South Africa has three capitals to reflect the “separation of powers”, by setting up three capitals to balance the interests of the original three federal republics of South Africa.

In this world, a country usually has only one capital. However, one country is an exception, that is, South Africa has three capitals. Why does South Africa have three capitals? Let’s get to know.

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01

South Africa is the only country in the world that has three capitals at the same time: Pretoria, the administrative capital, Cape Town, the legislative capital and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.

02

More than 100 years ago, four countries existed simultaneously in the South African region. These four countries were: the Republic of Cape, the Republic of Natal, the Republic of Transvaal and the Republic of Orange.

03

In 1910, Britain formed the South African Federation from four republics in South Africa. However, the capital of the federal capital of South Africa. However, it caused many disputes. After discussion, it was finally decided to set the administrative capital in Pretoria, the legislative capital in Cape Town and the judicial capital in Brufontein.

04

The British considered that in order to maintain the unity of the Union of South Africa, the interests of all parties must be balanced.

05

However, the three South African capitals, apart from the judicial capital of Bloemfontein, have a relatively single role. South African officials at all levels, because of the demands of their work, often travel between Pretoria and Cape Town, a lot of taxpayers’ money has been wasted on unwarranted travel expenses.