Area: 25 553 square kilometres

Population: +/- 300 000

Bordering the Free State and Lesotho, the Ukhahlamba District has the smallest population of the Eastern Cape’s six districts. Ukhahlamba is the isiXhosa word for the Drakensberg mountain range, which the District shares with the Lesotho border.

Just over 300 000 people occupy the area’s 25 553 square kilometres. The main town in the district is Aliwal North, and other major towns are Burgersdorp, Barkley East, Maclear and Mount Fletcher.

Like the O.R Tambo District, Ukhahlamba has a high African population (94%) with Coloured and White people making up 3% respectively. Xhosa is the main language; however Sesotho is spoken closer to the Lesotho border.

Like many of the other Eastern Cape districts, Ukhahlamba relies heavily on agriculture and a small amount of agro-processing. Small-stock farming in the Karoo areas produces wool, mohair and mutton. Cattle, goat and sheep farming are also practiced.

Food processing is the most important industry in manufacturing and is centred in Aliwal North. Limited furniture manufacturing also takes place.

The Ukhahlamba District lacks efficient social services and formal housing. Only 20% of households have portable water on-site and 50% have a flush toilet or pit latrine.

For more information visit: http://www.ukhahlamba.gov.za/