Mbombela

Mbombela is the capital city of Mpumalanga province in South Africa. The city serves as the administrative and economic hub of the province and is situated in the Lowveld region in the north-eastern part of the country. Mbombela has a population of approximately 110,000 within the city proper, with the greater municipal area home to over 600,000 residents. The city was formerly known as Nelspruit until it was officially renamed Mbombela in 2009, a name derived from the siSwati word meaning "many people together in a small place". The economy is driven by agriculture, particularly citrus and subtropical fruit farming, forestry, tourism and government services. Mbombela is located within the Ehlanzeni district municipality and serves as a gateway to the Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves, which lies approximately 100 km to the east. The city is home to the Mbombela Stadium, a 40,000-seat venue built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Its strategic location along major transport corridors linking South Africa with Mozambique and Eswatini enhances its role as a regional trade and logistics centre. The city experiences a subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters, making it vulnerable to seasonal flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Mbombela's economic and political significance within Mpumalanga has grown steadily since it became the provincial capital following the democratic transition in 1994.