Photo by Toro Tseleng

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, bordering Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini, and entirely surrounding the Kingdom of Lesotho. Its varied topography includes coastal plains, the central Highveld plateau, the semiarid Karoo, and the mountainous Drakensberg range.

South Africa has three capital cities, each serving a distinct purpose. Pretoria is the administrative capital, Cape Town is the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein is the judicial capital. It recognises eleven official languages; Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi (Sesotho sa Leboa), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga—ensuring legal equality for each while English remains the predominant language of government and commerce

 

The Khoisan were among the first inhabitants, followed by Bantu-speaking peoples. European colonisation began in the 17th century with the Dutch, later followed by the British. The discovery of diamonds and gold in the 19th century brought economic prosperity but also intensified conflicts. The apartheid era, a system of racial segregation, lasted from 1948 to 1994, ending with the election of Nelson Mandela as the first Black president on 27 April 1994.

 

 

 

The economy of South Africa is one of the most developed in Africa, driven by mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The country is a leading producer of gold, platinum, and diamonds. Its agricultural exports include wine, citrus fruits, and maize.

Tourism sector thrives on its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and culture. The Kruger National Park and Table Mountain are among the top attractions.

 

 

With a “Rainbow Nation” ethos, South Africa celebrates its cultural mosaic through vibrant music styles such as mbaqanga and kwaito, and festivals like the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) each June–July . 

Traditional cuisines—braais (barbecues), bobotie (spiced mince bake), and biltong (dried meat)—reflect indigenous, European, and Asian influences ​

Hidden Insights: Uncovering South Africa

1. Soweto: Once the epicentre of anti-apartheid resistance, Soweto’s Orlando Towers and the Hector Pieterson Museum draw history enthusiasts.

2.Kruger National Park: One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park offers unparalleled wildlife experiences, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

3. Table Mountain: A natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Table Mountain provides stunning views of Cape Town and the surrounding ocean.

4.Kingdom of Mapungubwe: Archaeological site revealing a sophisticated Iron Age civilisation predating Great Zimbabwe.

Photo by Mohau Mannathoko

Photo by Toro Tseleng

Capital City: Cape Town (legislative Pretoria  (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial capital)

Population: 60,442,647 (2024 est.)

Nationality: South African(s) 

Location: Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa

Languages: isiZulu or Zulu 25.3%, isiXhosa or Xhosa 14.8%, Afrikaans 12.2%, Sepedi or Pedi 10.1%, Setswana or Tswana 9.1%, English  8.1%, Sesotho or Sotho 7.9%, Xitsonga or Tsonga 3.6%, siSwati or Swati  2.8%, Tshivenda or Venda 2.5%, isiNdebele or Ndebele 1.6%,(2018 est.)

Religion: Christian 86%, ancestral, tribal, animist, or other traditional African religions 5.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other 1.5%, nothing in particular 5.2% (2015 est.)

Area Total: 1,219,090 sq km

South African High Commission
South Africa House Trafalgar Square
LondonC2N 5DP

Website

www.dirco.gov.za/uk