The municipality covers the population size of 548 760 persons as per 2016 Community survey, which is 34% of the total population of Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and 14% of the total Province population. It is renowned for its agricultural and tourist attractions.

It was declared a presidential nodal point by the President of the Republic in 2001. It is located in the north-eastern part of Mpumalanga Province and is surrounded by the Kruger National Park in the east, City of Mbombela Local Municipality in the south and Thaba Chweu Local Municipality in the western side of the province. The municipality covers approximately over 1 000, 000 ha, part of Kruger National Park forms part of the municipal land. The municipality consists of 38 wards with 38 ward councillors and 38 PR Councillors.