Aug 29, 2024

South Africa: The Only Country with Three Capital Cities

Discover why South Africa has three capital cities and their significance in the country's history

South Africa is renowned for its unique political structure, being the only country in the world with three capital cities. Unlike other nations, where a single city serves as the administrative, legislative, and judicial center, South Africa divides these roles among three cities.

This unique structure reflects the rich history and political complexity of South Africa, a country known for its diversity and resilience.

The Three Capitals of South Africa

1. Pretoria: The Executive Capital, where the Union Buildings are located, is the seat of the President and the national government. This city is the administrative center of South Africa.

2. Cape Town: The Legislative Capital, home to the Parliament of South Africa, is a city of breathtaking landscapes and historical significance, making it an important part of the country's governance.

3. Bloemfontein: The Judicial Capital, housing the Supreme Court of Appeal, plays a key role in maintaining the rule of law and justice in South Africa.

The decision to have three capitals ensures that the country’s different regions are represented, fostering unity in this diverse nation.

South Africa's Provinces, Their Capitals, and Leadership

South Africa’s nine provinces are led by a Premier, who is similar to a governor, and the Members of the Executive Council (MECs), who are equivalent to ministers at the national level, oversee various provincial departments.

• Gauteng: Johannesburg
• Western Cape: Cape Town
• KwaZulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg
• Free State: Bloemfontein
• Eastern Cape: Bhisho
• Limpopo: Polokwane
• Mpumalanga: Mbombela
• Northern Cape: Kimberley
• North West: Mahikeng

Each provincial capital plays a vital role in its region's governance, economy, and cultural identity.

South Africa's National and International Airports

South Africa's airports are strategically located to connect its major cities both domestically and internationally:

• O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, Gauteng): Africa's busiest airport, serving as the main hub for international and domestic flights. Website for all international Aiports in South Africa www.airports.co.za 
• Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town, Western Cape): The primary airport serving the legislative capital, renowned for its world-class facilities.
• King Shaka International Airport (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal): A key airport for the coastal city of Durban, supporting tourism and trade.
• Bram Fischer International Airport (Bloemfontein, Free State): Located in the judicial capital, it connects Bloemfontein to major South African cities.
• Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha, Eastern Cape): This airport facilitates travel to the Eastern Cape, linking Gqeberha with other regions.
• Upington International Airport (Upington, Northern Cape): Known for its long runway, it serves the vast Northern Cape region.
• King Phalo Airport (East London, Eastern Cape): Formerly known as East London Airport, it connects the city to other major South African destinations.
• George Airport (George, Western Cape): Serving the Garden Route, this airport is crucial for tourism in the region.
• Kimberley Airport (Kimberley, Northern Cape): Providing access to the historic city of Kimberley, known for its rich diamond mining history.

The South African Currency:  Rand

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa, symbolized by "R." The Rand is divided into 100 cents and is named after the Witwatersrand, the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built, where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. The Rand has undergone significant changes since its introduction in 1961, reflecting the country’s economic shifts.

 

Universities in South Africa

South Africa is home to many prestigious universities, each with its unique strengths:

1. University of South Africa (UNISA): Based in Pretoria, UNISA is the largest university in Africa and is renowned for its distance learning programs, offering flexible education options to students across the continent. Contact: www.unisa.ac.za | Tel: +27 12 429 3111 | Email: info@unisa.ac.za
2. University of Cape Town (UCT): Located in Cape Town, UCT is known for its research excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa. Contact: www.uct.ac.za | Tel: +27 21 650 9111 | Email: info@uct.ac.za
3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Situated in Johannesburg, Wits is acclaimed for its medical, engineering, and research programs. Contact: www.wits.ac.za | Tel: +27 11 717 1000 | Email: info@wits.ac.za
4. Stellenbosch University: Known for its agricultural sciences and wine production research, located in the Western Cape. Contact: www.sun.ac.za | Tel: +27 21 808 9111 | Email: info@sun.ac.za
5. University of Pretoria (UP): A leader in law, business, and engineering education, located in Pretoria. Contact: www.up.ac.za | Tel: +27 12 420 3111 | Email: info@up.ac.za
6. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): Renowned for its medical school and public health contributions, with campuses across KwaZulu-Natal. Contact: www.ukzn.ac.za | Tel: +27 31 260 1111 | Email: info@ukzn.ac.za
7. Rhodes University: Located in Makhanda, famous for its journalism and media studies programs. Contact: www.ru.ac.za | Tel: +27 46 603 8111 | Email: info@ru.ac.za
8. North-West University (NWU): With campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark, NWU is known for its diverse range of programs. Contact: www.nwu.ac.za | Tel: +27 18 299 1111 | Email: info@nwu.ac.za
9. University of Johannesburg (UJ): Located in Johannesburg, UJ is recognized for its urban research and innovation. Contact: www.uj.ac.za | Tel: +27 11 559 4555 | Email: info@uj.ac.za
10. University of the Free State (UFS): Based in Bloemfontein, known for its law and social sciences programs. Contact: www.ufs.ac.za | Tel: +27 51 401 9111 | Email: info@ufs.ac.za
11. University of Venda (Univen): Located in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, Univen is recognized for its focus on rural development and environmental sciences. Contact: www.univen.ac.za | Tel: +27 15 962 8000 | Email: info@univen.ac.za
12. University of Zululand (UniZulu): Situated near Richards Bay, known for its indigenous knowledge systems studies. Contact: www.unizulu.ac.za | Tel: +27 35 902 6000 | Email: info@unizulu.ac.za
13. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT): Known for its technology and applied sciences programs, with multiple campuses in Gauteng. Contact: www.tut.ac.za | Tel: +27 12 382 5911 | Email: info@tut.ac.za
14. Durban University of Technology (DUT): Focuses on technology and engineering, located in Durban. Contact: www.dut.ac.za | Tel: +27 31 373 2000 | Email: info@dut.ac.za
15. Vaal University of Technology (VUT): Known for its strong engineering and technology programs, located in Vanderbijlpark. Contact: www.vut.ac.za | Tel: +27 16 950 9000 | Email: info@vut.ac.za
16. Walter Sisulu University (WSU): Located in the Eastern Cape, known for its contribution to healthcare education. Contact: www.wsu.ac.za | Tel: +27 47 502 2844 | Email: info@wsu.ac.za

Private Universities in South Africa

1. EDVOS University: A private institution offering specialized and professional degrees, with a focus on innovation and quality education. Contact: www.edvos.ac.za | Tel: +27 12 345 6789 | Email: info@edvos.ac.za
2. Monash South Africa (MSA): An international private university offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, located in Johannesburg. Contact: www.msa.ac.za | Tel: +27 11 950 4000 | Email: info@msa.ac.za
3. St. Augustine College of South Africa: A Catholic private university in Johannesburg, known for its humanities and social sciences programs. Contact: www.staugustine.ac.za | Tel: +27 11 380 9000 | Email: info@staugustine.ac.za
4. Regent Business School: Located in Durban, offers business and management education, focusing on entrepreneurship and leadership. Contact: www.regent.ac.za | Tel: +27 31 304 4626 | Email: info@regent.ac.za
5. Varsity College: Part of the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple campuses in South Africa. Contact: www.varsitycollege.co.za | Tel: +27 31 573 2038 | Email: info@varsitycollege.co.za
6. Milpark Education: A private institution known for its business and financial education, offering both distance learning and in-person classes. Contact: www.milpark.ac.za | Tel: +27 21 673 9100 | Email: info@milpark.ac.za
7. The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP): Specializes in psychology, counseling, and human resource management, with campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. Contact: www.sacap.edu.za | Tel: +27 87 821 7222 | Email: info@sacap.edu.za

 

Soweto: South Africa's Largest Township

Soweto, short for South Western Townships, is the largest township in South Africa, located southwest of Johannesburg. With over a million residents, Soweto is a vibrant community with a rich cultural and political history. It played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid, particularly during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Today, Soweto is a hub of entrepreneurship and cultural activity, attracting both local and international tourists.

Major Tourist Destinations in South Africa and Their Attractions

South Africa is a treasure trove of tourist destinations, each offering unique experiences:

• Kruger National Park: One of Africa's largest game reserves, offering the opportunity to see the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos—in their natural environment.

• Table Mountain (Cape Town): This iconic flat-topped mountain provides stunning views of Cape Town and the surrounding ocean. It's accessible via a cableway and is a must-see for visitors.

• Robben Island (Cape Town): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Today, it serves as a poignant museum.

• Cape Winelands (Western Cape): Renowned for their scenic beauty and world-class wines, the Cape Winelands, including Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are a paradise for wine enthusiasts.

• Garden Route: A scenic stretch along the coast, known for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

• The Drakensberg (KwaZulu-Natal): South Africa's highest mountain range, offering stunning vistas, excellent hiking trails, and ancient rock art by the San people.

• Blyde River Canyon (Mpumalanga): One of the largest canyons on Earth, offering dramatic landscapes and a key part of the Panorama Route.

• Addo Elephant National Park (Eastern Cape): A sanctuary for over 600 elephants and other wildlife, providing a unique safari experience.

• iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KwaZulu-Natal): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mix of ecosystems, including coral reefs, beaches, and wetlands, home to diverse wildlife.

• Robberg Nature Reserve (Western Cape): A marine protected area known for its rugged beauty, excellent hiking trails, and abundant seal colonies.

• Shaka Marine (Durban): A popular attraction in Durban, Shaka Marine offers family-friendly entertainment with its aquarium, dolphin shows, and water park, making it a must-visit destination.

• Beautiful Beaches of Durban: Durban is renowned for its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and luxurious hotels, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

• Beautiful Beaches of Cape Town: Cape Town's beaches, such as Camps Bay and Clifton, are world-famous for their pristine sands, turquoise waters, and the backdrop of Table Mountain. The city also boasts world-class hotels, offering unmatched luxury.

• Beautiful Rich Suburbs of Johannesburg – Sandton: Sandton, often referred to as the "richest square mile in Africa," is known for its affluent suburbs, high-end shopping malls, and luxury hotels. It's a major hub for business and finance in South Africa.

South Africa’s Biggest Cities and Their Appeal

South Africa's major cities are known for their appeal to tourists, investors, and students alike, both local and international:

• Johannesburg: The largest city in South Africa and the economic powerhouse of the country, Johannesburg is a magnet for investors, students, and tourists. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historical sites like the Apartheid Museum, and affluent suburbs like Sandton.

• Cape Town: Famous for its stunning natural beauty, Cape Town attracts tourists with its beaches, mountains, and wineries. It's also a hub for international students, drawn to its prestigious universities like the University of Cape Town.

• Durban: Known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural diversity, Durban is a popular destination for tourists and a growing hub for business and education.

• Pretoria: The administrative capital of South Africa, Pretoria is known for its historical landmarks, government institutions, and educational centers, making it attractive to both students and professionals.

• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): A coastal city known for its beaches and automotive industry, Gqeberha is a gateway to the Eastern Cape and a growing destination for investors and students.

• Bloemfontein: As the judicial capital, Bloemfontein is known for its legal institutions and educational facilities, attracting students and professionals in these fields.

eKayzone.co.za: A Marketplace that Uplifts South Africa

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