Catchment:

Water coarse (River):

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Ntshingwayo Dam (previously known as Chelmsford Dam) which was completed in 1961 and raised in 1982. . The dam was built to supply water to the town of Newcastle, Eskom’s thermal power station and irrigation farmers downstream. Releases are sometimes made to dilute factory spillages that end up in the river system. (Ref.1.)

Previously the Chelmsford Dam. Refer to the speech by THE MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY, RONNIE KASRILS, MP, AT THE RENAMING OF THE CHELMSFORD DAM TO NTSHINGWAYO DAM, Newcastle, 6 August 2000, "Inkosi Ntshingwayo kaMahole Khoza was a senior general in King Cetshwayo's army and the hereditary chief of the Khoza in north-western Zululand. Born in 1809, he was a chief in the tradition of Shaka and must indeed have known that great leader. His high rank in the kingdom and his recognised abilities as a warrior made him a natural choice as a senior commander. At this stage, you are probably picturing a young and virile man, strong of limb and full of youthful daring. In fact, at the time of the battle of Isandlwana, Ntshingwayo was a remarkable 70 years old. He died, not in the peace of his home, but at the Battle of Ulundi, defending his King, country and people."

KZN Wildlife