What is the capital of South Africa?
South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). Pretoria is usually listed as the main administrative capital.
The arrangement dates to the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, which joined four British colonies. As a compromise, the main branches of government were divided among different cities.
The president and government departments work in Pretoria, in the Union Buildings. Parliament meets in Cape Town, and the Supreme Court of Appeal sits in Bloemfontein. The Constitutional Court, however, is in Johannesburg.
The largest city
Johannesburg, which grew rapidly after gold was discovered in 1886, is South Africa's largest city and economic center, but it is not a capital. Cape Town is famous for Table Mountain and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Each capital has its own role. Pretoria hosts the Union Buildings, the seat of the president and government offices. Cape Town is home to Parliament, which meets in buildings near the city center below Table Mountain. Bloemfontein houses the Supreme Court of Appeal. Johannesburg is the country's largest city and business center, but it is not a capital.
Did You Know?
South Africa has 12 official languages, after South African Sign Language was added in 2023.