhware followed on their way to their headquarters, Maje a Mokhothu (Langeberg).
Gariep Local Municipality	Steynsburg, Venterstad, Burgersdorp	Gariep is a Khoi name for the Orange River and it originates from the !Xhus and the !Kwef of Namibia. The name originally was written as !Xhariep and has undergone transition because the people of the area were not familiar with the Khoi language.
George Local Municipality	Bo-Langkloof TRC, George, Wilderness, Outeniqua TRC	The town was named George Town after the then ruling King of England, George III. The first landlord of the Drostdy, Adrianus van Kervel, immediately began planning the new town. The first stands were allocated free of charge to six forester families who were to provide timber for the new town in exchange.
Govan Mbeki Local Municipality	Highveld Ridge TLC and TRC, Leamdra TLC, Bethal TLC and TRC.	The late Govan Mbeki is the father of the present South African President, Mr Thabo Mbeki. He was born 9 July 1910 and he became the veteran leader of anti-apartheid. He was jailed for life in 1964 and spent almost 25 years of imprisonment on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the African National Congress. In the 1940's and 50's he rose up the ANC ranks and strengthened its position in his native Eastern Cape. In the 1960's he stood besides Nelson Mandela in the Rivonia Trial. Govan Mbeki died in his home in Port Elizabeth aged 91.
Great Kei Local Municipality	Kei Mouth, Komga	The name Kei is of Khoi origin meaning sand. The former Trankei takes its name from this river. The Great Kei river is the biggest river in the mu-nicipal area and it meanders through certain amalgated municipalities in the region. It formed a border between the former Traskei and the former Republic of South Africa.The Great Kei River is the unifying factor amongst people in the region.
Greater Giyani Local Municipality	Northern DC, Mooketsi/Sekgosese, Bolobedu, Hlanganani, Duiwelskloof/ Ga-Kgapane, Haenertsburg, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Giyani, Letsitele/Gravelotte	Giyani is a Xitsonga name which symbolises hapiness in the form of dancing and celebration. The area was named during the times when the Tsongas and Shangaans started to develop their culture and traditions.
Greater Groblersdal Local Municipality	Groblersdal TLC and TRC, Hlogotlou/ Lepele, Lydenburg TRC, Moutse	The municipality was named after Willem Jacobus Grobler, owner of the farm Klipbank, who was largely responsible for the Hereford and Loskop irrigation schemes leading to the establishment of the town.
Greater Kokstad Local Municipality	Kokstad	Kokstad is derived from Dutch. It was named after Adam Kok III, and it means "town of Kok". The Griquas trekked from Philippolis over the Drakensberg and settled at Mount Currie. With the help of Rev. William Dower and Rev. William Murray the Griquas had, in 1871, surveyed the town. This was done from the centre of the town, now known as the Market Square. In the middle of 1872 Adam Kok called a Volksraad meeting (at the larger) on the slopes of Mount Currie. After a brief review he had them all mount up with an order them to load all government property and they moved into town. At the Market Square each burger was told to build their houses in town. Mr Charles Bisley then addressed the gathering and suggested that out of respect to Kaptein Adam Kok and with the approval of the council the new town should be named Kokstad.
Greater Letaba Local Municipality	Northern DC, Mooketsi/Sekgosese, Bolobedu, Hlanganani, Duiwelskloof/ Ga-Kgapane, Haenertsburg, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Giyane, Letsitele/Gravelotte	The municipality is named after a river that cuts across many municipalities within the province, the Letaba River.
Greater Marble Hall Municipality	Greater Nebo -North, Groblersdal TRC, Hlogotlou/Lepele, Marble Hall, Moutse, Ngwaritsi/Makhudu-Thamage	The story goes that one day in 1937 Christoffel Visagie and his wife were hunting on the Springbok Flats, northwest of Groblersdal, when they came upon a peculiar hole in the ground. In this hole there was not only water but also a stone that looked like a marble. The stone was later confirmed by Mason Ton Taylor to be indeed a marble. That is how the name Marble Hall came to being.
Greater Taung Local Municipality	Schweizer-Reneke, Vryburg, Christiana, Bloemhof, Reivilo	Taung is a Setswana name meaning "a place of lions". Legend has it that a long time ago the area was roamed freely by lions. Greater Taung is merge between the former Pudumong Transitional Representative Council, the Reivilo Local Council and 92 villages that formed part of Taung under Bophirima District Municipality.
Greater Tubatse Local Municipality	Dilokong, Hlogotlou/Lepele, Lydenburg TRC, Ngwaritsi/ Makhudu-Thamage, Ohrigstad/ Eastern Tubatse, Steelpoort/ Burgersfort, Tbatse Steelpoort	Tubatse is a Sepedi name. The name of the municipality is derived from the name of a warrior during the time of King Sekhukhune called Motubatse in the late 19th century. There is also a river in the area called Tubatse River. King Sekhukhune used the water from the river during the War of Resistance as a life support.
Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality	Northern DC, Mooketsi/Sekgosese, Bolobedu, Hlanganani, Duiwelskloof/ Ga-Kgapane, Haenertsburg, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Giyani, Letsitele/Gravelotte	Tzaneen is said to be derived from the Pedi word "tsana". Several intepretations have been linked to the word tsana, the first being during the times of Chief Makgoba, tsaneng was a meeting place. The second interpretation is that "tsana" means a basket since the municipal area is surrounded by mountains making a shape of a basket. Lastly, "tsana" also means weaving. It is said that the local people used to gather around and weave.
Hantam Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	Hatam is a Khoi name that means "mountains where the bulbs grow". The municipality is named after the Hantam Mountains found in the area.
Hibiscus Coast Municiality	Hibberdene, Port Shepstone, Southbroom, Port Edward,Margate	The municipality is named after the hibiscus flower, which is indigenous to the area.
Highlands Local Municipality	Highveld DC, Delmas LC and RC, Kriel LC and RC,Belfast LC and RC, Dullstroom, Machadodorp, Waterval Boven LC and RC, KwaMhlanga,Mkobola,Mathanjana, Mbibane, Mdutjana	No written history of the name.
Hlabisa Local Municipality	Hlabisa, Somkhele	Hlabisa is an isiZulu surname of the two nkosis (kings) in the area. The municipality is situated within the vicinity of four Tribal Authorities which are: The Mkhwanazi Tribal Authority, The Mdletshe Tribal Authority, and two Hlabisa Tribal Authorities.
Ikwezi Local Municipality	Janseville, Klipplaat	Ikwezi is an isiXhosa name that means “morning star”.Ikwezi can be seen early in the morning and in isiXhosa there is a phrase, “laphuma ikwezi”, which means “it is the day’s dawn or the beginning of the day”. The name was decided upon because the municipality represents the beginning of a new era to the people it serves.
Imbabazane Local Municipality	Imbabazane, Loskop	Imbabazane is a name of an African tree and it is also an extract from the hymn of Inkosi Buthelezi, Minister of Home Affairs and the President of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Impendle Local Municipality	Impendle	During the 18th century, the Griquas-batwas used to hide in the mountain in the area because they were accused of stealing livestock from the farmers who decided to fight them in order to protect their livestock. The Griquas used war spears, and this conflict was called "an outside war", i.e. Impiyasendle or Impi- endle.
Indaka Local Municipality	Indaka, Waaihoek	The municipality is named after a river that runs through the municipality, the Indaka River.
Ingwe Local Municipality	Creighton	Ingwe is an isiZulu name word that means leopard. The municipality was given the name because there were leopards in this area many years ago.
Inkwanca Local Municipality	Molteno, Sterkstroom	Inkwanca is an isiXhosa name meaning cold. The municipal area is the coldest area in the country and the lowest temperatures are recorded in the area every year.
Intsika Yethu Local Municipality	Comfimvaba, Tsomo	Intsika Yethu is an isiXhosa name meaning “our pillars”.The public decided on the name because of the trust the community has in the municipality in terms of service delivery and in related issues.
Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality	Cradock, Middleburg	Inxuba Yethemba is an isiXhosa name meaning “fish of hope”.The word Inxuba is derived from the name of the river called Fish River that runs through Cradock.Yethemba is just an extension to add something positive to the name.
Jozini Local Municpality	Umkhuze, Josini	The name Jozini comes from the word "jozi" which means a short spear, and Jozini is an isiZulu name and it means "cave" where spears can be hidden. Jozini municipality was named after a well known dam (Jozini Dam). This dam is the pride of the community and it is among the four biggest dams in South Africa
Kagisano Local Municipality	Schweizer-Reneke, Vryburg, Christiana, Bloemhof, Reivilo	Kagisano is a Setswana name meaning “living together harmoniously”. The name represents the people in the area who, are peace loving and live cordially.
Kamiesberg Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	Kamies is derived from the Khoi language meaning "fog" and berg is an Afrikaans word meaning "mountain", collectivelly the name means "mountain with fog". It was originally spelled Xheimes. Through the years the pronunciation changed to Kamies.
Kannaland Local Municipality	Ladismith LC and TRC, Calitzdorp LC and TRC, Zoar, Langeberg TRC, Vanwyksdorp	The municipality is named after a plant called "gwana" in Khoi. The plant is indigenous to the area.
Kareeberg Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya, De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusvill	The name Karee originates from a Khoi Khoin tribe ' A ' Caree. Berg is an Afrikaans name meaning a mountain. The name also originates from a well - known mountain range in the region, known as the Kareeberge (Karee Mountains)
Karoo District Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya, De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusvill	The name Karoo is of Khoi origin and it means "hard "or "dry". The name was given because the area is a semi - desert regon.
Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	Hoogland an Afrikaans word meaning "highland" and Karoo is a Khoi word meaning "hard" or "dry". The name reflects the area which has dry, arid and dessert - like conditions. The region is at the altitude of between 1 000 m and 1 200 m. The area is physically on top of the mountains. The name is unique to the beautiful region which has a healthy climate characterised by extreme conditions.
Kgalagadi District Municipality	Diamantveld DC, Kimberley, Ritchie, Barkely West, Ulco, Delportshoop, Windsorton, Warrenton, Hartswater, Pampierstad, Jan Kempdorp	The name Kgalagadi is of Setswana origin. "Kgala" means "distance" and "gadi" means "large" in this instance means "far". The name has been misspelled for a very long time as Kalahari. This was due to the colonial authorities who were unable to pronounce the name correctly. The name is appropriate because all the municipalities under Kgalagadi are geographically within this area. As the rain diminishes throughout the years, the place became a semi-desert.
Kgatelopele Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	Kgatelopele is a Setswana name that means "progress"
Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality	Rustenburg, Moretele, Koster, Brits	Kgetleng which translated into English means "eland", and rivier is an Afrikaans word meaning "river". The Elandsrivier originates in Koster, bypassing the Swartruggens, Sun City area and linking to the Crocodile River. The Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality falls in the Elands River and Koster River catchment areas.
Khai-Ma Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	Khai-Ma is a Khoi word meaning "to stand up". The people of the area were left behind in the past and their vision is to stand up.
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality	Mqanduli, Umtata	The municipality is named after the grandson of King Dalindyebo (Sabata), who ruled over the area in 19th century.
King Shaka / Ilembe District Municipality	Nkwazi/Zinkwazi Beach, Mandeni, KwaDukuza/ Stanger, Dolphin Coast, iLembe, Uthungulu, iNdlovu, Mangete, Tugela Mouth, Prince's Grant, Maphumalo, Ndwendwe, Umbumbulu	Ilembe is isiZulu phrase to praise the name of King Shaka, king of the Zulu nation. The meaning and history relates to the region, where the grave of king Shaka can be found along with a number of historical sites where he reigned.
Knysna Local Municipality	Rheenendal, Belvidere Estates, Kynsna, Sedgefield, Brenton, Knoetzie, Outeniqua TRC	The word Knysna means deep cliffs or dark cliffs, which is derived from the word Nysna or Xnysna. The municipality is named after the Knysna River, which was of very old Khoisan origin. The exact meaning was lost in time but the river and the surrounding areas were known as the Knysna, the Nysa or the Xnysna by the indigenous people, and hence the early travellers adopted this name before the area was settled on or developed.
Kopanong Local Municipality	Bethulie, Bloem Area DC, Central Southern DC, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Jacobsdal, Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Oppermansgronde, Orange West, Petrusburg, Rouxville, Trompsburg, Smithfield, South East DC, Springfontein, Verwoerd Dam, Zastron	The name is a Sesotho word meaning "meeting place or where people are invited". The name earmarks unity and seeks to encourage co-operation.
Kouga Local Municipality	Hankey, Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Oyster Bay, Pat-ensie, St Francis Bay	According to Raper and Nienaber (G. S Nienaber & P. E. Rapper. Toponymical Hottentotica. Naamkundereeks nr 10. 562/563 1980.) the word “Kouga” is taken from the Khoi language meaning “rich in hippo-potamus but according to J A Heese, Kouga means “blue wildebeest”. There is therefore the difference of opinion concerning the origin of the name Kouga, but everyone seems to agree that the name has been strongly Europeanised as regard to spelling and pronunciation. It is also interesting to know that in the 18th century, there was a Khoikhoin captain called Kouga who died in the smallpox epidemic of 1713 and that he was succeeded by Kouga (junior).
Kou-Kamma Local Municipality	Joubertina, Kareedouw	The name of the municipality is derived from the Kouga mountain range and the Tsitsikama mountain range.Titsikama is said to mean “waters begin”, an explanation borne out by the high rainfall and the occurence of many rivers and streams.Kouga is a Khoi name. (See Kouga Municipality for more details).
Kungwini Local Municipality	Bronkhorspruit, Ekangala, Bronberg	Kungwini is an isiNdebele word meaning "mist". Because the area is misty, the name was relevant for the local community.
Kwa Sani Local Municipality	Underberg, Himeville	Kwa Sani is an isiZulu name. "Kwa" means "at" and "Sani" means "San people". Therefore the name means the place fo the San people. Sani Pass was a communication and trading route of the San people between Lesotho and South Africa, mostly in the Himeville and Underberg area. The name was chosen because it was easy to pronounce for overseas visitors to the now proclaimed World Heritage Site of Ukahlamba.
Kwadukuza Local Municipality	Stanger, Ballito	Dukuza is derived from the isiZulu word "duka" which means "to wander or to get lost", and is an allusion to the labyrinth of huts in which the stranger would lose his way. The name "Kwadukuza" was originally chosen because of the historical links which the town has with King Shaka, whose kraal was named Kwadukuza. The kraal was situated in an area that is now the centre of this town of Stanger and where a monument to King Shaka and a memorial hall stand today.
Laingsburg Local Municipality	Laingsburg LC and TRC, Prince Albert TRC	The municipality was named after John Laing, Commissoner of Crown lands in the Cabinets of Sprigg and Rhodes.
Langeberg Local Municipality	Heidelberg, Slanfrivier, Riversdale, Langeberg TRC, Mossel Bay TRC, Albertina TRC, Gouritzmond, Stilbaai	Langeberg is an Afrikaans name meaning "long mountain". The municipality is named after the Langeberg mountain range that forms the northern border of the municipality. It extends from the north bank of the Orange River to link up with the Korannaberg in the Postmasburg district. All the dissolved municipalities forming the Langerberg Municipality can easily identify with the mountain.
Lejweleputswa District Municipality	Goldfields DC, Allanridge, Boshof, Bothaville, Bultfontein, Dealesville, Goldfields, Hertzogville, Greater Brandfort, Henneman, Hoopstad, Moddervaal, Odendaalsrus, Sandrivier, Soutspan, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, Virginia, Vetvaal, Ventersburg, Welkom, We	The name is derived from the "grey stones" dug out from the gold mines. The Sesotho reference to the Goldfields is "Lejweleputswa".
Lekwa - Teemane Local Municipality	Christiana, Bloemhof	Lekwa - Teemane is a Setswana word with the following meaning: Lekwa is the Sesotho name for the Vaal River and Teemane means Diamond. The name Lekwa -Teemane relates to and symbolises the rich natural resources in the area.
Lekwa Local Municipality	Eastvaal, Badplaas, Carolina LC and RC, Ekulindeni, Elukwatini, Empululzi, Breyten, Chissiesmeer/Kwa Chibikhulu, Greylingstad, Balfour/Siyathemba LC and RC, Dave/Kwadela, Ermelo LC and RC, Lothair/Silindile, Amsterdam/ Kwa Thandeka, Piet Retief LC and RC,	Msukalingwa is an isiZulu name meaning "from the Vaal". The eye of the Vaal river is at Breyten, which is one of the towns within the municipality, therefore Msukalingwa was a relevant name for the municipality.
Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality	Northern DC, Alldays/LLT -Buysdorp, Bochum/My Darling, Moletjie/Matlala, Dendron,Dikgale/Soekmekaar,Maraba-Mashashane/Maja, Lebowakgomo, Zebediela, Mankweng, Noko-Tlou/Fetakgomo Pietersburg/Polokwane	Lepelle-Nkumpi is the name of the river that supplies the three former Transitional Local Councils namely, Greater Leboakgomo, Zebediela, and part of Nokotlou-Fetakgomo. Nkumpi is a small river within the area of which the people of Zebediela felt it was proper to integrate the name in order to represent them.
Lephalale Local Municipality	Bosveld DC, Northam, Springbokvlakte, Vaalwater, Ellisras/Tswelopele, Bakenberg, Koesdoesrand-Rebone, Naboomspruit/ Roedtan-Thusang, Ellisras Marapong, Thabazimbi, Warmbaths, Nylstroom, Potgietersrus, Nabomspruit	The name Lephalale is derived from isiZulu. "Lapha" means "here" and "lala" means "to sleep". The municipality was supposed to be called Laphalala, but because of the Sepedi influence, it was then called Lephalale which is also the name of the river that cuts through the centre of the municipality.
Lesedi Local Municipality	Lekoa/Vaal, Vereeniging/Kopanong, Western Vaal, Heidelberg, Eastern Gauteng, De Deur/Walkerville, Devon/Impumelelo, Eikenhof, Randvaal, Vaal Marina, Blesbokspruit, Suikerbosrand, Western Gauteng, Vaal Rivier, Vaal Oewer, Vischkuil Heidelberg, Devon/Impume	Lesedi is a Sesotho word meaning "light". The name was decided upon because the municipality represents the light of the area.
Letsemeng Local Municipality	Bethulie, Bloem Area DC, Central Southern DC, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Jacobsdal, Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Oppermansgronde, Orange West, Petrusburg, Rouxville, Trompsburg, Smithfield, South East DC, Springfontein, Verwoerd Dam, Zastron	The name stems from the Sesotho word "letsema". In the olden days when the people of the homesteads had to cultivate their crops, they would prepare food and traditional beer and invite other families to come and help them without any remuneration. The name is chosen for its symbolic meaning and seeks to inculcate the spirit of co-operation and working together to achieve goals.
Lukhanji Local Municipality	Queenstown, Whittlesea / Sada	Lukhanji is an isiXhosa name for the mountain that runs the eastern side of Queenstown to the western side, but if you look at it from Zinguthu village, it stretches from the west to the east.People from the rural areas use their side of the mountain for grazing and the people of Queenstown use their side as a commonage.
Madibeng Local Municipality	Rustenburg, Moretele, Koster, Brits	Madibeng is a Setswana name meaning "a place of water or dams. The name was decided upon due to the number of major dams found in the area.
Mafikeng Local Municipality	Mafikeng, Delareysville, Lichtenburg, Zeerust, Sannieshof	Mafikeng is a Setswana name meaning "place of rocks". It refers to the volcanic rock that provided temporary shelter for the Stone Age humans, enabling them to hunt easily and drink water in the Molopo River.
Mafube Local Municipality	Northern Free State DC, Cornelia, Edenville, Kroonstad, Heilbron, Koepel, Koppies, Kroonkop, Northern Free State DC, Orangeville, arys, Riemland, Sasolburg, Steynsrus, Tweeling, Vaaldam, Viljoenskroon, Villiers, Vredefort	The name is a Sesotho word meaning "dawning of the new day". It is the dawning of a new era which is illustrated by the sunrise. "Mafube" depicts the real renaissance when the communities rise and begin to toil.
Magareng Local Municipality	Warrenton Municipality	Magareng is a Setswana name meaning "in the middle". The name reflects the geographic location of the municipality in relation to other areas.
Makana Local Municipality	Alicedale, Grahamstown,Riebeeck East	The municipality is named after a Xhosa prophet, Makana (also spelled Makanda). Makana was born near the coast in the Uitenhage area of the Eastern Cape. During his youth, he heard the gospel message peached by the first missionary in the area, Dr Johannes van der Kemp. Makana main-tained a strong interest in Christianity and combined it with elements of ancient Xhosa beliefs. His powerful oratory attracted people in their thou-sands and earned him the status of chieftainship and Military Adviser to Chief Ndlambe. Makana led a combined force of the Xhosas against Chief Ngqika, who was seen as selling out his people in return for personal gain as an ally of the British Empire. The British seized almost 23 000 head of cattle from Chief Ndlambe’s people. Makana retaliated and urged all the Xhosas to unite and fight back against colonizers and profit seekers. On the 22 April 1819, he led a force of 10 000 Xhosa warriors in a daring day-light raid on Grahamstown. They were accompanied by women and chil-dren fully prepared to re-occupy the land which had formerly been theirs. Defeated by superior British firepower, Manaka eventually surrendered in the interest of promoting peace. The British imprisioned him on Robben Island. Although they treated him with great respect, Makana refused any dignified treatment when his people were suffering. Within a year of his arrival, he escaped along with thirty other prisoners, mostly Xhosas and Khoisan rebels from the eastern frontier districts. Although several sur-vived, Makana drowned.Since he promised his people that he would never abandon them, they continued to hope for his return for another fifty years before funeral ritu-als were observed.
Makhado Local Municipality	Northern DC, Messina, Mutale/Masisi/Vhutshwena, Nzhelele/Tshipise, Alldays/LTT/Buysdorp, Elim/ Tshitale/Hlanganani/Levubu Shingwedzi, Thohoyandou, Louis Trichardt	Chief Makhado was from the Ramabulana Kingdom. He was the son of Ravhele Ramabulana, who died in 1864. His father earmarked Makhado to be the best person to deal with the white people who were taking over his land. His father then decided to send Makhado and his mother to work for the settlers so that he could learn and know their strategies and tactics. Makhado then developed a close friendship with the whites for whom he was working for. At first Makhado was employed on a farm and later on he became one of the elephant hunters. When his father died, Makhado was away on a hunting trip. When he returned, he realised that Davhana (his older brother) had already declared himself a chief. Makhado had no option but to attack him. Then Makhado became the king of the Ramabulana dynasty. As a chief, Makhado did not want to hurt the white people, mainly because he worked harmoniously with them. As a result, Makhado was in a dilemma, as he was loved by both whites and his own native people. Unfortunately, the introduction of the native tax annoyed the Venda people to an extent that they decided to defy payment thereof. Eventually, the settlers started to harass them and intimidated them of their defiance. They attempted to attack Makhado in his strong hold at Swongozwi, but failed. Makhado went on an exepedition to fight all the settlers who were at Schoeman until they left for Marabastad. Makhado was able to deal with the forces which were led by Paul Kruger, General Piet Joubert and others and thereafter he became the ruler of the whole of the Soutspanberg region. Makhado was then the leader of the present Far North Region. It was because of this that he was nicknamed the "Lion of the North". It is alleged that chief Makhado died from drinking a medicine (poison) which was given to him by his white friends. Another allegation is that he died of an overdose of the medicine which was intended to assist him. Makhado was buried at his stronghold of Swongozwi, which still exists to date. Makhado will be remembered as the King who has unified the Ramabulana dynasty. The municipality of Makhado was named in recognition of his bravery in fight the colonialists. The municipality is of the view that Makhado was fighting for a just cause and that he did not hate any racial group.
Makhudutamaga Local Municipality	Northern DC, Bosveld DC, Hlogotlou/ Lepelle, Eastern Tubatse, Dilokong, Tubatse/ Steelpoort, Ngwaritsi/ Makhuduthamaga, Nebo North,Nokotlou/ Fetakgomo,Highveld DC, Globlersdal, Marbel Hall, Moutse, Steelpoort/Ohrigstad/ Burgersfort	Makhudutamaga is a Sepedi name meaning “those who resisted white domination”. An organisation, Makhuduthamaga, was formed by the forefathers of Sekhukhuneland in the mid 50’s. It was formed mainly by migrant workers who worked on the Reef and its main objective was to resist colonialisation and apartheid. King Sekhukhune endorsed the organisation and it was banned in 1958. The organisation transformed itself and changed its name to Fetakgomo.
Maletswai Local Municipality	Aliwal North, Jamestown	Maletswai is a Sesotho name that means “a place of salt”.There is a spring within the municipal area that produces salty water from underground called the Aliwal Spa.
Maluti a Phofung Local Municipality	Eastern Free State DC, Arlington, Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Drakensburg, Eastern Free State DC, Greater Ficksburg, Harrismith, Kestell, Lindley, Maluti, Marquad, Mashae Fourie, Mautsendal, Memel, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa-qwa, Reitz	The Drakensberg Mountains, which run from the Cape through Lesotho, the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, are known as, "Maluti" in Sesotho. The Drakensberg is flat but has peaks. The highest peak is known as Mount-Aux-Sources. The peak in Qwaqwa is known as the Sentinel, which is called "Phofung" in Sesotho. The name is a combination of the Maluti (Drakensberg) and Phofung (Sentinel).
Mamusa Local Municipality	Schweizer-Reneke, Vryburg, Christiana, Bloemhof, Reivilo	Mamusa is a Setswana name for breast - feeding. Through breast - feeding, the child receives a lot of nutrition from the mother's milk, therefore the people of Mamusa (represented as the child) can expect only the best from their municipality (the mother's milk).
Mangaung Local Municipality	Bloem Area DC, Bloemfontein TLC and TRC, Botshabelo, Eastern Free State DC, Exelsior, Hobhouse, Kopano, Ladybrand, Maluti, Morojaneng/Dewetsdorp, South East Free State, Thaba Nchu TLC and TRC, Thaba Patchoa, Van Stadensrus, Wepener	Mangaung is a Sesotho name meaning "place of leopards". Legend has it that when the first settlers arrived on these shores, they were stunned by the vast plains that were roamed freely by leopards. The name, therefore, will be synonymous with the Africanisation of the area as a whole.
Mantsopa Local Municipality	Bloem Area DC, Bloemfontein TLC and TRC, Botshabelo, Eastern Free State DC, Exelsior, Hobhouse, Kopano, Ladybrand, Maluti, Morojaneng/Dewetsdorp, South East Free State, Thaba Nchu TLC and TRC, Thaba Patchoa, Van Stadensrus, Wepener	At Modderpoort lived a lady called Mantsopa, a sister to King Moshoeshoe. She was banished from the Kingdom of King Moshoeshoe when he suspected that her powers were greater than his. When she arrived at Modderpoort there were no houses and she stayed in a cave. She was a great prophetess and everything that she predicted happened. In 1886 a group of men called "The Brotherhood of St Augustine" arrived at Modderpoort on their way to Durban. Mantsopa accommodated them in her cave. She later left them in this cave and settled at Spitskop Mountain and built a small house for herself. This cave was later known as "Lehaha la Mantsopa". The missionaries decided to stay and not go to Durban anymore and they turned the cave into a chapel. Mantsopa also had a fountain (this fountain still exists to date) that does not dry up at a mountain called "Verve". She used the water from the fountain to cure sick people. Mantsopa believed in God but did not know modern religion. She later joined the church and was baptised and given the name Anna. Mantsopa's grave continues to be visited and offerings are still placed on or near it. The entire area mentioned above was later known as "Lekgalong la Mantsopa" (Mantsopa's Pass).
Maphumulo Local Municipality	Maphumulo	Maphumulo is an isiZulu name meaning "place of rest". There are three points that clearly define the history and the meaning of this name. King Shaka and his warriors on their hunting mission to Sabuyaze and Nyamazane Hills rested on this area. The first man to settle and build his homestead in the area was Maphumulo. The missionaries who came to this area set up a mission which they called "Umphumulo Mission". All of the above resulted in the area being called Maphumolo.
Maquassi Hills Local Municipality	Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Wolmaranstad	Maquassi is said to be the Bushman name for an aromatic plant (Croton gratissimus). It is also interesting to note that there was once a Khoisan chief by the name Maquassi, who used to go to the top of the mountain and in the morning and look over the now three established municipalities which are Wolmaranstad, Makwasi and Witpoort. Along the municipality there is also a river leading to the Vaal river that has an abundance of sweet smelling scent called the Maquassi. This municipality can also be called by three different names, i.e. 1.Dithabana tsa Makwasi, 2.Makwasi-rante and 3. Maquassi Hills, which was the name that was decided to be used by the general public.
Maruleng Local Municipality	Northern DC, Bushbuckridge South/North/Midlands, Hoedspruit/Makhutswi, Lowveld, Escarpment, Kruger Park South, Sabie Park	Marula is a Sepedi word derived from the name of the fruit “Amarula”, which is indigenous in Limpopo. The name means “a place of marula”Amarula is used to make jam, beer, and certain types of nuts.
Masilonyana Local Municipality	Goldfields DC, Allanridge, Boshof, Bothaville, Bultfontein, Dealesville, Goldfields, Hertzogville, Greater Brandfort, Henneman, Hoopstad, Moddervaal, Odendaalsrus, Sandrivier, Soutspan, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, Virginia, Vetvaal, Ventersburg, Welkom, We	The name is Sesotho, derived from the name of the mountain in the area called "Masilonyana" .
Matatiele Local Municipality	Matatiele, Cedarville	The name is derived from the Sesotho lanuage and it means "the ducks have flown", in an apparent reference to the abundance of waterflow that even today inhabit the surrounding pools and marshes. Matatiele and its surroundings have a rich cultural, historic heritage. It was originally established as a trading post in the mid 1800s and was later a seat of the magistrate. The town Matatiele nestles in the scenic foothills of the southern Drakensberg Mountains.
Matjhabeng Local Municipality. See Lejweleputswa Municipality	Goldfields DC, Allanridge, Boshof, Bothaville, Bultfontein, Dealesville, Goldfields, Hertzogville, Greater Brandfort, Henneman, Hoopstad, Moddervaal, Odendaalsrus, Sandrivier, Soutspan, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, Virginia, Vetvaal, Ventersburg, Welkom, We	The name is a Sesotho word meaning "where nations meet". It is derived from the migrant labour system where people from various countries like Lesotho, Mozambique, etc. meet to work in the mines of the Goldfields.
Matzikama Local Municipality	Lutzville, Ebenhaezer, Vredendal LC and TRC, Vanrhynsdorp LC and TRC, Doringbaai/ Strandfontein, Klawer	Matzikama is originally a Khoisan name. Matzi means "he gives" and kama means "water". Collectively the name means "He that gives water". This name dates back to the early inhabitants of the area, who used to live in the specific mountain range called "Matzikama". The occupants were well known to be agriculturists. Water was seen as the most important element to make a living, thus the name is based on their means of surviving on agricultural activities.
Mbashe Local Municipality	Idutywa, Willowvale, Xhora/ E Dale	The name Mbashe is derived from Xhosa. The municipality is named after the Mbashe river that cuts through the three areas, namely Elliotdale, Wil-lowvale and Idutywa. The name is also associated with the Nongwase his-tory. There is a breed of a cow called Bolowana which is believed to be an animal of the river. There were cows called Bolwana which came from this river and were taken to the Chief. These cows are now being farmed in El-liotdale. The Bolwana cow is found only in the Mbashe municipal area, and its origin is the Mbashe river.
Mbizana Local Municipality	Bizana	Mbizana is an isiXhosa word meaning “small pot”.During the olden days, local peasant women used to make traditional clay pots in the river below Bizana village. They used to display them to be dried by the sun. One summer day, a strange occurrence took place when an invisible force pushed all those that were displayed in the sun. The be-lief was that they were pushed by a mysterious force called “utikoloshe”.As the pots disappeared into the river, the women said “Oh! imbizana zethu” i.e. “Oh! our small pots”. The story goes on to say that this incident marked the end of the growing peasant trade relations.
Mbombela Local Municipality	Lowveld Escarpment DC, Graskop, Lydenburg LC and RC, Sabie, Hazyview, Nelspruit LC and RC, White River LC and RC, Barberton LC and RC, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Pilgrims Rest, Nkomazi East, Nkomazi West	Mbombela is a siSwati name meaning "a lot of people in a small space". Mbombela was the name of the township that bordered Nelspruit on the north-east before its residents were forcefully relocated in the late 1960s and early 1970s to the township of Kanyamazane a couple of kilometres east of Nelspruit.
Mbonambi Local Municipality	Mbonambi	The municipality is named after the Mbonambi Local Tribal Authority, which covers most of the municipal area. Mbonambi is also the name of one of King Shaka 's regiments. The municipality is located in the heartland of the Mbonambi regiment.
Merafong City Local Municipality	Carletonville, Foschville, Gatsrant, Southern DC, Wedela	Merafong is a Setswana name meaning "the mining area". The municipal area is composed of towns that came to being as a direct result of the gold mining activities in the vicinity. Merafong City is home to the richest and deepest gold mines in the world. The mining industry remains the largest contributor to the local economy. In acknowledgement of the continued role of mining in the development of Merafong City, The Mining Tower indicates the role of the mining industry in the development of the community and the influence of mining on the daily existence of the Merafong communities.
Metsimaholo Local Municipality	Northen Free State DC, Cornelia, Edenville, Frankfort, Deneysville, Kroonstad, Heilbron, Koepel, Koppies, Kroonkop, Northern Free State DC, Oranjeville, Parys, Riemland, Sasolburg, Steynsrus, Tweeling, Vaaldam, Viljoenskroon, Villiers, Vredefort	A common factor among the amalgamating municipalities in this area is water - an abundance of it (e.g. the number of dams and rivers)."Metsimaholo" means "big water" in Sesotho, hence the choice of name.
Metsweding District Municipality	Bronkhorstspruit, Cullinan, Easten Gauteng, Roodeplaas, Elands River, Bronberg, Ekangala, Highveld DC, Pienaarsrivier	Metsweding is a Setswana name meaning fountains. The municipality represents the fountain of knowledge to the community at large. The municipal name also refers to the Bronkhorstspruit Dam, which is situated in the area.
Mhlontlo Local Municipality	Qumbu, Tsolo	Mhlonto was a chief of the Pondomise people during the 19th century. He was stripped of his chieftainship by the government of the time because the Pondomise people killed the magistrate of Qumbu.
Middelburg Local Municipality	Highveld DC, Delmas LC and RC, Kriel LC and RC,Belfast LC and RC, Dullstroom, Machadodorp, Waterval Boven LC and RC, KwaMhlanga,Mkobola,Mathanjana, Mbibane, Mdutjana	Middleburg owes its origin to the need for a "half-way house" between Pretoria and Lydenburg, at the time the capitals of the South African Republic and Republic of Lydenburg respectively. The convenient location midway between these two places gave Middleburg its present name. On 25 October 1859, the Lydenburg Volksraad approved the establishment of a Church Village, which was originally named Nazareth. However, at a request of 59 residents, the Volksraad resolved on 23 October 1874 to change the name to Middleburg, as Nazareth was not generally accepted.
Midvaal Local Municipality	Vereeniging/Kopanong, De Deur/Walkerville, Eikenhof, Randvaal, Vaal Marina, Blesbokspruit, Suikerbosrand, Meyerton	The name Midvaal is dual and can be pronounced in both English and Afrikaans. The name is self explanatory, due to the geographical location. Midvaal lies halfway between Johannesburg/East Rand and the Vaal/Vereeniging area.
Mier Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	The name Mier is an Afrikaans word that originates from the word "mere" which means "lakes". When German missionaries visited the area a long time ago, they found the pans in the area full of water. They called them "mere". As language changed, the people later pronounced it as "mier".
Mkhabathini Local Municipality	Camperdown	Mkhabathini is an isiZulu name for a mountain in the area, also known as Table Mountain.
Mkhondo Local Municipality	Eastvaal, Badplaas, Carolina LC and RC, Ekulindeni, Elukwatini, Empululzi, Breyten, Chissiesmeer/Kwa Chibikhulu, Greylingstad, Balfour/Siyathemba LC and RC, Dave/Kwadela, Ermelo LC and RC, Lothair/Silindile, Amsterdam/ Kwa Thandeka, Piet Retief LC and RC	Mkhondo is an isiZulu name meaning footprints. The municipality is named after the river that passes through Piet Retief to KwaZulu-Natal.
Mngeni Local Municipality	Howick, Hilton	The municipality is named after the major river that runs through the municipal area. The Howick Falls (a National Heritage site) is located on this river.
Modimolle Local Municipality	Bosveld DC, Northam, Springbokvlakte, Vaalwater, Ellisras/Tswelopele, Bakenberg, Koesdoesrand-Rebone, Naboomspruit/ Roedtan-Thusang, Ellisras Marapong, Thabazimbi, Warmbaths, Nylstroom, Potgietersrus, Nabomspruit	During the olden days, there lived the in the vicinity of Modimolle a tribe that used to punish criminal elements by taking them to a cave on the local mountain, and they were not supposed to come back to the tribe. The phrase "Modimo o jele" meaning "God has eaten" came into being because those who were punished were never to be seen again.
Mogalakwena Local Municipality	Bosveld DC, Northam, Springbokvlakte, Vaalwater, Ellisras/Tswelopele, Bakenberg, Koesdoesrand-Rebone, Naboomspruit/ Roedtan-Thusang, Ellisras Marapong, Thabazimbi, Warmbaths, Nylstroom, Potgietersrus, Nabomspruit	Mokgalakwena is a Sepedi name which means "a place where crocodiles cry". The municipality is named after a river in the area that used to have crocodiles.
Mogale City Local Municipality	Krugersdorp, Magaliesburg, Magaliesberg	The municipal area is named after The Great King Mogale of the Batswana nation, who ruled the area during the 19th century. His territorial reign covered most of the present Gauteng. The Magaliesberg mountain and the region were named after this great hero.
Mohokare Local Municipality	Bethulie, Bloem Area DC, Central Southern DC, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Jacobsdal, Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Oppermansgronde, Orange West, Petrusburg, Rouxville, Trompsburg, Smithfield, South East DC, Springfontein, Verwoerd Dam, Zastron	The name is a Sesotho word for Caledon River, which runs through the new municipality.
Molemole Local Municipality	Northern DC, Alldays/LLT -Buysdorp, Bochum/My Darling, Moletjie/Matlala, Dendron,Dikgale/Soekmekaar,Maraba-Mashashane/Maja, Lebowakgomo, Zebediela, Mankweng, Noko-Tlou/ Fetakgomo Pietersburg /Polokwane	Molemole is named after the mountain range in Botlokwa. The municipality was named Molemole because the community wanted to preserve the history and culture of the Batlokwa tribe.
Molopo Local Municipality	Schweizer-Reneke, Vryburg, Christiana, Bloemhof, Reivilo	Molopo is a Setswana name meaning a river. The municipality is named after a river that forms a boundary between South Africa and Botswana.
Mooi Mpofana Local Municipality	Impendle	During the 18th century, the Griquas-batwas used to hide in the mountain in the area because they were accused of stealing livestock from the farmers who decided to fight them in order to protect their livestock. The Griquas used war spears, and this conflict was called "an outside war", i.e. Impiyasendle or Impi- endle.
Mookgopong Local Municipality	Bosveld DC, Northam, Springbokvlakte, Vaalwater, Ellisras/Tswelopele, Bakenberg, Koesdoesrand-Rebone, Naboomspruit/ Roedtan-Thusang, Ellisras Marapong, Thabazimbi, Warmbaths, Nylstroom, Potgietersrus, Nabomspruit	The Municiplity is named after the type of tree found in the area, Mokgopa (Cactus). Hence the name Mookgopong.
Mopani District Municipality	Northern DC, Mooketsi/Sekgosese, Bolobedu, Hlanganani, Duiwelskloof/ Ga-Kgapane, Haenertsburg, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Giyane, Letsitele/Gravelotte	The area has an abundance of mopane trees as a result the area has a lot of mopani worms. It is because of the abundance of mopani trees that the municipality is named Mopani. In Xitsonga this tree is called "muxanatsi", in Tshivenda, "mupani" and in Sepedi is "motlhanare".
Moqhaka District Municipality	Northen Free State DC, Cornelia, Edenville, Frankfort, Deneysville, Kroonstad, Heilbron, Koepel, Koppies, Kroonkop, Northern Free State DC, Oranjeville, Parys, Riemland, Sasolburg, Steynsrus, Tweeling, Vaaldam, Viljoenskroon, Villiers, Vredefortee	A clear look at the amalgamating municipalities will reveal the commonality of the word "kroon" in at least three affected areas. "Kroon" is an Afrikaans word for "crown". The Sesotho word is "Moqhaka". It is not only kings who wear crowns, but winners are rewarded with them. Traditionally, the royal homestead is centrally situated. The new municipality is centrally situated in the province and the country as a whole. A picture of a crown for a coat of arms as well as a letterhead would be a simple but dignified symbol with which any member of the community to associate.
Moretele Local Municipality	Rustenburg, Moretele, Koster, Brits	Moretele is a Setswana name for a river that runs through the area. Noka ya Moretele (Moretele River) is significant in that traditionally, the people drew water from it and its name is indigenous and the people in the area are indeed proud of it.
Moses Kotane Local Municipality	Rustenburg, Moretele, Koster, Brits	The municipality was named after the late Moses Kotane in acknowledgement of his contribution to the freedom struggle in South Africa. He was also elected the Secretary General of the South African Communist Party in 1939. Comrade Kotane's entire political life was dedicated to the translation of Marxist-Leninism into the realm of practical politics. He threw himself body and soul not only into building the SACP but also the organisation that represents the oppressed black majority - The African National Congress.
Moshaweng Local Municipality	Diamantveld DC, Kimberley, Ritchie, Barkley-West, Ulco, Delportshoop, Windsorton, Warrenton, Hartswater, Pampierstad, Jan Kempdorp	Moshaweng is a Setswana name for "place of sand". Due to the sand found in the area, it was appropriate for the local community to name the area Moshaweng.
Mossel Bay Local Municipality	Herbertdale, Friesmersheim, Great Brak River, Mossel Bay LC and TRC, Outeniqua TRC	Mossel is an Afrikaans name meaning "mussels". The name was given to the town by the Dutch navigator Paulos van Caerden in 1601 as a result of the abundance of mussels on the seashore in this vicinity.
Motheo District Municipality	Bloem Area DC, Bloemfontein TLC and TRC, Botshabelo, Eastern Free State DC, Exelsior, Hobhouse, Kopano, Ladybrand, Maluti, Morojaneng/Dewetsdorp, South East Free State, Thaba Nchu TLC and TRC, Thaba Patchoa, Van Stadensrus, Wepener	The name is a Sesotho word which means "founding place". The constituent municipalities are each steeped in their respective glorious histories; from the Bushmen, Griquas and Sotho inhabitants to colonialisation; the Republic of the Orange Free State; the establishment of both the African National Congress and the National Party. The name will enjoin communities to a common destiny; typify a principal agenda-setter and a community determined to incarnate the African Renaissance.
Mquma Local Municipality	Butterworth, Kentani, Nqamakwe	Mquma is a name that represents a feature of the culture of the Xhosa people. When there is a cultural event or a family gathering, it is traditional that a huge chunk of olive tree wood is placed on the tray before the food can be placed on that tray for the people attending the gathering.
Msinga Local Municipality	Umzinga, Pomeroy	The name means a current in the sea where air movement causes ripples on top of the water surface and ends up influencing the nearby climatic conditions through its breeze. It emanates from the name of the previous authorities (Bantu Trust). It is like a brand name, which is unique to the people and their culture
Msukalingwa Local Municipality	Eastvaal, Badplaas, Carolina LC and RC, Ekulindeni, Elukwatini, Empululzi, Breyten, Chissiesmeer/Kwa Chibikhulu, Greylingstad, Balfour/Siyathemba LC and RC, Dave/Kwadela, Ermelo LC and RC, Lothair/Silindile, Amsterdam/ Kwa Thandeka, Piet Retief LC and RC,	Msukalingwa is an isiZulu name meaning "from the Vaal". The eye of the Vaal river is at Breyten, which is one of the towns within the municipality, therefore Msukalingwa was a relevant name for the municipality.
Mthonjaneni Local Municipality	Melmoth, Emthonjaneni	Mthonjaneni is an isiZulu name meaning "a spring of water. "There is a spring found in the vicinity of the municipality where King Dingaan used to send his maidens to collect water for him. This spring still exists.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality	Inyala, Mtubatuba	The municipality is named after Nkosi Mtubatuba of the Mkhwanazi clan. Mkhwanazi is also the surname of the original inhabitants of the area.
Musina Local Municipality	Northern DC, Musina, Mutale/Masisi/Vhutshwena, Nzhelele/Tshipise, Alldays/LTT/Buysdorp, Elim/ Tshitale/Hlanganani/Levubu Shingwedzi, Thohoyandou, Louis Trichardt	A long time ago, there were tribes who were migrating from certain parts of Africa looking for iron. They later arrived at Musina where they found the mineral that was softer than iron (copper) and they called it Musina, and the tribes were also known as the Musina tribe. This tribe decided to stay in the area where they mined the mineral and farmed. Other tribes came and war erupted and the Musina tribe was extinguished. Later the colonialists from Zimbabwe and England came to the area and started the Musina Copper Mine.
Mutale Local Municipality	Northern DC, Messina, Mutale/Masisi/Vhutshwena, Nzhelele/Tshipise, Alldays/LTT/Buysdorp, Elim/ Tshitale/Hlanganani/Levubu Shingwedzi, Thohoyandou, Louis Trichardt	Mutale is the name of the river that passes within the vicinity of the local municipality.
Nala Local Municipality	Goldfields DC, Allanridge, Boshof, Bothaville, Bultfontein, Dealesville, Goldfields, Hertzogville, Greater Brandfort, Henneman, Hoopstad, Moddervaal, Odendaalsrus, Sandrivier, Soutspan, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, Virginia, Vetvaal, Ventersburg, Welkom, We	The name is Sesotho for "affluence or plenty". It is derived from the maize belt and economic prosperity of the area.
Naledi Local Municipality	Bloem Area DC, Bloemfontein TLC and TRC, Botshabelo, Eastern Free State DC, Exelsior, Hobhouse, Kopano, Ladybrand, Maluti, Morojaneng/Dewetsdorp, South East Free State, Thaba Nchu TLC and TRC, Thaba Patchoa, Van Stadensrus, Wepener	The name is a Sesotho word meaning "a star". The new municipality is seen as a heavenly body showing excellence; dignity, achievement and unification of previously marginalized small towns and, with its light, will take the new municipality to a brighter and prosperous future. A new star is born!
Naledi Local Municipality	Schweizer-Reneke, Vryburg, Christiana, Bloemhof, Reivilo	Naledi is a Sesotho word that means "a star".
Nama Khoi Local Municipality	Hantam DC, Namaqualand DC, Diamanstreek, Gariep, Richtersveld, Port Nolloth, Concordia, Komaggas, Namaqua, O'Kiep Copper, O'Kiep, Springbok, Steinkopf, Garies, Leliefonein, Hantam, Kamieskroon, Rietpoort, Calvinia, Brandvlei, Sakrivier, Loeriesfontein,	Nama Khoi originates from the language Khoi which was used by both the Namas and the Khoi people. The name was decided upon to honour the ancestors (the Khoi) who were the original inhabitants of the Namaqualand region.
Namakwa District Municipality	Hantam DC, Namaqualand DC, Diamanstreek, Gariep, Richtersveld, Port Nolloth, Concordia, Komaggas, Namaqua, O'Kiep Copper, O'Kiep, Springbok, Steinkopf, Garies, Leliefonein, Hantam, Kamieskroon, Rietpoort, Calvinia, Brandvlei, Sakrivier, Loeriesfontein,	The municipality is named after the people living in the area who were known as the "Namas". By chosing the name Namakwa, the local community declare that they are the offspring (children) of the Namas. They also declare that they are proud to live in the land of their forefathers, and honour the history and culture of their forefathers. The community also want to declare that they honour and cherish the bond with their Namibians brothers and sisters.
Ndlambe Local Municipality	Alexandria, Bathurst, Boes-mansrivier, Seafield Bok-nes/Cannon Rocks, Kenton on Sea, Port Alfred	The municipality is named after the highest ranking chief of the Xhosas who historically inhabited the municipal area, Chief Ndlambe. When his father died, Chief Ndlambe served as regent of the kingdom from 1782 -1796, after which his nephew, Ngqika, took over the reigns of power. Ndlambe’s area of control remained the Zuurveld region. Ndambe fought wars alongside the Boers in 1796, but then in collaboration with the rebel-ling Khoisan servants against the Boers from 1799 -1803. His two wars against the British in 1811 and 1819 resulted in the expulsion of his people from their homes and their resettlement in the regions beyond the Keis-kamma River. Chief Ndlambe died in 1828, alleged to be over 100 years old. At the time he had ten wives and the whole nation shaved its head in mourning. He has been called “Father of the African Nationalism” for his staunch insistence on the sovereignity of his people, despite the over-whelming power of the British military forces.
Ndwendwe Local Municipality	Ndwedwe	The name "Ndwedwe" originated from an isiZulu name word"undwendwe" which means "a wedding ceremony" or "a group of people walking or standing in a queue or line". Ndwendwe originally meant "undwendwe" (umshato), which is a wedding ceremony or people standing or moving in a line or a queue. The Ndwendwe area is mostly composed of mountains. Historically there would be various gatherings all over the area, such as a wedding ceremony, imbizo. Because of the hilly terrain of the area, people would be seen from far walking in line following footpaths, attending that particular function. To the Ndwendwe people, the name symbolises uniqueness and the pride of being a typical rural community. It is also a heritage and a symbol of victory over being discriminated against by whites and by other black communities. The name poses a challenge to the local authority of Ndwendwe to improve the backlogs that were inherited in the past
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality	Port Elizabeth LC and TRC, Despatch, Uitenhage LC and TRC, Seaview, Blue Horizon Bay, Western DC	The municipality was named in honour of the former President, Mr Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela is one of the great moral and political leaders of our time, an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Price and the Presidency of South Africa. Since his triumphant release in 1990 after a quarter of a century of imprisonment, Mandela has been the centre of the most compelling and inspiring political drama in the world. As the former President of the African National Congress and head of South Af-rica’s anti - apartheid movement, he was instrumental in moving the na-tion toward multiracial government and majority rule. He is revered eve-rywhere as a vital force in the fight for human rights and racial equality.
Newcastle Local Municipality	Newcastle	Newcastle is an English name. In 1854 the Surveyor General to the Natal Government, Dr Sutherland was forced to spend nearly two weeks on the banks of the swollen Ncandu River. To pass the time he planned the township for this site, named the streets after members of the Government and filed the plan in Pietermaritzburg on his return to that city. Dr Sutherland appears right from the start to have favoured the name Newcastle for his brainchild. In 1863 he recommended that the neighbourhood of the township on the Waterfall River be selected as the chosen site to be called Newcastle and in 1864 Newcastle was born with the purchase of the first erf.
Ngqushwa Local Municipality	Hamburg, Peddie	Due to the clicking sounds of the municipal name, Ngqushwa is a name that represents the inhabitants of the area, i.e. the Xhosas and the Khoisan.
Ngwathe Local Municipality	Northen Free State DC, Cornelia, Edenville, Frankfort, Deneysville, Kroonstad, Heilbron, Koepel, Koppies, Kroonkop, Northern Free State DC, Oranjeville, Parys, Riemland, Sasolburg, teynsrus, weeling, aaldam, ijoenskroon, Villiers, Vredefort	The new municipality is named after the Renoster River. The Sesotho name for the river is "Ngwathe".
Nkandla Local Municipality	Nkandla	Nkandla (Enqabeni Enkulu KwaZulu) is an isiZulu name for a hiding place of the Zulus a long time ago during the times of war, e.g The Bambatha Rebellion and the Ndwandwe war from Entumeni. The warriors used the Nkandla forest as their last resort for protection from their enemies. It was very difficult to fight the warriors who were hiding in the thick and dark forest (iNkandla eMahlathi Amnyama). Most of the Zulu heroe's graves are found at Nkandla, for example, Bambatha's grave is at Nsuze.
Nkangala District Municipality	Highveld DC, Delmas LC and RC, Kriel LC and RC,Belfast LC and RC, Dullstroom, Machadodorp, Waterval Boven LC and RC, KwaMhlanga, Mkobola, Mathanjana, Mbibane, Mdutjana	Nkangala is an isiZulu name meaning "highveld". The name was recommended because the towns that form part of the new municipality are situated in the highveld, except for Belfast.
Nketoana Local Municipality	Reitz Petsana TLC, Arlington Leratswana TLC, Petrus Steyn Mamafubedu TLC, Lindley Ntha TLC, Riemland TRC.	The Highlands water flows into the Caledon River, then into the As River and continues into the Nketoana River near Reitz and Petrus Steyn. As the water flow from one river into another, the river changes names. The river passing near Reitz/Petrus Steyn is called Nketoana in Sesotho.
Nkomazi Local Municipality	Lowveld Escarpment DC, Graskop, Lydenburg LC and RC, Sabie, Hazyview, Nelspruit LC and RC, White River LC and RC, Barberton LC and RC, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Pilgrims Rest, Nkomazi East, Nkomazi West	Nkomazi is an isiZulu name meaning "a cow". The municipality is named after a river which starts from the north, the Nkomati River as it is called by the siSwati speaking people. Due to the isiZulu influence, it is called the Nkomazi.
Nkonkobe Local Municipality	Alice, Fort Beaufort, Hogs-back, Middledrift, Seymour	The municipality is named after a mountain range (Winterberg), Nkonkobe in isiXhosa. The range is of significance in that many historical events oc-curred around it, such as the War of the Axe and the War of Maqoma in which the great Xhosa king resisted land dispossession by the British colo-nialists. During the war he retreated to the peak of the mountain, called Mthontsi (now called Fordyce), where there are caves. It is here that he conducted the Guerrila Warfare until his capture and imprisonment on Rob-ben Island.
Nokeng tsa Taemane Local Municipality	Cullinan/ Rayton, Roodeplaas, Elands River, Pienaarsrivier	The name is in Sepedi and Sesotho, meaning “rivers of diamonds”. The municipality was given the name because of the vast number of rivers and springs in the area and also the diamonds generated around the Caledon.
Nongoma Local Municipality	Nongoma	Originally the name Nongoma was the name of Inkosi (King) Zwide's kraal. Inkosi Zwide was the Inkosi of the Ndwandwe tribe during King Shaka's era. Inkosi Zwide's grave is in the CBD of Nongoma.
Northern Free State District Municipality	Northen Free State DC, Cornelia, Edenville, Frankfort, Deneysville, Kroonstad, Heilbron, Koepel, Koppies, Kroonkop, Northern Free State DC, Oranjeville, Parys, Riemland, Sasolburg, Steynsrus, Tweeling, Vaaldam, Viljoenskroon, Villiers, Vredefort	The name refers to the geographical location of the municipality.
Nquthu Local Municipality	GreytownNquthu	Nquthu is an isiZulu name meaning "the back of the head". King Cetshwayo of uLundi asked Nkosi Shiayo of the Ngobese tribe to look after the area stretching along the uMzinyathi River (Buffalo River), which was the border of Natal and KwaZulu. He did this to prevent the British from crossing the uMzinyathi River and coming into KwaZulu - Natal. He was set to do this as the King's isinguthu, "the back eyes of the King", guarding the King, so that he would not be hit from the back of his head (esiNquthu) by the enemy.
Ntabankulu Local Municipality	Tabankulu	Ntabankulu is an isiXhosa name meaning “great or big mountain”, since the municipal area is mountainous in character.The history of the name is that when settlers occupied the village area they use to give its location to others by referring to it as the great mountain area.Even the inhabitants of the areas surrounding the town used to drive their cattle for grazing to this place as it had sweet grass in the mountain area. Wood was also drawn from this area as it has a forest.
Ntambanana Local Municipality	Ntambanana	The municipality is named after a river, which passes through the municipality.
Nxuba Local Municipality	Adelaide, Bedford	The Fish River, as it is now called, was first named Nxuba River by King Sandile in the 18th century.It served as a border between the Boers and the Xhosas during war.This river runs past Bedford and Adelaide, and because of shortage of the water in these areas, It serves as a great asset.
Nyandeni Local Municipality	Libode, Ngqeleni	Nyandeni is taken from an isiXhosa word “inyanda”, which is a bundle of wood that is carried by Pondo women on their heads for making a cooking fire. The municipality derives its name from an old story of how the King of eastern Pondoland, Ndamase, crossed the great Umzimvubu River. It is said that his subjects were confused on how to cross the river because it was flooded. He thought of a plan to tie the sticks together and place them on the water like a raft and ride the “inyanda” across the river.He built his house about 70km from the river, and that place was called Nyandeni.
O R Thambo Local Municipality	Kei DC, Wild coast Dc, Bi-zana LC and TRC, Flagstaff, Libode LC and TRC, Lu-sikisiki LC and TRC, Mqan-duli LC and TRC, Ngqeleni LC and TRC, Port St Johns, Qumbu LC and TRC, Ta-bankulu LC and TRC, Tsolo LC and TRC, Umtata LC and TRC, Engcobo TRC, Umzi-vubu TRC, Xhora TRC, Maxesibeni/ Mount Ayliff TRC, Siphaqeni/Flagstaff TRC	O R Thambo was born on the 27 October 1917 in the rural town of Mbizana in eastern Mpondoland in what was then the Cape Province (now Eastern Cape).He was among the founding members of the ANC Youth League and in 1944 he became its first National Secretary. He was elected the President of the Transvaal ANCYL in 1948 and the National Vice President in 1949.Thambo established the ANC missions in Egypt, Ghana, Morroco, Angola and London, and he was succesfull in lobbying a campaign to secure the expulsion of South Africa from the Commnwealth in 1961.O R Thambo was among the generation of African nationalist leaders who emerged after the Second World War and were instrumental in the trans-formation of the liberal-constitutionalist organisation to a radical national liberation movement. Thambo died from a stroke on 24 April 1993.
Okhahlamba Local Municipality	Bergville, Okhahlamba, Cathkin Park, Winterton	Okahlamba is an isiZulu name meaning "place in the mountain". The name refers to the Drakensberg Mountains.
Oudtshoorn Local Municipality	Bo- Langkloof TRC, Oudtshoorn LC and TRC, Dysselsdorp, De Rust/Blomnek	Oudtshoorn is named after of Baron van Rheede van Oudtshoorn, a former governor of the Cape who died at sea in 1773 on a sea voyage to the Cape. His granddaughter was married to Magistrate Egbertus Bergh of George, and was a good friend of Mr CP Randemeyer, who in 1821 received rights to the farm Hartebeesrivier (Oudtshoorn) on the Grobbelaarsrivier.
Overberg District Municipality	Overberg DC, Bredasdorp TRC, Swellendam TRC	The name Overberg simply refers to the location of the particular region behind or beyond the mountains from Cape Town. A direct translation will therefore mean "over the mountains", with "berg" meaning 'a mountain'. In the first years of white settlement at the Cape of Good Hope, the surrounding areas were unknown to the settlers and unchartered. The early travellers described the newly discovered places by their special features. As such they were not place names but merely descriptions of places and therefore written without the capital letter, e.g. "over't bergh" or "over't geberghte". One of the earliest references to the name can be found in the Resolutions of the Political Councils of the Cape for 3 September 1708.
Overstrand Local Municipality	Bredasdorp TRC, Caledon TRC, Hangklip/ Kleinmond, Greater Hermanus LC and TRC, Stanford, Gansbaai, Nuweberg TRC	The name Overstrand is regarded as multilingual, broadly meaning the beach area of the Overberg. The name was derived from the historic regional name for the area beyond the Hottentots - Holland mountains from Cape Town.This mountain range was almost impassable in the early colonial days and it was a big effort to get "over the mountain". Today this area is covered by the Overberg District Municipality. Of the four local municipalities in the area, Overstrand covers the largest stretch of the coastline, with famous seaside resorts such as Hermanus, Kleinmond and Gansbaai in the area.
Phokwaneng Local Municipality	Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp, Pampierstad, Vaalharts	The history of the name Phokwane dates as far back as between 1400 and 1600, long before the struggle against colonialism by various traditional leaders. During this period, the area was under the chieftainship of Chief Mothibi who was the paramount chief. There was only one tribe in the area, the Barolong, and later on there was an internal battle over the chieftainship which resulted in one group emerging from the Barolong and identifying itself as the Batlhaping. The Batlhaping seceded from the Barolong and for them to succeed they had to develop a strategy because this tribe had a lot of cattle and other property. They decided to leave during the night whilst the other tribe was still sleeping. They then left an old man who was deaf to remain behind and took all the sheep inside the kraal so that they could make a lot of noise and the Barolong would assume that they were still in the area. The Batlhaping left the area with all their livestock. When the Barolong woke up, the Batlhaping were gone with the herd of cattle and only the flock of lamb was left behind, hence the name Phokwane (which is Setswana for lamb).
Phumelela Local Municipality	Eastern Free State DC, Arlington, Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Drakensburg, Eastern Free State DC, Greater Ficksburg, Harrismith, Kestell, Lindley, Maluti, Marquad, Mashae Fourie, Mautsendal, Memel, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa-qwa, Reitz	After the1994 elections, there were political tensions between the left and right-wingers around the towns in this area, culminating in unrest and a culture of non-payment of services. The Council has managed to make the area governable and there is now peace and harmony. The name "Phumelela" means "to succeed" in isiZulu.
Plettenberg Bay Local Municipality	Greater Plettenberg Bay, Outeniqua TRC	During 1778, the Governor of the Cape Colony, Joachim von Plettenberg visited many outposts in the Colony. On 5 November he arrived in Plettenberg Bay and stayed overnight on the farm of Cornelis Botha in Piesangs Valley. The following day he inspected the bay and erected the slate possessional stone indicating that the bay henceforth would belong to the Dutch East Indian Company and no other power. From that day on, the town bore his name having been previously known as Bahia Formosa (Beautiful Bay) as named by the early Portuguese seafarer
Polokwane Municipality	Northern DC, Alldays/LLT -Buysdorp, Bochum/My Darling, Moletjie/Matlala, Dendron,Dikgale/Soekmekaar,Maraba-Mashashane/Maja, Lebowakgomo, Zebediela, Mankweng, Noko-Tlou/Fetakgomo Pietersburg/Polokwane	The name Polokwane is a Sepedi name meaning "a place of safety, security or protection". The municipality is viewed as a shelter for the community it serves.
Port St Johns Local Municipality	Umzivubu, Port St Johns	The area was settled in about 1884. Presumably translated from Portu-guese Sao Joao. It was named either after a ship which foundered there or after the outline of a face which resembled that of the apostle, against the mountain
Potchefstroom Local Municipality	Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Wolmaranstad	Great dissension has arisen regarding the correct origin of the name "Potchefstroom". One fact is certain, it is primarily based on the name of the town's founder Potgieter. The most widely accepted version is that the name is composed of three words: Potgieter, chef and stroom. The first syllable is naturally that of Potgieter, the second from the fact that he was a "chef" or a leader of the emigrants, and the third signifying the Mooi River. The complete name "Potgieter" was gradually shortened to "Pot".
Prince Albert Local Municipality	Laingsburg TRC, Leeu Gamka, Prince Albert LC and TRC	The municipal area was named after the Prince Consort (1819 -1861) who governed England for 21 years. He was of Wettin lineage, the son of Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and first cousin to Queen Victoria.
Qaukeni Local Municipality	Lusikisiki, Flafstaff	Qaukeni is the name of the Regional Authority of the Pondos and it is also the name of the house of King Sicau.It was decided upon because it is the name that unifies the people of Lu-sikisiki and the people of Flagstaff.
Randfontein Local Municipality	Randfontein, Gatsrant	Randfontein is an Afrikaans word meaning "ridge fountain" or "fountain on the edge". It has its origin in the discovery of gold. By 1890 many families had streamed here to start a new life. The people were accommodated on mine property. Water for household purposes had to be fetched from the nearest natural source and carted home. Fortunately there was no scarcity of this commodity, which is where the name "fontein", meaning springs in English had its origin.
Renosterberg Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya, De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusvill	Renosterberg is an Afrikaans name meaning 'rhinoceros mountain". The municipality is named after the mountain range found in the area.
Richmond Local Municipality	Richmond	Richmond was named after the Earl of Richmond, father in law of Sir Peregrine Maitland, Governor of the Cape from 1844 to 1847. It was originally named "Beaulieu" (pronounced Bewley) but the colonial government agreed in 1850 to its name being changed to Richmond to avoid confusion with a local farm, which was also called Bealieu.
Richtersveld Local Municipality	Hantam DC, Namaqualand DC, Diamanstreek, Gariep, Richtersveld, Port Nolloth, Concordia, Komaggas, Namaqua, O'Kiep Copper, O'Kiep, Springbok, Steinkopf, Garies, Leliefonein, Hantam, Kamieskroon, Rietpoort, Calvinia, Brandvlei, Sakrivier, Loeriesfontein,	The municipality is named after a Dutch missionary of the 20th century called Rev W Richter, who opened a mission station in Koeboes.
Rustenburg Local Municipality	Marikana, Monnakoto	Rustenburgh (so spelt) is a Dutch name meaning "town (originally castle) of rest". The name was given in 1673 to the "Lusthuys" (Pleasure house) built at or near the Rondebosch, where Governors sought relaxation after hard work.
Sakhisizwe Local Municipality	Cala, Elliot	Sakhisizwe is an isiXhosa name meaning "we are building the na-tion".
Saldanah Bay Local Municipality	Ladismith LC and TRC, Calitzdorp LC and TRC, Zoar, Langeberg TRC, Vanwyksdorp	The municipality is named after a plant called "gwana" in Khoi. The plant is indigenous to the area.
Sedibeng District Municipality	Lekoa/Vaal, Vereeniging/Kopanong, Western Vaal, Heidelberg, Eastern Gauteng, De Deur/Walkerville, Devon/Impumelelo, Eikenhof, Randvaal, Vaal Marina, Blesbokspruit, Suikerbosrand, Western Gauteng, Vaal Rivier, Vaal Oewer, Vischkuil	Sedibeng is a Sesotho name meaning "in the fountain". The district municipality is situated on the Vaal River and the river also forms a boundary between Gauteng and the Free State.
Sekhukhune Local Municipality	Northern DC, Bosveld DC, Hlogotlou/ Lepelle, Eastern Tubatse, Dilokong, Tubatse/ Steelpoort, Ngwaritsi/ Makhuduthamaga, Nebo North,Nokotlou/ Fetakgomo,Highveld DC, Globlersdal, Marbel Hall, Moutse, Steelpoort/Ohrigstad/ Burgersfort	The municipality is named after King Sekhukhune who was a King of the Marota (commonly known as the Bapedi) in Sekhukhuneland during the 18th century. Sekhukhune formed part of the dynasty that laid the foundations for later resistance, the dynasty that fought throughout the breath and length of the country, arms in hand against the invaders (colonizers). His name ranks high in the roll call of our fallen heroes. In his honour and remembrace, the municipality was named after him.
Seme Local Municipality	Amersfoort TLC, Amersfoort RC, Perdekop/Siyazenzela TC, VolksrustTC, Volksrust RC, Wakkerstroom TLC, part of Wakkerstroom RC.	The municipality is named after Dr. Pixley ka Seme who represented the black community in court cases with regard to land claims. Seme was also a founding member of the Board of Directors of the African Natives Farmers Association LTD of which he was elected Managing Director in 1912.
Senqu Local Municipality	Barkley East, Lady Grey, Rhodes, Sterkspruit	Senqu is a Sesotho name for the Orange River. The community in this area could not maintain industries or farm the lands without the water from this life-giving source. More important are the immense dams and the exten-sive work done by the South African Government in the areas of water storage and conservation.The river also dictates much of the condition of the grasslands, grazing and the general vegetation, as well as the capacity for South African irrigation for thousands of square kilometres along its banks - from its source high in the Maluti Mountains to where it finally ends its journey in Alexandria Bay in the Atlantic ocean
Setlakgobi Local Municipality	Mafikeng, Delareysville, Lichtenburg, Zeerust, Sannieshof	The name Setlakgobi is a merge between two areas namely Setlakgole and the surrounding villages and Makgobistad and the surrounding villages.
Setsoto Local Municipality	Eastern Free State DC, Arlington, Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Drakensburg, Eastern Free State DC, Greater Ficksburg, Harrismith, Kestell, Lindley, Maluti, Marquad, Mashae Fourie, Mautsendal, Memel, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa-qwa, Reitz	The name is a Sesotho word meaning "beauty" of the amalgamating municipalities. The area is characterised by its unique demographics, natural beauty and environmental features (e.g. the historical heritage of the mountains near Senekal called Thaba-Tshweu). Also, the richness in agriculture, e.g. orchards, wheat, etc. and beautiful mountains boasting of holiday resorts underscore the choice of name.
Siyancuma Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya, De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusvill	Siyancuma is an isiXhosa name that means "we are smiling". The original inhabitants of the area were the Batswanas, the Griquas at a later stage, and the coloureds also settled in the area. A lot of inter-marriages took place until the apartheid government created the unwanted 'class' status between the different ethnic groups. The removal of the apartheid laws brought the smiles back onto the faces of the community since they can now live happily as before without the 'class' status. The name "Siyancuma" celebrates this achievement.
Siyanda District Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	Siyanda is an isiXhosa word which means "we are growing". The focus of the municipality is to better the lives of the people in the area by fighting poverty by introducing the community to the mainstream of the economy in the region.
Siyathemba Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya,De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusville	Siyathemba is an isiXhosa name that means "we trust". The municipality is an integration of three towns namely, Prieska, Marydale and Niekerkshoop. Because Prieska was a mine dump, the people in the area have developed an illness known as asbestosis. Certain mine heaps have been rehabilitated in the area, although the people have already lost hope. By naming the municipality Siyathemba, the community trusts that their living conditions will get better.
Sol Plaatje Local Municipality	Kuruman, Kathu, Vanzylsrus, Deben, Mothibestad	Solomon Thekiso Plaatje was born on a farm in the Barkly West district in 1876. His formal education ended at the level of Standard 3 (Grade 5). He grew up in a polyglot mission community where he learnt English, Dutch, German, and several African languages in addition to his native tongue, Setswana. He successfully applied for the position of clerk and interpreter in Mafikeng in 1898. Plaatje was preparing to take the Cape Civil Service examination towards the end of 1899 when the outbreak of the Anglo - Boer War put a stop to his aspirations. He started his own diary, "Plaatje's Boer War Diary" which clearly indicates the involvement of the local black community in skirmishes and raids on the Boer forces surrounding the town, thus exploding the myth that the Anglo - Boer War was a "white mans" war only. He became an editor of the Setswana language newspaper, Koranta ya Becoana in 1902. In 1910 he returned to Kimberley to edit another paper, Tsala ea Becoana (Becoana's Friend) which later emerged with a new name, Tsala ea Batho (Friend of the People) and continued publication until 1915. Sol Plaatje and four others became the founder members and executives of the South African Native National Congress (later to be renamed the South African National Congress). Platje was rewarded with the position of the first General Secretary. Platje was also elected to serve on a delegation from the South African Natives National Congress to the British Government requesting to repel of the Native's Land Act. En route he wrote the book, Native Life in South Africa, which deals extensively with the plight of the black people in South Africa. Platje's period in England between 1914 and 1919, offered him the opportunity to complete several books - Sechuana Proverbs, Sechuana Reader and a historical novel Mhudi. He wrote a pamphlet in New York on Black-White sexual relations in South Africa in order to finance his travels, it sold 18 000 copies. In November 1923 Platje finaly managed to return to South Africa after. Unable to start his own newspaper, he earned a living as a journalist. He translated a number of Shakespear's books, which are, the Comedy of Errors and Julius Ceasar. His translations of Much Ado about Nothing and Merchant of Venice have been lost. To Plaatje goes the honour of being the first South African to have recorded "Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika" in 1923. His ceaseless community work on behalf of his people led to the establishment of the community based "Platje Jubilee Fund" that was started in 1929 to purchase a house for Sol Plaatje and his wife at 23 Angel Street in Kimberly.
Southern District Municipality	Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Wolmaranstad	The municipality got its name because it is situated in the southern part of North West.
Stellenbosch Local Municipality	Franschoek, Nuweberg TRC, Paarl TRC, Pniel, Stellenbosch LC and TRC	The area was named by the Governor of the Cape, Simon Van Der Stel on 6 November 1679 while on the inland exepedition. He named the area after himself, Stellenbosch (derived from "het Bosje van der Stel" or "van der Stel's wood). He decided to establish a town in this fertile, green valley at the first river he crossed on his way inland.
Sunday’s River Valley Local Municipality	Kirkwood, Paterson	The name is a translation of Dutch Zondags Rivier, said to be named thus because a commando under the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius spent Sunday of 8 December 1838 resting there.An isiXhosa name for the river is “Inqweba”, which is where clashes be-tween the San and the Xhosas took place.
Swartland Local Municipality	West Coast Peninsula, Langebaan, Hopefield, Malmesbury TRC	Swartland is an Afrikaans name meaning "black land". In 1652, when Jan Van Riebeck the Govenor of the Cape sent one of his officials called Cieter Cruyhos to go and look at the countryside. He came back and told him that the countryside was black. This usually happens in summer when the Renosterbos bush is dark green, almost resembling the colour black.
Swellendam Local Municipality	Barrydale, Bredasdorp TRC, Langeberg TRC, Swellendam LC and TRC, Suurbak, Wynland TRC, Infanta	The municipality was named in 1747 after the Govenor, Hendrik Swellenggrebel and his wife, Helena ten Damme.
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality	Lowveld Escarpment DC, Graskop, Lydenburg LC and RC, Sabie, Hazyview, Nelspruit LC and RC, White River LC and RC, Barberton LC and RC, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Pilgrims Rest, Nkomazi East, Nkomazi West	Thaba Chweu is a Sesotho name. "Thaba" means "mountain" and "Chweu" means "white". The municipal area is surrounded by mountains and it also a misty place, which is where the name Chweu comes from.
Thabazimbi Local Municipality	Bosveld DC, Northam, Springbokvlakte, Vaalwater, Ellisras/Tswelopele, Bakenberg, Koesdoesrand-Rebone, Naboomspruit/ Roedtan-Thusang, Ellisras Marapong, Thabazimbi, Warmbaths, Nylstroom, Potgietersrus, Nabomspruit	Thabazimbi is an isiZulu name meaning "iron mountain". The Zulu and Nyasa speaking people worked on this mountain to mine iron.
Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality	Eastern Free State DC, Arlington, Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Drakensburg, Eastern Free State DC, Greater Ficksburg, Harrismith, Kestell, Lindley, Maluti, Marquad, Mashae Fourie, Mautsendal, Memel, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa-qwa, Reitz	The late Thabo Mofutsanyane was a stalwart of the anti-apartheid struggle. He was the first black "comrade" to join the SACP when it accepted blacks as members in 1952. He was a close friend of Cde Govan Mbeki, the father of the present President of South Africa. (President Mbeki is named after him). He was in exile in Lesotho for many years. He originated from Qwaqwa and lies buried at Mabolela village. The name commemorates his spirit.
The Big Five False Bay Local Municipality	Umzinene, Hluhluwe, False Bay	The municipality is named after the Big Five animals (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino) which are found in the game reserves that are located in the area e.g. the Hluhluwe game reserve, the Mfolozi game reserve and the Khinda game reserve. False Bay is part of the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park & it forms part of the newly established municipality.
Theewaterskloof Local Municipality	Villiersdorp, Nuweberg TRC, Grabouw, Bot River, Caledon LC and TRC, Genadendal, Greyton, Riversonderend, Swellendam TRC	The water in the river of this region is dark in colour, resembling the colour of tea. In early times, the Dutch named the river "Thee Waters Rivier". This river runs into the dam, which was accordingly called Theewaterskloof Dam.
Thembelihle Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya, De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusvill	Thembelihle is an isiXhosa name meaning "good hope".
Thembisile Local Municipality	Highveld DC, Delmas LC and RC, Kriel LC and RC,Belfast LC and RC, Dullstroom, Machadodorp, Waterval Boven LC and RC, KwaMhlanga,Mkobola,Mathanjana, Mbibane, Mdutjana	The municipality is named after Thembisile Chris Hani who was assassinated on 10 April 1993. He was the Secretary General of the South African Communist Party. His death came at a time when the ANC led alliance was preparing to contest the elections. He was described as a principled freedom fighter, a revolutionary dedicated to the unity of the working class, and a dedicated communist who consistently campaigned against political careerism and patronage.
Thulamela Local Municipality	Northern DC, Messina, Mutale/Masisi/Vhutshwena, Nzhelele/Tshipise, Alldays/LTT/Buysdorp, Elim/ Tshitale/Hlanganani/Levubu Shingwedzi, Thohoyandou, Louis Trichardt	Thula is a feature that looks like small hills and mela means "growing out of". Collectively the name means "small hills growing out". Legend has it that a long time ago in the northern part of Kruger National Park, the Vendas and the Shangaans lived harmoniously in the area. In those days the area was known as Thulamela. It was proper for the local people to revive the name that is indigenous to the area.
Tokologo Local Municipality	Goldfields DC, Allanridge, Boshof, Bothaville, Bultfontein, Dealesville, Goldfields, Hertzogville, Greater Brandfort, Henneman, Hoopstad, Moddervaal, Odendaalsrus, Sandrivier, Soutspan, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, Virginia, Vetvaal, Ventersburg, Welkom, We	The name is a Setswana word meaning "freedom", it emanates from the relentless struggle of the oppressed people culminating in their freedom on 27 April 1994.
Tsantsabane Local Municipality	Benede-Oranje DC, Mier, Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt, Eksteenskuil, Upington, Globlershoop, Olifantshoek, Gordonia, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Santoy, Hotazel, Lime Acres, Beeshoek, Blinkklip, Sandveld, Rooiberg, Langeberg, Noodvoor, Onseepkans, Kingsby, Kan	Tsantsabane was the original name given to the town by the Batswana because of the presence of many shiny stones (e.g the hematite). The town owes its existence largely to the existence of minerals. Various mines including the old Postmas Mine as well as Associated Manganese Mines (respectively known for diamonds and manganese) exist in and around Tsantsanbane.
Tsolwana Local Municipality	Hofmeyer, Tarkastad	Tsolwana is an isiXhosa name which means “something with a sharp end-ing or a tip”. The mountains around the whole area of Tsolwana Municipal-ity have got similar tips. The Tsolwana game reserve, which attracts a large number of tourists, is situated within the municipal boundaries.The name was chosen for two reasons: as a form of marketing the Tsol-wana Game Reserve, which is regarded as a major economic source in this municipal area, and because of the sharp points of the mountains in the area.
Tswaing Local Municipality	Mafikeng, Delareysville, Lichtenburg, Zeerust, Sannieshof	Tswaing is a Setswana word meaning "a place of salt". There are several saltpans found in the area e.g. Delareysville and the surrounding rural areas.
Tswelopele Local Municipality	Goldfields DC, Allanridge, Boshof, Bothaville, Bultfontein, Dealesville, Goldfields, Hertzogville, Greater Brandfort, Henneman, Hoopstad, Moddervaal, Odendaalsrus, Sandrivier, Soutspan, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, Virginia, Vetvaal, Ventersburg, Welkom, We	The name is a Sesotho word meaning "progress", it emanates from the visible services and infrastructure delivery in the area since 1994.
Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality	Ixopo	Ubuhlebezwe is an isiZulu name meaning "The Beauty of the Land". The name is derived from Alan Paton's world famous novel, Cry, the Beloved Country.
Ubuntu Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya, De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusvill	Ubuntu is an isiXhosa word meaning "humanity". The name was decided upon because the municipality's main priority is to serve the public in a humane ad friendly manner.
Ugu District Municipality	Scottburgh/ Umzinto North, Pennington, Hibberdene, Port Sherpston, Margate, Impenjanti/ Southbroom, Umtamvuna/ Port Edward, Harding, Ugu, iLembe, Port View, Cragadour	Ugu is an isiZulu name meaning "the coast". The municipality is situated on the coast of KwaZulu - Natal bordering the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu - Natal.
Ukhahlamba District Municipality	Drakensburg DC, Mount Fletcher LC and TRC, Mac-lear LC and TRC, Ugie, Barkley East LC and TRC, Rhodes, Lady Grey LC and TRC, Sterkspruit, Aliwal North LC and TRC, Burgers-dorp, Steynsburg LC and TRC, Venterstad LC and TRC, Jamestown, Tsolo TRC, Qumbu TRC, Herschel TRC, Albert TRC, Woodhouse TRC	Ukhahlamba is a Xhosa and an isiZulu name for the Drakensberg Mountains.
Ulundi Local Municipality	Ulundi	In 1873, on the death of his father, King Mpandle, Cetshwayo inherited the throne of the Zulu nation. He chose Ulundi as the site of his capital. In 1879 the Anglo Zulu War culminated in the battle of Ulundi which was won by the British troops. Ulundi is situated in the heart of the province, lying amidst the rolling hills and meandering valleys of Emakhosini, where many of the Zulu Kings lived and are buried. Ulundi is a place steeped in tradition and it also a place of superb natural splendour.
Umdoni Local Municipality	Scottburgh, Pennington	Umdoni is an isiZulu name for the indegeous tree, Mdoni (water myrtle, water berry or Syzgium gerrardi) that bears lovely fruit. The locals call the fruit "nice" and see Umdoni, the area as signifying "we are nice here". The fruit is used medicinally for respiratory complaints. Sir Frank Reynolds, the sugar magnate (he erected the Sezela sugar mill in 1914), bought part of the Pennington family farm and called it Umdoni Park, because of the umdoni trees that are growing there.
uMgungundlovu Local Municipality	Cool Air, Dalton, New Hanover, Wartburg, Howick, Hilton, Impendle, Ashburton, Pietermaritzburg,- Msunduzi, Camperdown, Richmond, Mooi River, iNdlovu, iLembe, Albert Falls, Portion of Cramond, Harburg, Trust Feed, Fort Nottingham, Lidgeton West, Midmar, Mo	uMngungundlovu was the military regiments of King Dingane. Pietermaritzburg is the only city with the slogan "uMngungundlovu Ondonga Zibomvu" attached to it, because of its red brick walls. The name symbolises strength, dominance, leadership, upward mobility, prosperity, heritage, stability and harmony.
Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality	Umhlabuyalingana, Emangusi	Umhlabuyalingana is an isiZulu name meaning "a level piece of ground " or "a flat area ". The municipality was given the name because the slope of the area on which is situated is flat.
uMhlathuze Local Municipality	Richards Bay, Empangeni	uMhlathuze is an isiZulu name. "Mhlati" means "jaw", and "thuzi" means "does not chew". The municipality is named after the river that meanders through the municipal area and unifies the town, suburbs and traditional areas symbolically. According to legend, the river was strong in current but was infested with crocodiles and as a result the river could not be used by locals.
Umjindi Local Municipality	Lowveld Escarpment DC, Graskop, Lydenburg LC and RC, Sabie, Hazyview, Nelspruit LC and RC, White River LC and RC, Barberton LC and RC, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Pilgrims Rest, Nkomazi East, Nkomazi West	The name Umjindi is an siSwati name meaning "to be stubborn and remain where you are no matter what". We learn that there was once a clash between the Swatis and the Sothos. The Bapedi warriors were advancing from the west trying to invade the area presently known as Barberton. King Mswati (1840 - 1868) instructed his subjects to form a barrier (bajinde) in this area so that the Sothos might not go beyond these military outposts. The whole area was then called Emjindi, hence the name of the municipality is Umjindi.
Umkhanyakude District Municipality	Inyala/ Mtubatuba, St Lucia, Uthungulu, Ingawavuma, Ubombo, Mkuze, Hluhluwe, Somkele, St Lucia Estuary	Umkhanyakude is an isiZulu name meaning "glowing from afar". The municipality is named after the umkhanyakude (fever tree) tree that is indigenous to the area. These trees can grow very tall and can be seen from very far, hence the name Umkhanyakude.
Umlalazi Local Municipality	uMlalazi	uMlalazi is an isiZulu name with the following meaning "lalazi" means to whet or sharpen. The quantity of the grinding stones present in uMlalazi river gives importance to the river name.The uMlalazi river passes through the area.
uMshwati Local Municipality	Wartburg, Cool Air, Dalton	uMshwati is the name of the river that runs through the municipal area. The water from the river is used for agricultural activities.
Umsobomvu Local Municipality	Bo - Karoo DC, Diamantveld DC, Hantam DC, Richmond, Victoria West, Loxton, Sentraal Karoo, Colesberg, Noupoort, Masizake, E'boya,De Aar, Hanover, Britstown, Renosterberg, Oranje Karoo, Carnavon, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Kareeberg, Van Der Kloof, Petrusville	Umsombomvu is an isiXhosa name for a star that usually appears at the crack of dawn. This star symbolises the new era for the municipality.
Umsunduzi Local Municipality	Pietermaritzburg	Umsundisi is an isiZulu name which means "the one who pushes". The municipality is named after the Umsundusi River, which is a unifying feature to all communities that fall within the municipality.
uMtshezi Local Municipality	Estcourt	uMtshezi is an isiZulu name word for Bushman or San. The name uMtshezi refers to the Bushman's River that meanders through the district
Umuziwabantu Local Municipality	Harding, Umziwabantu	Umuziwabantu is an isiZulu name meaning "the people's home, or a home with wide open doors where everyone is welcome. This name was derived from the fact that Nkosi Dlamini and Nkosi Machi used to meet in Harding to discuss matters concerning their tribes. Harding was not a town at that time but rather a portion of land in between the two amakhosi. These two amakhosi would spend a long time strengthening their relationship. The name was chosen because people had a vision that the two municipalities would cater for all different races. They advocated a situation where problems emanating from differences would be solved amicably through negotiations, as Nkosi Machi and Nkosi Dlamini used to do.
Umvoti Local Municipality	Greytown	Umvoti is derived from the language Zulu. The municipality is named after the Umvoti River, which runs from the west to the east towards the Indian Ocean. The municipality is situated nearer the mouth of the river.
Umzimkulu Local Municipality	Umzimkulu	Umzimkhulu is an isiXhosa and an isiZulu name meaning “Big / Great house”. The name is derived from the areas of cultural and multi - tribal richness where each small tribe is accommodated by the first three tribes, namely, the AmaBhaca, Intlangwini and the Amachunu, which were joined by the Griquas later. The name assures all tribes that there is ample land to occupy following certain traditional principles and procedures.
Umzimvubu Local Municipality	Mt Ayliff, Mt Frere	Umzivumbu is an isiXhosa name which means “home of the hippopotamus”.The name is a unifying factor amongst the four amalgamating municipalities in the region which are mostly rural and have about 425 000 people.
Umzinyathi District Municipality	Dundee, Glencoe, Kranskop, Greytown, uMzinyathi, uThungulu, iNdlovu, Wasbank, Nqutu, Pomeroy	Umzinyathi is an isiZulu name for the Buffalo River. The Buffalo River is the main river in the municipal area and a symbol that people in the area can identify with.
Umzumbe Local Municipality	Harding, Umziwabantu	Umzumbe is an isiZulu name. This is a combination of a noun "umuzi" meaning "homestead" with the enumerative pronoun "mumbe". The municipality is named after a river which runs through the area and is the main source of water for most of the inhabitants of the area. Legend has it that there was a certain homestead in the area that belonged to cannibals. They hid the fact that they were cannibals but at night they practised cannibalism. When the local people talked about this homestead they referred to it as "Kumomuzi mumbe" where people ate people. This then became the name of the river that subsequently became the name of the whole area as it is called today. The Regional Authorities are also called the Umzumbe Torton Regional Authority and Umzumbe Phungashe Regional Authority.
Uphongolo Local Municipality	Pongolo	Uphongolo is an isiZulu name. The municipality is named after the Uphongolo River.
uThukela District Municipality	Colenso/Nkanyezi, Estcourt/Wembezi, Weenen, Winterton, Bergville, Cathkin Park, Ladysmith/ Emnambithini, Uthukela, Umzinyathi, iNdlovu, Rietkuil, Wagendrif, Alpine Health, Spioenkop, Driefontein	The municipality is named after the only main river in the area of District Council 23, and it is one of the major rivers in KwaZulu - Natal.
Uthungulu District Municipality	Empangeni,/ Ngwelazane, Richards Bay, Mtunzini, Gingindlovu, Eshowe, Melmoth, uThungulu, Zululand, KwaMbonambi, Umlalazi, Nkandla	The municipality is named after the amathungulu trees that grows along the coastal region. These trees are evergreen and it is hoped that the municipality will inherit the evergreen characteristic of the tree.
Utrecht Local Municipality	Utrecht	The name Utrecht is of Dutch origin and it was named after the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands. Dr. H.E Faure, the then minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Pietermaritzburg and founder of the local congregation on 19 November 1854, persuaded the Church Council to adopt the name Utrecht for the congregation. This occurred in March 1856. And so the , town established in August 1855 and known by the name of Schoonstroom, also adopted the name Utrecht. Dr. Faure studied for the ministry at the University of Utrecht, as did his father and uncle. Many Afrikaners, through the years studied at this University, amongst them Dr. D.F Malan.
Ventersdorp Local Municipality	Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Wolmaranstad	Ventersdorp was named after the owner of the farm on which the town Ventersdorp was built, H J Venter. It developed next to Schoonspruit on the farm Roodepoort as a district centre for the surrounding agricultural community in about 1887. On 17 February 1888 the district centre was proclaimed a town, and in 1938 the town's status grew when it obtained a town council.
Vhembe District Municipality	Northern DC, Messina,Mutale/Masisi/Vhutshwena, Nzhelele/Tshipise, Alldays/LTT/Buysdorp, Elim/ Tshitale/Hlanganani/LevubuShingwedzi, Thohoyandou, Louis Trichardt	Vhembe is an indigenous name for the Limpopo River. It is a Xitsonga and a Tshivenda name.
Vulamehlo Local Municipality	Vulamehlo, Dududu	Vulamehlo is an isiZulu name meaning "open your eyes". The history of the name dates back to an era when the local amakhosi were under the jurisdiction of the Umzinto Magisterial District. When the erstwhile KwaZulu - Natal Government was established in 1970 they moved to Dududu which was going to be their Administrative Head Office. Since the amakhosi were now operating within the area they control, they unanimously said that it was time now the to open their eyes and uplift their communities.
Waterberg District Municipality	Bosveld DC, Northam, Springbokvlakte, Vaalwater, Ellisras/Tswelopele, Bakenberg, Koesdoesrand-Rebone, Naboomspruit/ Roedtan-Thusang, Ellisras Marapong, Thabazimbi, Warmbaths, Nylstroom, Potgietersrus, Naboomspruit	There is a mountain range in the area that runs from Modimolle, through Thabazimbe to Ellisras. This mountain is called Waterberg. Water runs through the mountain from season to season. Waterberg is an Afrikaans name.
West Coast District Municipality	Bitterfontein/ Nuwerus, Clanwilliam TRC, Malmesbury TRC, Rietpoort, Vanrhynsdorp TRC, Vredendal TRC, West Coast DC	The name of the municipality describes its geographic location, which is the west coast of the Western Cape.
West Rand District Municipality	Carltonville, Krugersdorp, Westonaria, Randfontein, Western Gauteng, Magaliesburg RC and TRC, Gatsrant, Vaal River, Fochville, Wedela, Southern DC	The municipality is situated on the western side of the region known as "The Rand".
Westonaria Local Municipality	Westonaria, Vaalriver	The name reflects the location of the municipality, which is situated on the western side of Gauteng. It is derived from name "western area".
Witzenberg Local Municipality	Tulbagh, Ceres, Prince Alfred, Hamlet, Wolseley, Breërivier RSC	The municipality is named after the highest mountain range in the area which separates the Tulbagh and Ceres valleys. Simon van der Stel, the governor of the Cape Colony in 1699 named the mountian range after his Dutch friend and Mayor of Amsterdam, Nicolaes Witsen.
Xhariep District Municipality	Bethulie, Bloem Area DC, Central Southern DC, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Jacobsdal, Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Oppermansgronde, Orange West, Petrusburg, Rouxville, Trompsburg, Smithfield, South East DC, Springfontein, Verwoerd Dam, Zastron	The name used seeks to highlight the history of the indigenous people who once owned the land along the river. Further, the name will attract tourists to the district. The spelling used is indigenous and it is a Griqua name for the Gariep (Orange River).
Zeerust Local Municipality	Mafikeng, Delareysville, Lichtenburg, Zeerust, Sannieshof	The name is derived from "Coetzee-Rust" meaning Coetzee's Rest in English. It is named after the owner of the farm, Diederik Coetzee.
Zululand District Municipality	Pongola, Paulpietersburg/ Dumbe, Vryheid, Louwsburg, Nongoma, Ulundi, Zululand, Umzinyathi, pongolapoort, Mahlabathini	The municipality is named after the inhabitants of the area, the Zulus. The name Zulu means "heaven" in isiZulu.