What is the Capital of South Africa? Bloemfontein; Pretoria; Cape Town

Capital City of South Africa: Pretoria

City Overview

Pretoria is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, serving as the administrative capital of the country. It is located in Gauteng Province, the economic heartland of South Africa. Pretoria is a city that combines a rich historical past with modern governmental operations. It is often referred to as the “Jacaranda City” due to the thousands of jacaranda trees that bloom purple in the spring, transforming the city into a colorful wonder. See Securitypology for other major cities in South Africa.

Pretoria was established as the administrative capital of South Africa in 1910, following the creation of the Union of South Africa, although the country has had other capitals, as described later. Pretoria is also home to many embassies, high commissions, and international organizations, playing a key role in foreign diplomacy.

With a population of 2.5 million people, Pretoria is not just a political hub but also a cultural and academic center. It is home to several prestigious universities, museums, and cultural institutions, making it an important place for education and research in South Africa.

• Area: 1,643 km²
• Population: 2.5 million (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST), UTC +2
• Highest Mountain: Magaliesberg, with peaks reaching up to 1,850 meters (6,070 feet), located to the north of Pretoria.
• Longest River: Limpopo River – flowing to the north of Pretoria and forming a natural boundary between South Africa and neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Major Landmarks in Pretoria

Pretoria is home to a wide range of historic landmarks and buildings of national significance. The city serves as a reminder of both the troubled history of South Africa and its efforts to move forward in the post-apartheid era.

1. Union Buildings
   The Union Buildings are one of Pretoria’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1910 and 1913, the building is the seat of the South African government. The Union Buildings have witnessed some of the country’s most pivotal moments, including the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.
2. Voortrekker Monument
   This massive granite structure was built to commemorate the Great Trek of the Voortrekkers in the 1830s and 1840s. It is situated on Groeiplaats hill and stands as a powerful symbol of Afrikaner history. The monument’s hall contains a dedication wall that commemorates the sacrifices made during the Great Trek and its impact on the formation of modern South Africa.
3. Pretoria National Botanical Garden
   Located in the eastern part of the city, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden showcases the country’s rich plant diversity, with more than 1,000 species of flora on display. It is a great place for visitors to learn about South Africa’s unique biodiversity and to relax in nature.
4. Church Square
   Church Square is located in the heart of Pretoria’s central business district. The square is home to the Palace of Justice, where the infamous Rivonia Trial was held in 1963-1964, resulting in the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and others. The square also contains several statues and monuments, making it an important historical site.
5. Nelson Mandela Square
   Located in Sandton, Nelson Mandela Square features a large statue of the iconic leader, Nelson Mandela. This square honors the late President’s role in South Africa’s transformation, and it is a hub for shopping and dining.
6. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
   The National Zoological Gardens, also known as the Pretoria Zoo, is one of the oldest and largest zoos in South Africa. It houses over 9,000 animals, including several endangered species, and provides a wonderful opportunity for families and tourists to learn about animal conservation.
7. Freedom Park
   This national heritage site commemorates South Africa’s journey to democracy and honors those who fought for freedom. Freedom Park contains a Wall of Names, a Memory Hall, and an Eternal Flame, serving as a tribute to those who struggled for equality and justice.

Climate Overview

Pretoria enjoys a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, rainy summers and mild, dry winters. The city is known for its sunny days, with about 300 days of sunshine annually. This makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities and exploration.

Monthly Climate Data for Pretoria

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	25°C	108 mm	15
February	25°C	90 mm	14
March	22°C	70 mm	14
April	18°C	39 mm	16
May	14°C	23 mm	18
June	10°C	8 mm	19
July	11°C	5 mm	20
August	14°C	6 mm	20
September	18°C	28 mm	19
October	21°C	65 mm	16
November	23°C	84 mm	15
December	25°C	105 mm	14

Other Capitals in South Africa’s History

South Africa has had a complex history of multiple capital cities due to the country’s political and historical circumstances.

1. Cape Town (1834–1910)
   Before Pretoria became the administrative capital, Cape Town served as the legislative capital of South Africa during the British colonial period and the early years of the Union of South Africa. It remains the legislative capital, where the Parliament of South Africa is located.
2. Bloemfontein (1854–present)
   Bloemfontein has served as the judicial capital of South Africa since the establishment of the Union of South Africa. It houses the Supreme Court of Appeal, making it the center for the judicial branch of government. The city is historically important as the birthplace of the South African nation and as a major cultural hub.

Country Facts

• Population: 60.0 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 1,219,090 km²
• Largest City: Johannesburg
• Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
• Official Language: 11 official languages including Zulu, Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, and others.
• ISO Country Codes: ZA (Alpha-2), ZAF (Alpha-3)
• Government: Constitutional Republic with a parliamentary system. The president serves as both the head of state and government.
• Capital Cities:
  • Pretoria (administrative capital)
  • Cape Town (legislative capital)
  • Bloemfontein (judicial capital)
• Independence: South Africa gained independence from Britain on May 31, 1910 and became a republic on May 31, 1961.

Pretoria, as the administrative capital of South Africa, plays a pivotal role in the governance and functioning of the nation. With its historical significance, political influence, and modern cultural offerings, it is a city that stands as a symbol of South Africa’s journey from a troubled past to a democratic future. Its landmarks, climate, and important role in the government make it one of the most important cities in Africa.

 

Pretoria

Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Pretoria is located in Gauteng Province approx. 70 km north of Johannesburg and has around a million residents. Pretoria and the surrounding areas constitute the administrative unit Tshwane (The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality).

Cape Town

Cape Town is a city in South Africa, the capital of the Western Cape Province. The town is located at the north end of Cape Peninsula, north of Cape of Good Hope. The metropolitan area has 3,660,000 residents (estimate for 2015, UN Population Division), of which 58 percent are colored, 29 percent are white, 12 percent are black and 1 percent are Asians. The town is beautifully situated at Table Bay, partially surrounded by Table Mountain (1087 meters above sea level), Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head and Vlaeberg. In the bay outside the city lies Robben Island.

Business

The port is well developed and is one of the country’s most important ports. Gold, diamonds and fruits are exported. The city has an international airport (DF Malan). There is a varied industry that includes petroleum refining, production of chemicals, leather and plastic products, textiles, cars and food. The town has a large shipyard. Tourism is growing.

Cape Town has a university (founded in 1918), several colleges, opera, museums, Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedral. There is a cable car to Table Mountain.

Resorts

Cape Town is a modern metropolis with wide, straight streets, and is richly equipped with parks and parks. Of the old Dutch city, founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeck as the first in South Africa, the castle (1666-1677) remains. Other historic buildings are the old Supreme Court building and the church of Groote Kerk (1836).

Part of Table Bay was refilled during World War II, which allowed for an expansion of the downtown area northeast of the old city center.

History

Cape Town became an important Dutch provisioning station on the sea route to India and a starting point for the immigrants’ immigration to South Africa. The area was occupied by the British in the years 1795-1802 and from 1806. Cape Town has city status from 1840.

Opposition to the apartheid system led to extensive riots and unrest in the 1980s, especially in the black neighborhoods and slums. Several times, these areas, such as Crossroads, were leveled with the earth and the residents forced to bantustans. The Black District of District Six was declared a white area in 1965, the population (approximately 60,000) forcibly relocated and the district demolished.