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Empangeni at a glance

The friendly town of Empangeni can be found nestled in the hilly countryside of the Mpangeni Valley. Located about 160km from Durban, Empangeni overlooks the harbour town of Richards Bay, which is a convenient 15km away. Falling under the Uthungulu District Municipality, Empangeni is wrapped in the wide open, evergreen planes of Zululand – with sugarcane plantations dotting its landscape.  Its weather conditions makes this town a year-round destination and locals have said that Empangeni never experiences a real winter, as its sub-tropical climate rarely drops below 15°C.

Resting on the banks of the Mpangeni River, Empangeni (meaning grabbed) is named after the Zulu word pangaed, as a result of the many taken from the river bank by crocodiles – according to folklore. In addition to its name, Empangeni has a vast and interesting history.  Originally the site of a Norwegian Missionary Station, established by the Norwegian Missionary Society in 1851 that later relocated 60 km north-west to Eshowe, Empangeni received a magistrate in 1894. 

Nine years later, in 1903 the Zululand Railway was extended and linked Empangeni to Durban - which fostered growth in its development. As part of a government initiative, a timber plantation made up of eucalyptus trees were planted on a trial basis in 1905. This plantation was a great success and led to large scale planting along the coastline .A year later the Felixton Sugar Mill was erected. Both the sugar mill and the timber plantation initiated the rapid development and growth of industry that lead to the thriving modern town Empangeni has become today.

Known for its sugar, cotton, cattle and timber production, along with its close proximity to the businesses and industry in Richards Bay, Empangeni draws a diverse group of people who move to the town with the purpose of living closer to work.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty has a variety of residential property on offer in Empangeni, perfect for potential buyers who wish to relocate to this stunning Zululand town. From two bedroom starters priced below R400 000, duplexes, small holdings, farmlands, spacious apartments in secure complexes and four bedroom family homes below R 4 million.

Empangeni is by no means a small town and offer residents and visitor an array of interesting attractions, modern conveniences and all the necessary amenities of a big city. 

Healthcare

Empangeni has three main healthcare/medical facilities in the area equipped to deal with any medical and health requirement.

Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Regional Hospital

Starting as a three room wooden shack, in 1912, at the home of the second District Surgeon in the area, Dr G K Moberly – who was convinced by locals to turn their war memorial into a hospital at the end of the First World War –the Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Regional Hospital is a modern 318 bed hospital. This facility specialises in the care of obstetrical, gynaecological and neonatal patients and is linked to the KwaZulu-Natal university medical school.

Ngwelezana Hospital

This 554 bedded hospital offers treatments and services to the Zululand, Uthungulu and Umkhanyakude Districts. Located in the Ngwelezana Suburb which is 5km’s away from Empangeni it provides treatment and specialist services for an assortment of ailments. These include; orthopaedics, surgical, paediatrics, critical care and laboratory services just to name a few.

Education

Empangeni has numerous private and public primary and high schools in its vicinity, ensuring that parents can find the ideal school for their children to attend. The University of Zululand’s main campus is also located in this fast growing industrial hub.

Empangeni High School

Situated on Empangeni’s Main road, within close proximity to the centre of town, Empangeni High School has established an environment in which learners and educators can prosper. Priding themselves on respect, curtesy and developing character – learners are seen as ambassadors who are encouraged to participate in all areas of academics and school life. 

The school features highly equipped Life Science and Physical Science laboratories, state of the art mechanical workshop, consumer study, computer/IT, engineering and music centres. The music centre is the largest of its type in KwaZulu-Natal and offers the best music tutelage opportunities to its learners.

St Catherine’s School

Established by the Oakford Dominican Sisters in 1955, this prestigious school produces continuous academic excellence – accommodating learners from Grade R up to matric. Priding itself as a family orientated institution with sound values, St Catherine’s is known for producing well-rounded and successful learners who make positive contributions to their communities.
Located in the centre of Empangeni, next to St Patrick’s Catholic Church, their strong ethos and social conscience make St Catherine’s a respectable institution with a fantastic reputation.

Attractions

Empangeni Arts and Cultural History Museum

Empangeni’s Arts and Cultural History Museum, housed in the Old Town Hall – which was established in 1916 by sugar farmers, who used the premises for town meetings and get-togethers, is one of the last old buildings in Empangeni with historical significance.  This museum is a true parade of all the various cultures and heritages of the region and aims at providing education to its visitors.
Regular displays and exhibitions are held, enabling the public to be exposed to the vast diversity and creativity of Zululand . Art works by famous South African artists such as; Andrew Verster, Dennis Purvis, Nests Nala and Andries Botha are amongst those on display, in the museum’s spacious gallery.

Enseleni Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is made up of coastal grasslands and forest and the Nseleni River. This popular attraction is a birder’s dream as hundreds of bird species, including some very rare ones namely; the Purple Crested Loerie, African Finfoot and Pels Fishing Owl can be found in this habitat. Named after the river that runs through it, Enseleni means ‘place of the badger’ and is home to severa other large mammals including; giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, crocodiles and an array of buck. There are lovely picnic spots scattered through the reserve, educational group tours and scenic walking trails varying in distance and winding through the swamp forest. Enseleni makes for a stunning and informative excursion that the whole family will enjoy.

With its friendly town’s folk, magnificent views, natural surroundings, convenient location and all the comforts of a big city – Empangeni is the right place for those who need to live in close proximity to work and still live in all the splendour of Mother Nature. Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty has choice residential properties in Empangeni, contact us today to find your home in this stunning region.

26 Residential Homes For Sale in Empangeni

FROM R500,000 to R15,000,000

4 Residential Homes To Let in Empangeni

FROM R5,500 to R12,000

4 Commercial Properties For Sale in Empangeni

FROM R945,000 to R4,250,000

4 Commercial Properties To Let in Empangeni

FROM R76 to R97

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