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• The History of Malelane

It's All in a Name

Malelane’s name derives from the Swazi word ‘emlalani’, which means ‘Land of Lala Palms’. It is also possible that it could refer to the Swazi word meaning ‘guardians’ taken from a tribe that lived nearby to the area.

Malelane was originally a farm owned by Captain Joseph ‘Mokonto’ Elphick, who later sold the land to a Mr. Andrews of Barberton. Andrews eventually split up the land and sold them to various buyers.

Ideal Farming Conditions

The new landowners developed their properties and built shops around the train station. With the building of the station, Malelane got its own post office in 1952. In 1961, a Church was erected as more housing was developed in the town.

Due to Malelane’s low-lying position and hot climate, it made ideal farming conditions for fruit farming and growing a sugar plantation. The sugar industry had changed the economy of Malelane allowing the town to prosper. Malelane has developed into a flourishing tourist spot with its own small airport and accommodation businesses.