South Africa

Pretoria

Capital · South Africa

Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative (executive) capital, home to the President’s offices and most government departments, centered around the landmark Union Buildings. While many think of Cape Town, that city is the legislative capital where Parliament meets; Johannesburg is the largest city and economic hub; Durban is a major port.

South Africa uniquely has three capitals—a compromise from 1910 to balance power among regions after unification: Pretoria governs (executive), Cape Town debates (legislative), and Bloemfontein adjudicates (judicial). Use the mnemonic “Pretoria—Presidency,” “Cape Town—Cape Parliament,” and “Bloemfontein—Bench” to remember which city does what.