The Alfred Nzo District covers the north east of the Eastern Cape Province, bordering Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. It is named after African National Congress (ANC) member, Alfred Nzo who attended the University of Fort Hare, located in the Province. Through his high-ranking position in the ANC, Nzo dedicated his life to the struggle for basic human rights in South Africa.

The main centre of the Alfred Nzo District is Kokstad, which actually lies within KwaZulu-Natal. Alfred Nzo is the smallest Eastern Cape district with an area of 7 952 square kilometres. Other towns are Matatiele, Maluti, Umzimkulu, Mount Ayliff and Mount Frere.

The District’s population (544107) is relatively small, with 99% African inhabitants. Xhosa is the first language in most areas, but with significant use of Sesotho around Matatiele and Zulu around Umzimkulu.

The Alfred Nzo District contains remote, mountainous areas with high levels of poverty. Unemployment is high at 76%. The economy is small and highly dependent on government services and over 97% of housing is informal.