subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cwa), with long, hot and rainy summers and short, cool and dry winters. Political atmosphere Since 1994, the first time that the people of Malamulele and the rest of black South Africa were ever allowed to vote, the electorate has always voted for the ANC. A few voted for Ximoko xa Rixaka (Whip of the Nation), which has now morphed into XPP (Ximoko Progressive Party). Since then, the majority of Malamulele has voted for the ANC by default, with around 80% of the votes going to the ANC, about 20% higher than the national average. Demographics There are between 100 and 120 villages in the Malamulele area, with an approximate population of ± 500,000. According to official Stats SA census 2011 results, some 82 Malamulele villages (excluding the township), were home to 206,646 people. During the same period, Malamulele Town had a population of 13,070. In 2001, or 10 years prior, Thulamela calculated the population according to some 16 main areas (again, excluding the township), supposedly representing the number of independent chiefs, which added up to 199,807 people. During this same period, Malamulele Town had a population of 11,299. These main areas are: Gijana (Magona), Madonsi, Makuleke, Mavambe, Mhinga, Mphambo, Mtititi, Mudavula, Mukhomi, Gumbani, Mulamula, Mulenzhe, Ntlhaveni (Bevhula), Tshikonelo, Xigalo, Xigamane, and Xikundu, thereby recognising 14 Tsonga and 2 Venda (Mulenzhe and Tshikonelo) chiefs. These places account for 1362 km2 of Malamulele's 1552 km2 total land area. For perspective, its northwestern neighbour, Thohoyandou, had a population of 69,453 in 2011, more than double its 2001 population of 32,730. Its eastern neighbour, Giyani, rose from 22,725 to 25,954. Notable People Thomas Chauke References External links - Thulamela Municipality — Gazankulu facts - South African Student Radio Network - Matimu News Populated places in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality