Mthonjaneni is one of the smallest municipalities in South Africa, but it has the distinction of being regarded as one of the healthiest places to live in this country. Close to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and the Opathe game reserve, Mthonjaneni is home to about 38 000 people.

Apart from some light industry, the town depends on agriculture for survival, primarily sugar cane, timber and cattle. Avocados and citrus fruits are also produced for local and foreign markets. The area produces about 300 000 tons of sugar cane and 470 000 tons of timber per year, as well as delicate cut flowers for export.

The municipality incorporates large tracts of commercial farming land with most communities practicing small-scale farming for domestic purposes.
Agriculture employs about 75% of the labour force. The expansion of the local economy focuses on increasing timber and cane production, expanding the cut flower industry,the production of essential oils and establishment of apiaries.