List of municipalities in South Africa

The municipalities of South Africa as of 2016

This is a list of municipalities of South Africa. The largest metropolitan areas are governed by metropolitan municipalities, while the rest of the country is divided into district municipalities, each of which consists of several local municipalities.

Since the boundary reform at the time of the municipal election of 3 August 2016 there are 8 metropolitan municipalities, 44 district municipalities and 205 local municipalities.[1]

Metropolitan municipalities

Name Code Province Seat Area[2] Population
(2022)[3] 		Pop. density
km2 sq mi per km2 per sq mi
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality BUF Eastern Cape East London 2,752.6 1,062.8 975,255 354.3 918
City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality CPT Western Cape Cape Town 2,440.6 942.3 4,772,846 1,955.6 5,065
City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality EKU Gauteng Germiston 1,975.7 762.8 4,066,691 2,058.4 5,331
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality JHB Gauteng Johannesburg 1,642.6 634.2 4,803,262 2,924.2 7,574
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality TSH Gauteng Pretoria 6,297.8 2,431.6 4,040,315 641.5 1,661
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality ETH KwaZulu-Natal Durban 2,555.9 986.8 4,239,901 1,658.9 4,297
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality MAN Free State Bloemfontein 9,886.3 3,817.1 811,431 82.1 213
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality NMA Eastern Cape Gqeberha 1,957.0 755.6 1,190,496 608.3 1,575

District municipalities

For comparison purposes the metropolitan municipalities are also included in this list.

Name Code Province Seat Area[2] Population
(2022)[3] 		Pop. density
km2 sq mi per km2 per sq mi
Alfred Nzo District Municipality DC44 Eastern Cape Mount Ayliff 10,731.2 4,143.3 936,462 87.3 226
Amajuba District Municipality DC25 KwaZulu-Natal Newcastle 7,102.4 2,742.3 687,408 96.8 251
Amathole District Municipality DC12 Eastern Cape East London 21,114.9 8,152.5 871,601 41.3 107
Bojanala District Municipality DC37 North West Rustenburg 18,333.4 7,078.6 1,624,428 88.6 229
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality BUF Eastern Cape East London 2,752.6 1,062.8 975,255 354.3 918
Cape Winelands District Municipality DC2 Western Cape Worcester 21,477.0 8,292.3 862,703 40.2 104
Capricorn District Municipality DC35 Limpopo Polokwane 21,705.5 8,380.5 1,447,103 66.7 173
Central Karoo District Municipality DC5 Western Cape Beaufort West 38,854.0 15,001.6 102,173 2.6 6.7
Chris Hani District Municipality DC13 Eastern Cape Queenstown 36,406.8 14,056.7 828,387 22.8 59
City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality CPT Western Cape Cape Town 2,440.6 942.3 4,772,846 1,955.6 5,065
City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality EKU Gauteng Germiston 1,975.7 762.8 4,066,691 2,058.4 5,331
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality JHB Gauteng Johannesburg 1,642.6 634.2 4,803,262 2,924.2 7,574
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality TSH Gauteng Pretoria 6,297.8 2,431.6 4,040,315 641.5 1,661
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality DC40 North West Klerksdorp 14,670.8 5,664.4 734,203 50.0 129
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality DC39 North West Vryburg 43,752.6 16,893.0 508,192 11.6 30
Ehlanzeni District Municipality DC32 Mpumalanga Nelspruit 27,895.6 10,770.6 2,270,897 81.4 211
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality ETH KwaZulu-Natal Durban 2,555.9 986.8 4,239,901 1,658.9 4,297
Fezile Dabi District Municipality DC20 Free State Sasolburg 20,673.3 7,982.0 509,912 24.7 64
Frances Baard District Municipality DC9 Northern Cape Kimberley 13,001.6 5,019.9 434,343 33.4 87
Garden Route District Municipality DC4 Western Cape George 23,331.1 9,008.2 838,457 35.9 93
Gert Sibande District Municipality DC30 Mpumalanga Ermelo 31,840.9 12,293.8 1,283,459 40.3 104
Harry Gwala District Municipality DC43 KwaZulu-Natal Ixopo 10,387.1 4,010.5 563,893 54.3 141
iLembe District Municipality DC29 KwaZulu-Natal KwaDukuza 3,269.3 1,262.3 782,661 239.4 620
Joe Gqabi District Municipality DC14 Eastern Cape Barkly East 25,617.1 9,890.8 393,048 15.3 40
John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality DC45 Northern Cape Kuruman 27,322.5 10,549.3 272,454 10.0 26
King Cetshwayo District Municipality DC28 KwaZulu-Natal Richards Bay 8,213.3 3,171.2 1,021,344 124.4 322
Lejweleputswa District Municipality DC18 Free State Welkom 32,287.0 12,466.1 679,746 21.1 55
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality MAN Free State Bloemfontein 9,886.3 3,817.1 811,431 82.1 213
Mopani District Municipality DC33 Limpopo Giyani 20,010.8 7,726.2 1,372,873 68.6 178
Namakwa District Municipality DC6 Northern Cape Springbok 126,836.3 48,971.8 148,935 1.2 3.1
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality NMA Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth 1,957.0 755.6 1,190,496 608.3 1,575
Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality DC38 North West Mahikeng 28,124.7 10,859.0 937,723 33.3 86
Nkangala District Municipality DC31 Mpumalanga Middelburg 16,758.4 6,470.5 1,588,968 94.8 246
OR Tambo District Municipality DC15 Eastern Cape Mthatha 12,141.2 4,687.7 1,501,702 123.7 320
Overberg District Municipality DC3 Western Cape Bredasdorp 12,240.3 4,726.0 359,446 29.4 76
Pixley ka Seme District Municipality DC7 Northern Cape De Aar 103,223.3 39,854.7 216,589 2.1 5.4
Sarah Baartman District Municipality DC10 Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth 58,245.3 22,488.6 533,253 9.2 24
Sedibeng District Municipality DC42 Gauteng Vereeniging 4,172.7 1,611.1 1,190,688 285.4 739
Sekhukhune District Municipality DC47 Limpopo Groblersdal 13,527.7 5,223.1 1,336,805 98.8 256
Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality DC19 Free State Phuthaditjhaba 32,728.9 12,636.7 831,421 25.4 66
Ugu District Municipality DC21 KwaZulu-Natal Port Shepstone 4,790.1 1,849.5 773,402 161.5 418
uMgungundlovu District Municipality DC22 KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg 9,602.5 3,707.5 1,235,715 128.7 333
uMkhanyakude District Municipality DC27 KwaZulu-Natal Mkuze 13,855.3 5,349.6 738,437 53.3 138
uMzinyathi District Municipality DC24 KwaZulu-Natal Dundee 8,652.4 3,340.7 649,261 75.0 194
uThukela District Municipality DC23 KwaZulu-Natal Ladysmith 11,134.0 4,298.9 789,092 70.9 184
Vhembe District Municipality DC34 Limpopo Thohoyandou 25,596.5 9,882.9 1,653,077 64.6 167
Waterberg District Municipality DC36 Limpopo Modimolle 44,913.4 17,341.2 762,862 17.0 44
West Coast District Municipality DC1 Western Cape Moorreesburg 31,119.3 12,015.2 497,394 16.0 41
West Rand District Municipality DC48 Gauteng Randfontein 4,089.4 1,578.9 998,466 244.2 632
Xhariep District Municipality DC16 Free State Trompsburg 34,249.7 13,223.9 131,901 3.9 10
ZF Mgcawu District Municipality DC8 Northern Cape Upington 102,505.7 39,577.7 283,624 2.8 7.3
Zululand District Municipality DC26 KwaZulu-Natal Ulundi 14,799.2 5,714.0 942,794 63.7 165

Local municipalities

For comparison purposes the metropolitan municipalities are also included in this list.

Name Code Province District Seat MIIF classification Area[2] Population
(2022)[3] 		Pop. density
km2 sq mi per km2 per sq mi
Abaqulusi Local Municipality KZN263 KwaZulu-Natal Zululand Vryheid B3 (small towns) 4,313.6 1,665.5 247,263 57.3 148
Albert Luthuli Local Municipality MP301 Mpumalanga Gert Sibande Carolina B4 (mostly rural) 5,553.3 2,144.1 247,664 44.6 116
Alfred Duma Local Municipality KZN238 KwaZulu-Natal Uthukela Ladysmith B2 (large town) 3,764.4 1,453.4 415,036 110.3 286
Amahlathi Local Municipality EC124 Eastern Cape Amathole Stutterheim B3 (small towns) 4,505.5 1,739.6 115,703 25.7 67
Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality LIM334 Limpopo Mopani Phalaborwa B3 (small towns) 7,489.6 2,891.8 188,603 25.2 65
Beaufort West Local Municipality WC053 Western Cape Central Karoo Beaufort West B3 (small towns) 21,916.6 8,462.0 72,972 3.3 8.5
Bela-Bela Local Municipality LIM366 Limpopo Waterberg Bela-Bela B3 (small towns) 3,406.2 1,315.1 64,306 18.9 49
Bergrivier Local Municipality WC013 Western Cape West Coast Piketberg B3 (small towns) 4,407.0 1,701.6 70,276 15.9 41
Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality KZN276 KwaZulu-Natal Umkhanyakude Hlabisa B3 (small towns) 3,470.1 1,339.8 131,755 38.0 98
Bitou Local Municipality WC047 Western Cape Garden Route Plettenberg Bay B3 (small towns) 991.9 383.0 65,240 65.8 170
Blouberg Local Municipality LIM351 Limpopo Capricorn Senwabarwana B4 (mostly rural) 9,539.9 3,683.4 192,109 20.1 52
Blue Crane Route Local Municipality EC102 Eastern Cape Sarah Baartman Somerset East B3 (small towns) 11,068.5 4,273.6 49,883 4.5 12
Breede Valley Local Municipality WC025 Western Cape Cape Winelands Worcester B2 (large town) 3,834.0 1,480.3 212,682 55.5 144
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality BUF Eastern Cape East London A (metro) 2,752.6 1,062.8 975,255 354.3 918
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality MP325 Mpumalanga Ehlanzeni Bushbuckridge B4 (mostly rural) 10,248.2 3,956.9 750,821 73.3 190
Cape Agulhas Local Municipality WC033 Western Cape Overberg Bredasdorp B3 (small towns) 3,470.0 1,339.8 40,274 11.6 30
Cederberg Local Municipality WC012 Western Cape West Coast Clanwilliam B3 (small towns) 8,007.5 3,091.7 55,108 6.9 18
City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality CPT Western Cape Cape Town A (metro) 2,440.6 942.3 4,772,846 1,955.6 5,065
City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality EKU Gauteng Germiston A (metro) 1,975.7 762.8 4,066,691 2,058.4 5,331
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality JHB Gauteng Johannesburg A (metro) 1,642.6 634.2 4,803,262 2,924.2 7,574
City of Matlosana Local Municipality NW403 North West Dr Kenneth Kaunda Klerksdorp B1 (secondary city) 3,602.2 1,390.8 431,231 119.7 310
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality TSH Gauteng Pretoria A (metro) 6,297.8 2,431.6 4,040,315 641.5 1,661
Collins Chabane Local Municipality LIM345 Limpopo Vhembe Malamulele B4 (mostly rural) 5,003.1 1,931.7 443,798 88.7 230
Dannhauser Local Municipality KZN254 KwaZulu-Natal Amajuba Dannhauser B4 (mostly rural) 1,707.3 659.2 142,750 83.6 217
Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality NC087 Northern Cape ZF Mgcawu Upington B2 (large town) 44,399.3 17,142.7 125,744 2.8 7.3
Dihlabeng Local Municipality FS192 Free State Thabo Mofutsanyana Bethlehem B2 (large town) 4,867.7 1,879.4 130,434 26.8 69
Dikgatlong Local Municipality NC092 Northern Cape Frances Baard Barkly West B3 (small towns) 7,315.5 2,824.5 56,967 7.8 20
Dipaleseng Local Municipality MP306 Mpumalanga Gert Sibande Balfour B3 (small towns) 2,607.4 1,006.7 35,980 13.8 36
Ditsobotla Local Municipality NW384 North West Ngaka Modiri Molema Lichtenburg B3 (small towns) 6,387.1 2,466.1 164,176 25.7 67
Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality EC137 Eastern Cape Chris Hani Ngcobo B4 (mostly rural) 2,483.9 959.0 132,799 53.5 139
Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality EC101 Eastern Cape Sarah Baartman Graaff-Reinet B3 (small towns) 28,653.0 11,063.0 101,001 3.5 9.1
Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality MP316 Mpumalanga Nkangala Siyabuswa B4 (mostly rural) 1,416.5 546.9 324,855 229.3 594
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality KZN436 KwaZulu-Natal Harry Gwala Creighton B3 (small towns) 3,602.0 1,390.7 128,565 35.7 92
Drakenstein Local Municipality WC023 Western Cape Cape Winelands Paarl B1 (secondary city) 1,536.6 593.3 276,800 180.1 466
eDumbe Local Municipality KZN261 KwaZulu-Natal Zululand Paulpietersburg B3 (small towns) 1,942.8 750.1 96,735 49.8 129
Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality LIM472 Limpopo Sekhukhune Groblersdal B4 (mostly rural) 3,713.3 1,433.7 288,049 77.6 201
Elundini Local Municipality EC141 Eastern Cape Joe Gqabi Maclear B4 (mostly rural) 5,018.8 1,937.8 141,762 28.2 73
eMadlangeni Local Municipality KZN253 KwaZulu-Natal Amajuba Utrecht B3 (small towns) 3,539.3 1,366.5 36,948 10.4 27
Emakhazeni Local Municipality MP314 Mpumalanga Nkangala Belfast B2 (large town) 4,735.6 1,828.4 50,165 10.6 27
Emalahleni Local Municipality EC136 Eastern Cape Chris Hani Lady Frere B4 (mostly rural) 3,484.2 1,345.3 128,873 37.0 96
Emalahleni Local Municipality MP312 Mpumalanga Nkangala eMalahleni B1 (secondary city) 2,677.6 1,033.8 434,522 162.3 420
Emfuleni Local Municipality GT421 Gauteng Sedibeng Vanderbijlpark B1 (secondary city) 965.6 372.8 945,650 979.3 2,536
Emthanjeni Local Municipality NC073 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme De Aar B3 (small towns) 13,472.1 5,201.6 46,587 3.5 9.1
Endumeni Local Municipality KZN241 KwaZulu-Natal Umzinyathi Dundee B3 (small towns) 1,610.2 621.7 100,085 62.2 161
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality EC139 Eastern Cape Chris Hani Queenstown B2 (large town) 13,584.1 5,244.9 297,055 21.9 57
Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality LIM471 Limpopo Sekhukhune Marble Hall B4 (mostly rural) 2,011.3 776.6 132,468 65.9 171
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality ETH KwaZulu-Natal Durban A (metro) 2,555.9 986.8 4,239,901 1,658.9 4,297
Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality LIM476 Limpopo Sekhukhune Apel B4 (mostly rural) 5,693.5 2,198.3 575,960 101.2 262
Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality NC452 Northern Cape John Taolo Gaetsewe Kuruman B3 (small towns) 4,494.8 1,735.5 117,454 26.1 68
Gamagara Local Municipality NC453 Northern Cape John Taolo Gaetsewe Kathu B3 (small towns) 2,647.9 1,022.4 29,580 11.2 29
George Local Municipality WC044 Western Cape Garden Route George B1 (secondary city) 5,191.0 2,004.3 294,929 56.8 147
Govan Mbeki Local Municipality MP307 Mpumalanga Gert Sibande Secunda B1 (secondary city) 2,954.7 1,140.8 310,117 105.0 272
Great Kei Local Municipality EC123 Eastern Cape Amathole Komga B3 (small towns) 1,699.8 656.3 35,990 21.2 55
Greater Giyani Local Municipality LIM331 Limpopo Mopani Giyani B4 (mostly rural) 4,166.6 1,608.7 316,841 76.0 197
Greater Kokstad Local Municipality KZN433 KwaZulu-Natal Harry Gwala Kokstad B2 (large town) 2,679.8 1,034.7 81,676 30.5 79
Greater Letaba Local Municipality LIM332 Limpopo Mopani Modjadjiskloof B4 (mostly rural) 1,895.8 732.0 261,038 137.7 357
Greater Taung Local Municipality NW394 North West Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Taung B4 (mostly rural) 5,636.5 2,176.3 202,009 35.8 93
Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality LIM333 Limpopo Mopani Tzaneen B4 (mostly rural) 2,896.2 1,118.2 478,254 165.1 428
Hantam Local Municipality NC065 Northern Cape Namakwa Calvinia B3 (small towns) 39,084.5 15,090.6 22,281 0.6 1.6
Hessequa Local Municipality WC042 Western Cape Garden Route Riversdale B3 (small towns) 5,732.6 2,213.4 71,918 12.5 32
Impendle Local Municipality KZN224 KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu Impendle B4 (mostly rural) 1,609.6 621.5 36,648 22.8 59
Ingquza Hill Local Municipality EC153 Eastern Cape OR Tambo Flagstaff B4 (mostly rural) 2,476.8 956.3 354,573 143.2 371
Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality KZN237 KwaZulu-Natal Uthukela Estcourt B3 (small towns) 3,398.6 1,312.2 230,924 67.9 176
Intsika Yethu Local Municipality EC135 Eastern Cape Chris Hani Cofimvaba B4 (mostly rural) 2,846.0 1,098.8 128,101 45.0 117
Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality EC131 Eastern Cape Chris Hani Cradock B3 (small towns) 11,663.5 4,503.3 77,578 6.7 17
JB Marks Local Municipality NW405 North West Dr Kenneth Kaunda Potchefstroom B1 (secondary city) 6,398.0 2,470.3 212,670 33.2 86
Joe Morolong Local Municipality NC451 Northern Cape John Taolo Gaetsewe Mothibistad B4 (mostly rural) 20,179.8 7,791.5 125,420 6.2 16
Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality KZN434 KwaZulu-Natal Harry Gwala Ixopo B4 (mostly rural) 1,669.7 644.7 133,032 79.7 206
Jozini Local Municipality KZN272 KwaZulu-Natal Umkhanyakude Jozini B4 (mostly rural) 3,438.3 1,327.5 199,153 57.9 150
Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality NW397 North West Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Ganyesa B4 (mostly rural) 23,827.2 9,199.7 112,130 4.7 12
Kai !Garib Local Municipality NC082 Northern Cape ZF Mgcawu Kakamas B3 (small towns) 26,236.3 10,129.9 85,104 3.2 8.3
Kamiesberg Local Municipality NC064 Northern Cape Namakwa Garies B3 (small towns) 14,208.4 5,485.9 15,130 1.1 2.8
Kannaland Local Municipality WC041 Western Cape Garden Route Ladismith B3 (small towns) 4,765.4 1,839.9 31,986 6.7 17
Kareeberg Local Municipality NC074 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme Carnarvon B3 (small towns) 17,700.8 6,834.3 10,961 0.6 1.6
Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality NC066 Northern Cape Namakwa Williston B3 (small towns) 30,230.4 11,672.0 11,691 0.4 1.0
Kgatelopele Local Municipality NC086 Northern Cape ZF Mgcawu Daniëlskuil B3 (small towns) 2,478.4 956.9 19,854 8.0 21
Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality NW374 North West Bojanala Koster B3 (small towns) 3,973.1 1,534.0 54,759 13.8 36
Khâi-Ma Local Municipality NC067 Northern Cape Namakwa Pofadder B3 (small towns) 15,714.9 6,067.6 8,510 0.5 1.3
!Kheis Local Municipality NC084 Northern Cape ZF Mgcawu Groblershoop B3 (small towns) 11,102.4 4,286.7 21,954 2.0 5.2
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality EC157 Eastern Cape OR Tambo Mthatha B2 (large town) 3,018.9 1,165.6 476,558 157.9 409
Knysna Local Municipality WC048 Western Cape Garden Route Knysna B2 (large town) 1,108.8 428.1 96,055 86.6 224
Kopanong Local Municipality FS162 Free State Xhariep Trompsburg B3 (small towns) 15,648.0 6,041.7 51,832 3.3 8.5
Kou-Kamma Local Municipality EC109 Eastern Cape Sarah Baartman Kareedouw B3 (small towns) 3,641.8 1,406.1 36,487 10.0 26
Kouga Local Municipality EC108 Eastern Cape Sarah Baartman Jeffreys Bay B3 (small towns) 2,670.5 1,031.1 107,014 40.1 104
Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality EC156 Eastern Cape OR Tambo Qumbu B4 (mostly rural) 2,880.3 1,112.1 186,391 64.7 168
KwaDukuza Local Municipality KZN292 KwaZulu-Natal iLembe KwaDukuza B2 (large town) 740.0 285.7 324,912 439.1 1,137
Laingsburg Local Municipality WC051 Western Cape Central Karoo Laingsburg B3 (small towns) 8,784.5 3,391.7 11,366 1.3 3.4
Langeberg Local Municipality WC026 Western Cape Cape Winelands Ashton B3 (small towns) 4,517.6 1,744.3 94,045 20.8 54
Lekwa Local Municipality MP305 Mpumalanga Gert Sibande Standerton B3 (small towns) 4,594.4 1,773.9 119,669 26.0 67
Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality NW396 North West Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Christiana B3 (small towns) 3,653.6 1,410.7 59,815 16.4 42
Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality LIM355 Limpopo Capricorn Chuniespoort B4 (mostly rural) 3,484.3 1,345.3 284,404 81.6 211
Lephalale Local Municipality LIM362 Limpopo Waterberg Lephalale B3 (small towns) 13,793.5 5,325.7 125,198 9.1 24
Lesedi Local Municipality GT423 Gauteng Sedibeng Heidelberg B3 (small towns) 1,484.4 573.1 132,783 89.5 232
Letsemeng Local Municipality FS161 Free State Xhariep Koffiefontein B3 (small towns) 9,825.9 3,793.8 43,101 4.4 11
Madibeng Local Municipality NW372 North West Bojanala Brits B1 (secondary city) 3,720.1 1,436.3 522,566 140.5 364
Mafube Local Municipality FS205 Free State Fezile Dabi Frankfort B3 (small towns) 3,976.6 1,535.4 61,150 15.4 40
Magareng Local Municipality NC093 Northern Cape Frances Baard Warrenton B3 (small towns) 1,546.4 597.1 26,816 17.3 45
Mahikeng Local Municipality NW383 North West Ngaka Modiri Molema Mahikeng B2 (large town) 3,645.9 1,407.7 354,504 97.2 252
Makana Local Municipality EC104 Eastern Cape Sarah Baartman Grahamstown B2 (large town) 4,376.4 1,689.7 97,815 22.4 58
Makhado Local Municipality LIM344 Limpopo Vhembe Louis Trichardt B4 (mostly rural) 7,605.1 2,936.3 502,452 66.1 171
Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality LIM473 Limpopo Sekhukhune Jane Furse B4 (mostly rural) 2,109.6 814.5 340,328 161.3 418
Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality FS194 Free State Thabo Mofutsanyana Phuthaditjhaba B3 (small towns) 4,337.7 1,674.8 398,459 91.9 238
Mamusa Local Municipality NW393 North West Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Schweizer-Reneke B3 (small towns) 3,603.3 1,391.2 70,483 19.6 51
Mandeni Local Municipality KZN291 KwaZulu-Natal iLembe Mandeni B4 (mostly rural) 554.8 214.2 180,939 326.1 845
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality MAN Free State Bloemfontein A (metro) 9,886.3 3,817.1 811,431 82.1 213
Mantsopa Local Municipality FS196 Free State Thabo Mofutsanyana Ladybrand B3 (small towns) 4,290.6 1,656.6 55,897 13.0 34
Maphumulo Local Municipality KZN294 KwaZulu-Natal iLembe Maphumulo B4 (mostly rural) 895.9 345.9 110,983 123.9 321
Maquassi Hills Local Municipality NW404 North West Dr Kenneth Kaunda Wolmaransstad B3 (small towns) 4,670.6 1,803.3 90,302 19.3 50
Maruleng Local Municipality LIM335 Limpopo Mopani Hoedspruit B4 (mostly rural) 3,562.6 1,375.5 128,137 36.0 93
Masilonyana Local Municipality FS181 Free State Lejweleputswa Theunissen B3 (small towns) 6,617.8 2,555.1 63,800 9.6 25
Matatiele Local Municipality EC441 Eastern Cape Alfred Nzo Matatiele B3 (small towns) 4,352.3 1,680.4 225,562 51.8 134
Matjhabeng Local Municipality FS184 Free State Lejweleputswa Welkom B1 (secondary city) 5,690.4 2,197.1 439,034 77.2 200
Matzikama Local Municipality WC011 Western Cape West Coast Vredendal B3 (small towns) 12,981.4 5,012.1 69,043 5.3 14
Mbhashe Local Municipality EC121 Eastern Cape Amathole Dutywa B4 (mostly rural) 3,302.5 1,275.1 240,020 72.7 188
Mbombela Local Municipality MP326 Mpumalanga Ehlanzeni Nelspruit B1 (secondary city) 7,151.6 2,761.2 809,674 113.2 293
Merafong City Local Municipality GT484 Gauteng West Rand Carletonville B2 (large town) 1,630.0 629.3 225,476 138.3 358
Metsimaholo Local Municipality FS204 Free State Fezile Dabi Sasolburg B2 (large town) 1,717.1 663.0 158,391 92.2 239
Midvaal Local Municipality GT422 Gauteng Sedibeng Meyerton B2 (large town) 1,722.7 665.1 112,254 65.2 169
Mkhambathini Local Municipality KZN226 KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu Camperdown B3 (small towns) 868.5 335.3 61,660 71.0 184
Mkhondo Local Municipality MP303 Mpumalanga Gert Sibande Piet Retief B3 (small towns) 4,900.5 1,892.1 255,411 52.1 135
Mnquma Local Municipality EC122 Eastern Cape Amathole Gcuwa B4 (mostly rural) 3,137.3 1,211.3 232,993 74.3 192
Modimolle–Mookgophong Local Municipality LIM368 Limpopo Waterberg Modimolle B3 (small towns) 10,367.5 4,002.9 130,113 12.6 33
Mogalakwena Local Municipality LIM367 Limpopo Waterberg Mokopane B2 (large town) 6,156.2 2,376.9 378,198 61.4 159
Mogale City Local Municipality GT481 Gauteng West Rand Krugersdorp B1 (secondary city) 1,344.7 519.2 438,217 325.9 844
Mohokare Local Municipality FS163 Free State Xhariep Zastron B3 (small towns) 8,775.8 3,388.4 36,968 4.2 11
Molemole Local Municipality LIM353 Limpopo Capricorn Dendron B4 (mostly rural) 3,627.6 1,400.6 127,130 35.0 91
Moqhaka Local Municipality FS201 Free State Fezile Dabi Kroonstad B2 (large town) 7,924.6 3,059.7 155,410 19.6 51
Moretele Local Municipality NW371 North West Bojanala Makapanstad B4 (mostly rural) 1,497.9 578.3 219,120 146.3 379
Moses Kotane Local Municipality NW375 North West Bojanala Mogwase B4 (mostly rural) 5,726.2 2,210.9 265,668 46.4 120
Mossel Bay Local Municipality WC043 Western Cape Garden Route Mossel Bay B2 (large town) 2,001.0 772.6 140,075 70.0 181
Mpofana Local Municipality KZN223 KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu Mooi River B3 (small towns) 1,755.2 677.7 33,382 19.0 49
Msinga Local Municipality KZN244 KwaZulu-Natal Umzinyathi Tugela Ferry B4 (mostly rural) 2,375.2 917.1 206,001 86.7 225
Msukaligwa Local Municipality MP302 Mpumalanga Gert Sibande Ermelo B2 (large town) 6,003.4 2,317.9 199,314 33.2 86
Msunduzi Local Municipality KZN225 KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu Pietermaritzburg B1 (secondary city) 751.1 290.0 817,725 1,088.7 2,820
Mthonjaneni Local Municipality KZN285 KwaZulu-Natal King Cetshwayo Melmoth B3 (small towns) 1,638.6 632.7 99,289 60.6 157
Mtubatuba Local Municipality KZN275 KwaZulu-Natal Umkhanyakude Mtubatuba B3 (small towns) 1,969.8 760.5 215,869 109.6 284
Musina Local Municipality LIM341 Limpopo Vhembe Musina B3 (small towns) 10,346.6 3,994.8 130,899 12.7 33
Nala Local Municipality FS185 Free State Lejweleputswa Bothaville B3 (small towns) 4,128.8 1,594.1 90,561 21.9 57
Naledi Local Municipality NW392 North West Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Vryburg B3 (small towns) 7,032.0 2,715.1 63,755 9.1 24
Nama Khoi Local Municipality NC062 Northern Cape Namakwa Springbok B3 (small towns) 17,990.4 6,946.1 67,089 3.7 9.6
Ndlambe Local Municipality EC105 Eastern Cape Sarah Baartman Port Alfred B3 (small towns) 1,839.9 710.4 87,797 47.7 124
Ndwedwe Local Municipality KZN293 KwaZulu-Natal iLembe Ndwedwe B4 (mostly rural) 1,078.6 416.4 165,826 153.7 398
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality NMA Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth A (metro) 1,957.0 755.6 1,190,496 608.3 1,575
Newcastle Local Municipality KZN252 KwaZulu-Natal Amajuba Newcastle B1 (secondary city) 1,855.8 716.5 507,710 273.6 709
Ngqushwa Local Municipality EC126 Eastern Cape Amathole Peddie B4 (mostly rural) 2,112.5 815.6 68,300 32.3 84
Ngwathe Local Municipality FS203 Free State Fezile Dabi Parys B3 (small towns) 7,055.0 2,724.0 134,962 19.1 49
Nkandla Local Municipality KZN286 KwaZulu-Natal King Cetshwayo Nkandla B4 (mostly rural) 1,827.6 705.6 108,896 59.6 154
Nketoana Local Municipality FS193 Free State Thabo Mofutsanyana Reitz B3 (small towns) 5,604.5 2,163.9 66,488 11.9 31
Nkomazi Local Municipality MP324 Mpumalanga Ehlanzeni Malalane B4 (mostly rural) 4,785.3 1,847.6 591,928 123.7 320
Nongoma Local Municipality KZN265 KwaZulu-Natal Zululand Nongoma B4 (mostly rural) 2,182.1 842.5 225,278 103.2 267
Nqutu Local Municipality KZN242 KwaZulu-Natal Umzinyathi Nquthu B4 (mostly rural) 1,962.3 757.6 201,133 102.5 265
Ntabankulu Local Municipality EC444 Eastern Cape Alfred Nzo Ntabankulu B4 (mostly rural) 1,384.5 534.6 146,423 105.8 274
Nyandeni Local Municipality EC155 Eastern Cape OR Tambo Libode B4 (mostly rural) 2,474.0 955.2 304,856 123.2 319
Okhahlamba Local Municipality KZN235 KwaZulu-Natal Uthukela Bergville B4 (mostly rural) 3,971.0 1,533.2 143,132 36.0 93
Oudtshoorn Local Municipality WC045 Western Cape Garden Route Oudtshoorn B2 (large town) 3,540.4 1,367.0 138,257 39.1 101
Overstrand Local Municipality WC032 Western Cape Overberg Hermanus B2 (large town) 1,674.6 646.6 132,495 79.1 205
Phokwane Local Municipality NC094 Northern Cape Frances Baard Hartswater B3 (small towns) 828.1 319.7 80,481 97.2 252
Phumelela Local Municipality FS195 Free State Thabo Mofutsanyana Vrede B3 (small towns) 8,197.2 3,165.0 52,224 6.4 17
Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality MP304 Mpumalanga Gert Sibande Volksrust B3 (small towns) 5,227.2 2,018.2 115,304 22.1 57
Polokwane Local Municipality LIM354 Limpopo Capricorn Polokwane B1 (secondary city) 5,053.7 1,951.2 843,459 166.9 432
Port St Johns Local Municipality EC154 Eastern Cape OR Tambo Port St Johns B4 (mostly rural) 1,291.2 498.5 179,325 138.9 360
Prince Albert Local Municipality WC052 Western Cape Central Karoo Prince Albert B3 (small towns) 8,152.9 3,147.9 17,836 2.2 5.7
Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality NW385 North West Ngaka Modiri Molema Zeerust B3 (small towns) 7,322.8 2,827.3 161,605 22.1 57
Rand West City Local Municipality GT485 Gauteng West Rand Randfontein B2 (large town) 1,114.7 430.4 334,773 300.3 778
Ratlou Local Municipality NW381 North West Ngaka Modiri Molema Setlagole B4 (mostly rural) 4,883.6 1,885.6 128,766 26.4 68
Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality KZN216 KwaZulu-Natal Ugu Port Shepstone B2 (large town) 1,487.1 574.2 362,134 243.5 631
Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality EC129 Eastern Cape Amathole Alice B3 (small towns) 6,357.3 2,454.6 178,594 28.1 73
Renosterberg Local Municipality NC075 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme Petrusville B3 (small towns) 5,529.3 2,134.9 10,843 2.0 5.2
Richmond Local Municipality KZN227 KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu Richmond B4 (mostly rural) 1,231.4 475.4 62,754 51.0 132
Richtersveld Local Municipality NC061 Northern Cape Namakwa Port Nolloth B3 (small towns) 9,607.7 3,709.6 24,235 2.5 6.5
Rustenburg Local Municipality NW373 North West Bojanala Rustenburg B1 (secondary city) 3,416.1 1,319.0 562,315 164.6 426
Sakhisizwe Local Municipality EC138 Eastern Cape Chris Hani Cala B3 (small towns) 2,345.1 905.4 63,981 27.3 71
Saldanha Bay Local Municipality WC014 Western Cape West Coast Vredenburg B2 (large town) 2,015.4 778.2 154,635 76.7 199
Senqu Local Municipality EC142 Eastern Cape Joe Gqabi Lady Grey B4 (mostly rural) 7,329.4 2,829.9 147,073 20.1 52
Setsoto Local Municipality FS191 Free State Thabo Mofutsanyana Ficksburg B3 (small towns) 5,431.2 2,097.0 127,918 23.6 61
Siyancuma Local Municipality NC078 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme Douglas B3 (small towns) 16,587.4 6,404.4 53,165 3.2 8.3
Siyathemba Local Municipality NC077 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme Prieska B3 (small towns) 14,704.0 5,677.2 27,102 1.8 4.7
Sol Plaatje Local Municipality NC091 Northern Cape Frances Baard Kimberley B1 (secondary city) 3,311.6 1,278.6 270,078 81.6 211
Stellenbosch Local Municipality WC024 Western Cape Cape Winelands Stellenbosch B1 (secondary city) 835.6 322.6 175,411 209.9 544
Steve Tshwete Local Municipality MP313 Mpumalanga Nkangala Middelburg B1 (secondary city) 3,976.5 1,535.3 242,031 60.9 158
Sundays River Valley Local Municipality EC106 Eastern Cape Sarah Baartman Kirkwood B3 (small towns) 5,995.2 2,314.8 53,256 8.9 23
Swartland Local Municipality WC015 Western Cape West Coast Malmesbury B3 (small towns) 3,708.0 1,431.7 148,331 40.0 104
Swellendam Local Municipality WC034 Western Cape Overberg Swellendam B3 (small towns) 3,835.1 1,480.7 47,114 12.3 32
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality MP321 Mpumalanga Ehlanzeni Lydenburg B3 (small towns) 5,710.5 2,204.8 118,474 20.7 54
Thabazimbi Local Municipality LIM361 Limpopo Waterberg Thabazimbi B3 (small towns) 11,190.0 4,320.5 65,047 5.8 15
Theewaterskloof Local Municipality WC031 Western Cape Overberg Caledon B3 (small towns) 3,260.6 1,258.9 139,563 42.8 111
Thembelihle Local Municipality NC076 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme Hopetown B3 (small towns) 8,023.1 3,097.7 22,542 2.8 7.3
Thembisile Hani Local Municipality MP315 Mpumalanga Nkangala eMpumalanga B4 (mostly rural) 2,384.4 920.6 431,248 180.9 469
Thulamela Local Municipality LIM343 Limpopo Vhembe Thohoyandou B4 (mostly rural) 2,641.7 1,020.0 575,929 218.0 565
Tokologo Local Municipality FS182 Free State Lejweleputswa Boshof B3 (small towns) 9,316.5 3,597.1 29,455 3.2 8.3
Tsantsabane Local Municipality NC085 Northern Cape ZF Mgcawu Postmasburg B3 (small towns) 18,289.3 7,061.5 30,969 1.7 4.4
Tswaing Local Municipality NW382 North West Ngaka Modiri Molema Delareyville B3 (small towns) 5,885.3 2,272.3 128,672 21.9 57
Tswelopele Local Municipality FS183 Free State Lejweleputswa Bultfontein B3 (small towns) 6,533.5 2,522.6 56,896 8.7 23
Ubuntu Local Municipality NC071 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme Victoria West B3 (small towns) 20,393.2 7,873.9 15,836 0.8 2.1
Ulundi Local Municipality KZN266 KwaZulu-Natal Zululand Ulundi B4 (mostly rural) 3,250.6 1,255.1 221,977 68.3 177
Umdoni Local Municipality KZN212 KwaZulu-Natal Ugu Scottburgh B2 (large town) 989.8 382.2 156,443 158.1 409
uMfolozi Local Municipality KZN281 KwaZulu-Natal King Cetshwayo KwaMbonambi B4 (mostly rural) 1,300.3 502.0 159,668 122.8 318
uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality KZN271 KwaZulu-Natal Umkhanyakude Kwangwanase B4 (mostly rural) 4,977.1 1,921.7 191,660 38.5 100
uMhlathuze Local Municipality KZN282 KwaZulu-Natal King Cetshwayo Richards Bay B1 (secondary city) 1,232.9 476.0 412,075 334.2 866
uMlalazi Local Municipality KZN284 KwaZulu-Natal King Cetshwayo Eshowe B4 (mostly rural) 2,213.9 854.8 241,416 109.0 282
uMngeni Local Municipality KZN222 KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu Howick B2 (large town) 1,520.8 587.2 105,069 69.1 179
uMshwathi Local Municipality KZN221 KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu Wartburg B4 (mostly rural) 1,865.9 720.4 118,478 63.5 164
Umsobomvu Local Municipality NC072 Northern Cape Pixley ka Seme Colesberg B3 (small towns) 6,813.4 2,630.7 29,555 4.3 11
uMuziwabantu Local Municipality KZN214 KwaZulu-Natal Ugu Harding B3 (small towns) 1,089.3 420.6 115,780 106.3 275
Umvoti Local Municipality KZN245 KwaZulu-Natal Umzinyathi Greytown B3 (small towns) 2,704.7 1,044.3 142,042 52.5 136
Umzimkhulu Local Municipality KZN435 KwaZulu-Natal Harry Gwala Umzimkhulu B4 (mostly rural) 2,435.6 940.4 220,620 90.6 235
Umzimvubu Local Municipality EC442 Eastern Cape Alfred Nzo Mount Frere B4 (mostly rural) 2,578.9 995.7 214,477 83.2 215
Umzumbe Local Municipality KZN213 KwaZulu-Natal Ugu Mtwalume B4 (mostly rural) 1,223.9 472.6 139,045 113.6 294
uPhongolo Local Municipality KZN262 KwaZulu-Natal Zululand Pongola B4 (mostly rural) 3,110.1 1,200.8 151,541 48.7 126
Victor Khanye Local Municipality MP311 Mpumalanga Nkangala Delmas B3 (small towns) 1,567.8 605.3 106,149 67.7 175
Walter Sisulu Local Municipality EC145 Eastern Cape Joe Gqabi Burgersdorp B3 (small towns) 13,268.9 5,123.2 104,213 7.9 20
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality EC443 Eastern Cape Alfred Nzo Bizana B4 (mostly rural) 2,415.5 932.6 350,000 144.9 375
Witzenberg Local Municipality WC022 Western Cape Cape Winelands Ceres B3 (small towns) 10,753.2 4,151.8 103,765 9.6 25

Former municipalities

These municipalities have been dissolved since the current system of local government was established in 2000.

Name Code Province Dissolved Fate
Camdeboo Local Municipality EC101 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016 Merged to create Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality
Ikwezi Local Municipality EC103 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016
Baviaans Local Municipality EC107 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016
Nkonkobe Local Municipality EC127 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016 Merged to create Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
Nxuba Local Municipality EC128 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016
Tsolwana Local Municipality EC132 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016 Merged to create Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality
Inkwanca Local Municipality EC133 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016
Lukhanji Local Municipality EC134 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016
Maletswai Local Municipality EC143 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016 Merged to create Walter Sisulu Local Municipality
Gariep Local Municipality EC144 Eastern Cape 3 August 2016
Motheo District Municipality DC17 Free State 18 May 2011 Part became Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, other parts annexed by Xhariep and Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipalities
Naledi Local Municipality FS164 Free State 3 August 2016 Annexed by Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Metsweding District Municipality DC46 Gauteng 18 May 2011 Annexed by City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Nokeng tsa Taemane Local Municipality GT461 Gauteng 18 May 2011
Kungwini Local Municipality GT462 Gauteng 18 May 2011
Randfontein Local Municipality GT482 Gauteng 3 August 2016 Merged to create Rand West City Local Municipality
Westonaria Local Municipality GT483 Gauteng 3 August 2016
Ezinqoleni Local Municipality KZN215 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016 Merged to create Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality
Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality KZN216 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016
Vulamehlo Local Municipality KZN211 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016 Annexed by eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and Umdoni Local Municipality
Emnambithi/Ladysmith Local Municipality KZN232 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016 Merged to create Alfred Duma Local Municipality
Indaka Local Municipality KZN233 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016
Umtshezi Local Municipality KZN234 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016 Merged to create Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality
Imbabazane Local Municipality KZN236 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016
Big 5 False Bay Local Municipality KZN273 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016 Merged to create Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality
Hlabisa Local Municipality KZN274 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016
Ntambanana Local Municipality KZN283 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016 Annexed by Mthonjaneni, uMfolozi and uMhlathuze Local Municipalities
Ingwe Local Municipality KZN431 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016 Merged to create Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality
Kwa Sani Local Municipality KZN432 KwaZulu-Natal 3 August 2016
Bohlabela District Municipality CBDC4 Mpumalanga/Limpopo 1 March 2006 Annexed by Ehlanzeni and Mopani District Municipalities
Mutale Local Municipality LIM342 Limpopo 3 August 2016 Annexed by Musina and Thulamela Local Municipalities
Aganang Local Municipality LIM352 Limpopo 3 August 2016 Annexed by Blouberg, Molemole and Polokwane Local Municipalities
Mookgopong Local Municipality LIM364 Limpopo 3 August 2016 Merged to create Modimolle–Mookgophong Local Municipality
Modimolle Local Municipality LIM365 Limpopo 3 August 2016
Fetakgomo Local Municipality LIM474 Limpopo 3 August 2016 Merged to create Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality
Greater Tubatse Local Municipality LIM475 Limpopo 3 August 2016
Umjindi Local Municipality MP323 Mpumalanga 3 August 2016 Annexed by Mbombela Local Municipality
Kagisano Local Municipality NW391 North West 18 May 2011 Merged to create Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality
Molopo Local Municipality NW395 North West 18 May 2011
Ventersdorp Local Municipality NW401 North West 3 August 2016 Merged to create JB Marks Local Municipality
Tlokwe Local Municipality NW402 North West 3 August 2016
Mier Local Municipality NC081 Northern Cape 3 August 2016 Merged to create Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality
//Khara Hais Local Municipality NC083 Northern Cape 3 August 2016

By province

The lists linked below also include maps showing the locations of the municipalities.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Electoral Commission on 2016 municipal elections" (Press release). Electoral Commission. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Census 2022: Provinces at a glance (PDF) (Report). Pretoria: Statistics South Africa. 2023. pp. 71–78. ISBN 978-0-621-51559-6. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  3. ^ a b c Census 2022: Provinces at a glance (PDF) (Report). Pretoria: Statistics South Africa. 2023. pp. 6, 10–11, 16, 20, 24–25, 32, 36, 40, 44. ISBN 978-0-621-51559-6. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largest_Metropolitan_areas_in_South_Africa