| Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality | |
|---|---|
| — Municipality — | |
| Location of Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality within KwaZulu-Natal | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| District municipality | Ugu District Municipality |
| Seat | Port Shepstone |
| Neighbors | Umzumbe Local Municipality, Ezingoleni Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Nolwazi Shusha |
| Area | |
| • Total | 837 km2 (323.2 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 272,467 |
| • Density | 325.5/km2 (843.1/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup[1] | |
| • African | 84% |
| • White | 10% |
| • Indian | 5% |
| • Coloured | 1% |
| Languages | |
| • Zulu | |
| • English | |
| • Xhosa | |
| Time zone | SAST (UTC+02) |
| Municipal code | KZN216 |
| Website | www.hcm.gov.za |
Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality is a local municipality in South Africa. It is the economic hub of the Ugu District Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The area attracts tourists from KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces as well as international tourists.
Beaches of world-class quality are to be found along the entire seaboard. Hibberdene Beach, Ramsgate Beach, Marina Beach/San Lameer, and Lucien Beach have been recognized as Blue Flag beaches.[2] The climate of the coastal areas is humid and subtropical — comparable to southern Florida in the United States, but not quite as hot and rainy in the summer.
The coastline is dotted with small towns, many of which serve as seasonal recreational hubs, such as Port Shepstone, Umtamvuna / Port Edward, Margate, Hibberdene and Impenjati / Southbroom. These towns feature a wide range of tourist-oriented businesses, including restaurants, bars, clubs, movie houses, golf courses, clothing shops, museums, and various types of accommodations. The income from these businesses has economically benefited the municipality as a whole.[1]
Other economic activities include fishing, agriculture, crafts, and bead works.
The hilly inland regions of the municipality are largely under the ownership of tribal authorities. Such "traditional" settlements include KwaXolo, KwaNzimakwe, KwaNdwalane, KwaMadlala, KwaMavundla and KwaLushaba.
| Municipalities and communities of Ugu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal District seat: Port Shepstone |
|
|---|---|
| Local municipalities |
Hibiscus Coast • Umzumbe • uMuziwabantu • Vulamehlo • uMdoni • Ezinqoleni • |
| Cities and towns |
Hibberdene • Margate • Port Edward • Port Shepstone • Ramsgate • Uvongo |
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