Demographic profile refers to the structure and size of the population and is analysed in terms of population distribution by local municipalities, household structure, age and gender differentiation of the population.

The total population of Umkhanyakude District could be estimated to be 573341 people, and is spread unevenly among the five local municipalities and DMA27 (Census 2001). Jozini and Hlabisa are the most densely populated municipalities, with about 32% (184090) and 31% (176890), respectively. Only 15% of the population resides in the DMA27, which covers 22% of the land area. Hlabisa only covers 11% of the total land area, but accounts for 31% of the population, which suggests substantially higher population densities.

The District population has grown by about 694565 people between 1996 and 2001. The majority of this growth occurred in Jozini. The basis for this growth is a moot point at the moment, but it could be speculated that it is associated with in-migration and increased public sector investment (e.g. LSDT) in the District.

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PROCESS.

Umkhanyakude District Municipality adopted an integrated Development Plan in 2002. The IDP is supreme document for guiding future development and decision-making within the District, and assumes a five year horizon, after which the new IDP would have to be prepared. It gives effect to the notion of the developmental duties of the municipality as outlined in the Constitution, (act No 108 of 1996), and interpreted as follows:

.  Social development, which includes promoting access to social services, addressing vulnerability, discrimination and poverty, and broadening access to the assets base for the poor;

.  Economic development geared towards creating employment opportunities and sustainable development;

.  Infrastructure development as a means to address service delivery backlogs and create opportunities for economic development;

.  Institutional transformation, focussing mainly on a democratisation, shift from control to governance, etc;

.  Establishment of a legal and financial management system as a means to enable efficient          allocation of scarce resources.

The District priority issues are in line with the eight Provincial Priorities, namely:

-          Eradication of poverty;

-          Addressing the HIV/AIDS Pandemic;

-          Providing social safety nets for the poor;

-          Investing in Infrastructure;

-          Developing Human Capability;

-          Strengthening Governance;

-          Promoting Rural Development an urban renewal; and

-          Investing in job creation and economic growth.