Nkandla, South Africa is located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal and is classified as a municipality, spanning some 1132 square miles. Nkandla has a population estimated to be 133,602, of whom 57% are women. Over 61 percent of the population consists of children under 18 and 14 percent are under 5 years of age.

Nkandla Town is a Rural Service Centre and is located approximately 34 miles South-West of Melmoth. Nkandla Town is the only formalized urban area within the municipality though it remains isolated from major economic development corridors. Nkandla is mountainous and many of the families live in deep valleys, forests, and ravines. Most roads are dirt and transportation is scarce. People living in Nkandla must walk long distances to access most services.