Ulundi is also known as Mahlabathini. Ulundi Local Municipality is part of Zululand District Municipality. At one time Ulundi was the Capital of Zulu Kingdom, KwaZulu. It is very rich in Cultural, Historical and Wildlife experiences. This was to become a semi-independent, Bantustan, in South Africa. (By definition a 'Bantustan' was an Area set aside for African self-Government and eventual independence. ) The Capital was moved from Nongoma to Ulundi in 1980. This 'homeland' policy was designed to maintain White supremacy and strengthen the Government's Apartheid policy. By definition a 'Bantustan' was an Area set aside for African, self-Government and eventual independence. Later the word Bantustan was replaced by the less offensive but inaccurate term 'Homeland'. Many people had over the years abandoned their ethnic regions and made their homes elsewhere in South Africa.
Ulundi now lies in KwaZulu-Natal Province (of which, from 1994 to 2004, it alternated with Pietermaritzburg as the Provincial Capital). The Town now includes amongst other facilities: 'Ulundi Airport; a three-star Hotel and some Museums..'. In the 2001 Census the Population of the Town as recorded as 18,420.
Addressing close to 10 000 mourners at the memorial service of Buthelezi, was IFP Mayor of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Councillor Thami Ntuli. Ntuli, is also the IFP, Provincial Chairperson. Ntuli, called for the erection of 'Buthelezi’s Statue', to honour him. Police Minister Bheki Cele meets with the IFP’s, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, on a site visit at the Stadium, in Ulundi. This was ahead of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi's funeral, on Saturday the 16th of September 2023. In 1951 the first stage of the policy of Bantustan or Homelands, was implemented. Black Local Authorities were set up in designated Areas. These soon met with bitter opposition from the Locals because the Chiefs and Headmen, that had been selected had very little real autonomy. Later they were promptly disposed of and replaced, when they did not cooperate with Government Officials. Resistance to this system was particularly forced in Pondoland, the Transkei and Sekhukhuneland.
In 1959, the second step was taken with the passing of Bantu Self-Government Act. Eight Areas were thereby designated according to reference of birth place or cultural background. This caused: "a racially and ethnically diverse society". Once this status had been attained it was envisaged that full independence would soon be granted. In 1963 the Transkei became the first Homeland to achieve Self-Government. Many people had however over the Years, abandoned their ethnic regions and made their homes elsewhere in South Africa.