Greater Letaba Local Municipality is characterised by contrasts such as varied topography, population densities (low in the south, relatively dense in the north-east), and prolific vegetation in the south (timber) and sparse vegetation in the north (Bushveld) . The availability of natural resources such as dams, tourist attractions, nature reserves and proximity to intensive economic activities creates opportunities for economic spin-offs. The ‘gates' to the municipal area are considered to be Sekgopo in the west, Modjadjiskloof (previously Duiwelskloof) in the south, Mamaila Kolobetona in the north and Makgakgapatse in the east. There are 129 rural villages within the municipal area.

Maruleng Local Municipality is situated in the south-eastern quadrant of the Limpopo province within the Mopani District Municipality. The Maruleng Municipality is bordered by the Kruger National Park to the east, the Ba-Phalaborwa and Tzaneen Municipalities to the north, the Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality to the West, and the Tubatse and Bushbuckridge Municipalities to the south. The main access points to the municipal area are considered to be Klaserie and the Strijdom Tunnel in the south, Ofcolaco in the west and Mica in the north. The town of Hoedspruit can be considered the administrative and economic centre of the area. It is also the location of the Hoedspruit Air Force Base.

Greater Giyani Local Municipality was established in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, the Municipality Demarcation Act of 1998, and Section 12 Notice issued in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act of 1998. The town of Giyani is located approximately 185km from Polokwane (previously Pietersburg), 100km from Thohoyandou and 550km from Pretoria. Its eastern section borders on the world-famous Kruger National Park. The municipality is demarcated into 30 wards and has 60 councillors. The 10 traditional authority areas comprise 91 villages. Giyani Town is the largest and most densely populated centre, featuring the most employment opportunities, as well as the best shopping and recreational facilities. The labour force consists of skilled, semi-skilled and a large percentage of unskilled people. Giyani is regarded as the ‘place where the people dance and land of the friendly people'. It was established in 1969. It is the administrative an