THE NINE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

The nine provinces of South Africa

South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own history, landscape, population, languages, economy, cities and government.

South Africa’s nine provinces are the Eastern Cape, the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, North West and the Western Cape.

Before 1994, South Africa had four provinces: the Transvaal and Orange Free State – previously Boer republics – and Natal and the Cape, once British colonies.

In 1910 these four states were united into a single country, the Union of South Africa, under British rule. This became the Republic of South Africa in 1960, under apartheid rule.

In the 1970s and eighties, under the apartheid doctrine of “separate development”, the map of South Africa was spattered with the odd outlines of the “homelands”.

These unsustainable states were set up on disjointed parcels of land with no economic value. Laws were passed to make black South Africans citizens of these barren regions, denying black people’s citizenship of South Africa as a whole.

In 1996, under South Africa’s new democratic constitution, the homelands were dismantled and South Africa consolidated into today’s nine provinces.

The land area of South Africa’s nine provinces, from smallest to largest:

Gauteng: 18,178 square kilometres (1.5% of total)
Mpumalanga: 76,495 square kilometres (6.3%)
KwaZulu-Natal: 94,361 square kilometres (7.7%)
North West: 104,882 square kilometres (8.6%)
Limpopo: 125,755 square kilometres (10.3%)
Western Cape: 129,462 square kilometres (10.6%)
Free State: 129,825 square kilometres (10.6%)
Eastern Cape: 168,966 square kilometres (13.8%)
Northern Cape: 372,889 square kilometres (30.5%)
South Africa: 1,220,813 square kilometres (100%)

Population of the provinces

The population of the provinces also varies considerably. Gauteng, the smallest province, has the largest number of people living there – over a quarter of South Africa’s population. The Northern Cape, which takes up nearly a third of the country’s land area, has the smallest population: just over 2% of the national total.

The population of South Africa’s nine provinces in 2017, from smallest to largest:

Northern Cape: 1.2 million people (2.1% of South Africa’s total population)
Free State: 2.9 million people (5.1%)
North West: 3.9 million people (6.8%)
Mpumalanga: 4.4 million people (7.9%)
Limpopo: 5.8 million people (10.2%)
Eastern Cape: 6.5 million people (11.5%)
Western Cape : 6.5 million people (11.5%)
KwaZulu-Natal: 11.1 million people (19.6%)
Gauteng: 14.3 million people (25.3%)

South Africa’s population

South Africa has 56.5-million people, according to 2017 estimates. The 2011 census puts it at 51.5-million. Black South Africans make up around 81% of the total, coloured people 9%, whites 8% and Indians 3%.

Census counts of provincial populations

South Africa has held three censuses in its recent democratic history: in 1996, 2001 and 2011. Over those 15 years, the population of the provinces shifted.Gauteng’s population grew dramatically, overtaking that of KwaZulu-Natal – which saw significant growth of its own. Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Western Cape also had notable increases in population. By contrast, the populations of the Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape remained fairly static, as people migrated to other provinces.

Population density in the provinces

The variation in land area and population among South Africa’s population translates into huge differences in population density. Gauteng has an average of 785 people per square kilometre, while the Northern Cape has only three people for each square kilometre.

Population density in South Africa’s nine provinces in 2017, from smallest to largest:

Northern Cape: 3 people per square kilometre
Free State: 22 people per square kilometre
North West: 37 people per square kilometre
Eastern Cape: 38 people per square kilometre
Limpopo: 46 people per square kilometre
Western Cape: 50 people per square kilometre
Mpumalanga: 58 people per square kilometre
KwaZulu-Natal: 117 people per square kilometre
Gauteng: 785 people per square kilometre

Provincial migration

South Africans migrate away from poverty to where the jobs are, moving from poorer provinces to the richer ones.

Gauteng is South Africa’s wealthiest province, mostly a city region and the centre of the country’s economy. It has the largest population, constantly swelled by migration. The province’s net migration rate (the number of people moving in minus people moving out) was nearly a million between 2011 and 2016.

The Eastern Cape is the poorest province. Between 2011 and 2016 nearly half a million of its people migrated to other provinces, while only 170 000 or so moved into the province.

Province and race

There is also a wide variation in the racial composition of the different provinces’ populations. Census 2011 figures reveal that black South Africans are the majority population group in seven of the nine provinces, comprising from 75% to 97% of the provincial total. Yet they make up less than a third of the population in the Western Cape (26.7%) and under a half in the Northern Cape (46.5%).

The distribution of a population group can reflect that people’s history in the country.

Coloured South Africans are to be found mainly in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape (respectively 61.1%, 12% and 10.7% of South Africa’s total coloured population) because they are descended from a mixture of slaves brought to what was then the Cape Colony, white immigrants to the colony, and indigenous Africans, particularly the Khoisan.

The majority (71.6%) of Indian South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal because their ancestors were brought to Natal in the early 20th century to work on sugarcane plantations. And only 0.3% of Indians live in the Free State (0.1% of the total Free State population), as they were forbidden by law to enter what was then the Orange Free State during the apartheid era.

Provincial distribution also reflects a group’s socioeconomic position. White South Africans, the beneficiaries of the apartheid system, are largely found in the more developed and urbanised provinces of Gauteng (40.4% of the total white population, and 18.9% of the total Gauteng population) and the Western Cape (19.4% of the total white population, and 18.4% of the Western Cape population).

Languages of the provinces

There’s considerable variation in home languages between the provinces, according to Census 2011.

IsiXhosa, for instance, is spoken by almost 80% of people in the Eastern Cape, while around 78% of those in KwaZulu-Natal speak isiZulu. IsiZulu is also the most common home language in Gauteng, but at a much smaller percentage. In the Western Cape and Northern Cape, Afrikaans comes into its own.

READ MORE: The 11 languages of South Africa

The main languages in each province, according to Census 2011:

Eastern Cape: isiXhosa 78.8%, Afrikaans 10.6%
Free State: Sesotho 64.2%, Afrikaans 12.7%
Gauteng: isiZulu 19.8%, English 13.3%, Afrikaans 12.4%, Sesotho 11.6%
KwaZulu-Natal: isiZulu 77.8%, English 13.2%
Limpopo: Sesotho 52.9%, Xitsonga 17%, Tshivenda 16.7%
Mpumalanga: siSwati 27.7%, isiZulu 24.1%, Xitsonga 10.4%, isiNdebele 10.1%
Northern Cape: Afrikaans 53.8%, Setswana 33.1%
North West: Setswana 63.4%, Afrikaans 9%
Western Cape: Afrikaans 49.7%, isiXhosa 24.7%, English 20.3%

Economy of the provinces

Gauteng dominates almost all industries in South Africa, except agriculture and mining.

In 2016 the main industries in each province were:

Eastern Cape: government services 21%, trade, catering and accommodation 18%, finance 16%
Free State: government services 15%, finance 14%, trade, catering and accommodation 13%
Gauteng: finance 23%, government services 19%, manufacturing 14%
KwaZulu-Natal: manufacturing 16%, finance 15%, government services 15%
Limpopo: mining 25%, government services 18%, trade, catering and accommodation 13%
Mpumalanga: mining 20%, trade, catering and accommodation 13%, manufacturing 13%
Northern Cape: mining 19%, government services 15%, finance 12%
North West: mining 30%, government services 12%, finance 12%
Western Cape: finance 23%, trade, catering and accommodation 15%, manufacturing 14%

The province’s share of South Africa’s economy

Population size correlates with each province’s contribution to the national economy, with Gauteng having the biggest.

The tiny province punches way above its weight, making up 33.8% of South Africa’s gross domestic product in 2016 and around 5% of the GDP of Africa as a whole. Next is KwaZulu-Natal with 16%, followed by the Western Cape with 13.7%. These three provinces together contribute nearly two-thirds to total economy of South Africa.

In 2016 the value of each province’s economy, and its share of the total GDP of South Africa, was:

Northern Cape: R91 billion (2.1% of South Africa’s GDP)
Free State: R218 billion (5%)
North West: R280 billion (6.4%)
Limpopo: R312 billion (7.2%)
Mpumalanga: R324 billion (7.4%)
Eastern Cape: R331 billion (7.6%)
Western Cape: R596 billion (13.7%)
KwaZulu-Natal: R692 billion (15.9%)
Gauteng: R1.5 trillion (34.6%)

Government of the provinces

South Africa’s provinces are governed, in different ways, on a national, provincial and local level.

National government

On the national level, South Africa has two houses of parliament: the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces. The second exists to ensure that the interests of each province are protected in the laws passed by the National Assembly.

Each one of South Africa’s nine provinces sends 10 representatives to the National Council of Provinces. Six of these are permanent members of the council, and four are special delegates.

Provincial government

Each province has its own provincial government.

The provincial legislature has the power to pass laws in certain limited areas. The legislature has between 30 and 80 members depending on the province’s portion of the national voters’ roll.

The premier – the head of government in the province – governs the province together with other “members of the executive council”, known as MECs. Each MEC has a specific responsibility, such as health, education, tourism and transport.

Local government

The nine provinces are each further divided into municipalities. Metropolitan municipalities are densely populated urban areas with major cities – such as Johannesburg or Durban – at their core. District municipalities are larger, less urban regions centred on one or more town or small city. District municipalities are further divided into local municipalities.

The cities of the provinces

Each of the nine provinces has a provincial capital, the seat of provincial government. These are usually the largest city in the province – Johannesburg in Gauteng, for example, or Mahikeng in North West.

The exceptions are the Eastern Cape (Bhisho) and KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg), which have smaller cities as their capitals for reasons of history. Cape Town in the Western Cape and Bloemfontein in the Free State also stand out for being both provincial capitals and two of the three capital cities of South Africa.

The provincial capitals and major cities of South Africa’s nine provinces are:

Eastern Cape: Bhisho (capital) and Port Elizabeth (major city)
Free State: Bloemfontein (capital and major city)
Gauteng: Johannesburg (capital and major city)
KwaZulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg (capital) and Durban (major city)
Limpopo: Polokwane (capital and major city)
Mpumalanga: Mbombela (capital and major city) – also known as Nelspruit
North West: Mahikeng (capital and major city) – formerly known as Mafeking, then as Mafikeng
Northern Cape: Kimberley (capital and major city)
Western Cape: Cape Town (capital and major city)

Sources

South African Provinces

“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa” – John Hemingway. These words continue to be true across the African continent and more especially in the country of South Africa where the magic resides and its people and the very land which they stand on.

A country of true hospitality and “Ubuntu” meaning humanity. People come far and wide to this land for its colorful rainbow nation, tasteful cuisines, beautiful scenery, history, Overland Tours, culture, and so much more.

The South African country is one that comes from far with its complex history and cultural dynamics. For a truly South Africa experience, one would have to visit the 9 provinces of South Africa.

These 9 South Africa provinces were established on the 27 April 1994, the date of the first non-racial elections and of the adoption of the Interim Constitution, born under the new democratic of South Africa favoring all people.

These 9 provinces include the Western Cape, known for its beaches and offering the best Cape Town Safari experiences, Gauteng which is the smallest province in terms of size but the largest in terms of population as a prominent economic hub, the Northern Cape which is the largest in size known for its impressive desert landscapes and great Pilanesberg Safari opportunities, the Eastern Cape which is a natural paradise and perfect for those seeking Safari Cape Town adventures, the North West is known prominently as a Tswana speaking province, one of the 11 official languages of South Africa, Kwa-Zulu Natal which is the province of the great Shaka Zulu who appears in many historical pages when speaking about Chiefs of South African tribes and offers fantastic Kruger Safari tours, Mpumalanga which means “where the sun rises” and is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts with its Kruger Park Safari tours, Limpopo which borders Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and is known for its cultural heritage and Kruger National Park Packages, and lastly but definitely not least the Free State is known for its farm life and wide horizons, perfect for small group tours to South Africa.

These provinces individually contribute to the image and package that is South Africa, offering unique experiences that capture one’s attention through architecture, history, natural scenery, landmarks, and so much more.

The collective attractions found in these provinces create packages for any traveler to be impressed from the get-go. Different elements ensure that one’s trip is not only educational but also entertaining, leaving one feeling enlightened enough that they want to return to the South African soil time and time again.

Below is what each province offers and what makes it unique.

Gauteng Province

The Gauteng Province, though the smallest in South Africa, is one that carries its weight with its population density, making it a unique province. This tiny area offers people from all walks of life in a vibrant and colourful city, offering urban life on a beautiful African platter.

The City of Gold, as it’s known, offers various attractions that speak for themselves on culture and urban life and everything in between of the Gauteng province. Gauteng is home to the most famous township in South Africa, the Soweto Township which showcases authentic South African lifestyles in dances, cuisines, and so much more.

Vilakazi street, the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, as well as the Mandela house, are also found in Soweto where one can get a taste of history and heritage.

Johannesburg is also found in Gauteng where one gets to see the busy city life. Johannesburg or Joburg as it is known houses attractions such as the Constitutional Hill which also sheds light on the apartheid era and the Apartheid Museum.

The Gauteng province is also home to Pretoria, which is, in fact, the capital city of South Africa. In Pretoria, one can visit the Union buildings as well as the Voortrekker Monument for more South African history and heritage.

One may also drive past the Jacaranda trees in Pretoria for a uniquely beautiful floral display. Gauteng is also host to the Cradle of Humankind which is a World Heritage Site offering displays of human evolution and discoveries.

While there one can also visit the Sterkfontein Caves. While in Gauteng one should not forget the city life aspect where one can go enjoy Gold reef city for a day of amusement park entertainment as well as Monte Casino for those who like to win big amongst other entertaining activities.

Most of the History sites in Johannesburg can be visited by booking Johannesburg Day tours if you would like specific tours. Also, check out the Overland Tours starting from Johannesburg as they give a good start to learn the long history of Apartheid and its scars.

Johannesburg Soweto Tours can be found on our website and last from 5 hours to 8 hours depending on the day tour one chooses. A Soweto Tour allows visitors to delve into the rich history and culture of South Africa, particularly during the apartheid era.

Northern Cape Province

The largest province in South Africa, also known for its desert terrain, is a true African gem.

The famous desert terrain of this vast area can be attributed to the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve known for its safaris and game drives with the viewing of meerkats and pangolins and so much more, Richtersveld with its mountains and plains in very remote settings for quiet wilderness, Goegap Nature Reserve for camping, as well as the Mokala National Park where one can get to lodge among endangered species.

The Northern Cape also offers various waterfall settings for those who love this type of setting. The Augrabies Falls National Park and the Augrabiesvalle offer one dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the backdrop of rocky terrain.

While still on nature, the Northern Cape continues to offer nature’s best in the form of biodiverse parks for flower lovers at the Namaqua National Park. For those who love technology and advancements, the Northern Cape is also home to the largest telescope in Southern Africa which can be visited for one’s pleasure.

Lastly, one cannot leave any South African province without a little cultural or heritage stimulation, hence why the McGregor Museum is an extremely popular attraction when in the Northern Cape.

The Northern Cape is also known for its capital Kimberly. This city is home to the Big Hole which is a manmade hole. This open-pit and underground mine in Kimberley, South Africa, is claimed to be the deepest hole excavated by hand.

What makes the Northern Cape appealing to any traveler is its remoteness and the purely natural element where one can just experience the world as it is with extremely limited human touches, but rather nature in its purest form.

Mpumalanga Province

The Mpumalanga Province is truly a place where the sun rises, as everything the sun touches is pure gold. The scenery in this province is reason alone for one to visit this province.

Mpumalanga first and foremost is home to one of the largest game reserves in Africa, the Kruger National Park, offering fantastic Kruger National Park Safaris. This National Park stretches across the province and is home to various big 5 animals that draw large crowds in their sheer sizes alone.

A true Kruger National Park Safari Experience. This National Park is, however, not a one-trick pony type of destination but rather offers various activities for everyone.

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is also another destination which one can go enjoy when in Mpumalanga for nature’s gifts with various waterfalls that will take one’s breath away.

These waterfalls include the Berlin Falls and Lisbon’s Falls. These can also be booked under a day tour called Panorama full Day Tour offered by our sister company Kruger Safari Africa.

While in Mpumalanga one should also go visit Nelspruit and Hazyview which are a city and town that offer a lot of activities and attractions for travelers, including visiting the Sudwala Caves and Ostrich farms amongst other entertaining activities.

Mpumalanga might be home to the largest game reserve in South Africa but that does not mean there are not various options for one’s wildlife needs.

One can visit various game reserves such as the Sabie Sands Game reserve and the Timbavati Game Reserve amongst many others. Lastly, while in Mpumalanga one can enjoy the view of the Sabie River.

As one of the most biologically diverse rivers in South Africa, it’s no wonder Mpumalanga made the cut for one of South Africa’s provinces.

Western Cape Province

The Western Cape is nothing short of breathtaking. One of the most popular places that travelers tend to visit when in South Africa and it is easy to see. This vibrant province offers everything from culture and heritage to beaches and sun.

So why the Western Cape?
Firstly, Cape Town which is a great city hosting world-renowned attractions. As a port city on a peninsula beneath Table Mountain there is nothing not to love about this beautiful destination.

While in Cape Town one can visit Table mountain for the most beautiful scenery overlooking the ocean, the Cape of Good Hope is also another scenic spot to visit as well as the tip of the Cape Peninsula where one can enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel like they are on top of the world.

All these attractions can be booked under Cape Town Day Tours with Africa Moja Tours. Beaches in Cape Town are in abundance so a visit to one is exactly right up the alley when in the Western Cape.

While still in Cape Town one can visit the Boulders Beach and have a day with the penguins. Robben Island is also on offer while in this city for a day of culture and the heritage of South Africa.

One can wind down in Cape Town at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for a picnic and a day of beautiful indigenous plant life. No wonder Cape Town is the gem of the Western Cape.

However, the Western Cape is jam-packed with attractions. If you like wine then the Western Cape is just the place with its Winelands based in Stellenbosch, Franshoek, and Paarl for those who enjoy a glass or two.

If one likes to surf, then the Muizenberg area is just the place. Knysna is also offered when in the Western Cape known for its beautiful gorgeous lagoons, tasteful oysters, elephants for the wilderness lovers as well as forest for more of nature’s best.

The town of George can also be found here where the Garden route can be found. The Western Cape is full of destinations for places to go and visit that travelers will fully enjoy.

One of our South Africa Overland Tours called the 15 Days Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape town will cover the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape, including incredible Kruger Safari experiences.

We will also get to visit all the tourist attractions in Cape Town. If you do not have 15 Days and would still like to visit and learn about South Africa’s history and present, then the 10 Days Johannesburg and Cape Town Overland Trips will cover the two provinces.

Gauteng Province with its rich Apartheid history and Cape Town with its lovely and out-of-the-world attractions like Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands.

Limpopo Province

The Limpopo province is just the place for everything old and traditional. With most of its attractions untouched and still having remnants of the past, it is no wonder this place stands out.

Limpopo is one of the provinces which the Kruger National Park crosses, therefore, offering travelers the Big 5 wilderness experience speaking again of its size.

The National Parks or Nature Reserves in the Limpopo area, however, have grown substantially over the years and now offer unique experiences to different markets.

Moving on from the wilderness and getting in touch with remnants of the past Limpopo offers travelers the opportunity to visit the Mapungubwe National Park which was home to now-lost civilization and is now a protected habitat.

While in Limpopo one can also visit the town of Thohoyandou which is home to the Venda people of South Africa who take pride in their culture and can be seen when visiting this area.

Bela Bela is another popular hotspot when in Limpopo for one to visit with various museums and lodges for a beautiful Limpopo experience.

Kwa-Zulu Natal Province

A Coastal city known for its beaches, mountains, and unmatched hospitality. Kwa-Zulu Natal is a province that is well versed in the language of traveler’s needs.

This begins, of course, in Durban which is the most popular destination when in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Durban is known for its Addington Beach, Surfing, and the Golden Mile Beach.

While still on the topic of beaches Kwa-Zulu Natal has an array of famous beaches such as the Umhlanga Beach with its surfing and lighthouses, Margate area with its country clubs for a more private beach experience, and so much more.

Continuing with the trend of water this province also offers an array of wetlands for one’s enjoyment, including Saint Lucia known for wetlands, hippos, and safaris as well as the Isimangaliso Wetland Park which is a World Heritage Site showcasing the appeal of wetlands in this province that cannot be found anywhere else.

While in Kwa-Zulu Natal the big 5 or safaris are also not in short supply with the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and the Maloti-Drakensberg Park just to mention a few for one’s wilderness experience.

While in Kwa-Zulu Natal one can also visit the Dolphins Coast for the viewing of dolphins amongst other things.

The Royal Natal National Park is another area to visit when in this province for the most beautiful scenery when one is taking a hike. A few other hotspots to check when in this area include Richards Bay, Kokstad, and New Castle just to mention a few.

The Kwa-Zulu Natal area is one drenched in culture and heritage but most importantly it’s one that knows its way in getting people to visit its shores.

North West Province

Sun City, the Palace of Lost City, South Africa

If you have ever wondered where in South Africa, you can experience a manmade beach then North West is the province you’ve been looking for. Home to the Sun City Resort with its casinos and beautiful hotels as well as the Valley of the Waves, the North West province is a true gem.

We offer Sun City Day Tour and also packages to Sun City Resort. With landscape defined by mountains in the northeast and bushveld scattered with trees and shrubs, the North West is safari, beach, and luxury destination.

For the ultimate safari or wilderness experiences, two places stand out when one is in the North West and those places are the Pilanesberg National Park Safari and the Madikwe Game Reserve offering one all their big 5 needs.

Hartbeespoort is another attraction or destination to visit when in this area for a visit to the Crocodile river as well the Hartbeespoort dam for scenery and everything in-between.

For history and heritage, one should visit Potchefstroom for museums. Brits is another area which people visit when in the North West for Cheetahs and hunting amongst other activities.

This very remote area is one that draws large numbers to its land, and it is hard not to see why with its inventive and unique selling point of a luxury resort in the middle of nowhere.

Still, in North West, a Pilanesberg National Park 2 Days 1 Night Magical Safari will allow you to stay at Sun City resort for one night while giving you an opportunity to experience a morning BIG 5 experience and afternoon Pilanesberg National Park Safari.

Free State Province

Sharing its borders with the Lesotho Kingdom and situated in the heart of South Africa between the Vaal River and the Orange river, it is no wonder this area is a province of South Africa. Known mostly for its natural beauty, open farmlands, and uninterrupted skies, towns and villages, interesting road routes, and the vast rocky mountain area of the East Highlands, the Free State is a province to be reckoned with.

So, what attraction can one visit when in the heart of South Africa?
Firstly, one can visit the Basotho Cultural Village for a day of cultural enlightenment where one gets to immerse themselves in the lives of 16th century to date Sotho customs and traditions.

While at this province the Free State Botanical Garden is also another place to visit for natural beauty for one’s delight amongst 400 different plant species some of which are indigenous to the South African soil.

One would also enjoy the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State with its wide accommodation of varies species and identified with its golden sandstone cliffs.

If you like resorts this is definitely the province for you as the Free state is also home to the Forever Resorts Gariep which is nestled between the largest dam in South Africa giving this resort an almost Caribbean feel on the South African soil.

A true paradise for relaxation and luxury. Among st other attractions, the Free State is also known for its Museum in Bloemfontein established in 1877 as well as the Naval Hill. A must-visit South African province.

Eastern Cape Province

As the second-largest province in South Africa, the Eastern Cape is the home of former president Nelson Mandela who became the first democratically elected president in South African in 1994, but not only that, it is also the place of many struggle heroes such as Steve Biko.

With its cultural and heritage firmly rooted from the Xhosa people of South Africa, this province stands out for its beautiful scenery and various other destinations that appeal to travelers.

These include the wilderness with the Addo Elephant Park which is dedicated to the protection of elephants as well as the Mountain Zebra National Park which is dedicated to the protection of the Zebra.

The wilderness can be found in the Eastern Cape in their numbers not just for select species but for all animals. The Eastern Cape is also home to various beaches with places like Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey’s Bay, East London and so much more offering one beach experiences to last a lifetime.

Coastal Parklands with forest and trails can also be found in this province and these include the Garden Route National Park, Cape Saint Francis, Port Alfred and so much more where one can enjoy various water activities.

The Eastern Cape is also home to the Wild Coast with places like Coffee Bay and the Hole in the Wall where a warm ocean meets green hills and rocky coastline.

With these types of coastal attractions, one would not be wrong to say that these attractions are indeed the wild coast. For natural beauty, one can visit Hogsback for its beautifully landscaped and cloud-wrapped mountains.

Small Group Tours to South Africa

Small group tours to South Africa offer an intimate and personalised way to experience South Africa. Traveling in small groups allows for more interaction with guides and fellow travellers, creating a close-knit and immersive experience.

These tours often focus on specific interests, such as wildlife photography, culinary adventures, or cultural exploration, ensuring that participants can tailor their South African journey to their preferences.

The home language of most people in KwaZulu-Natal is, unsurprisingly, isiZulu. In the Eastern Cape it’s isiXhosa. Around half the people of the Western Cape and Northern Cape speak Afrikaans. In Gauteng and Mpumalanga, no single language dominates.

The main languages of each province are:

Eastern Cape – isiXhosa (78.8%), Afrikaans (10.6%)
Free State – Sesotho (64.2%), Afrikaans (12.7%)
Gauteng – isiZulu (19.8%), English (13.3%), Afrikaans (12.4%), Sesotho (11.6%)
KwaZulu-Natal – isiZulu (77.8%), English (13.2%)
Limpopo – Sesotho sa Leboa (52.9%), Xitsonga (17%), Tshivenda (16.7%)
Mpumalanga – siSwati (27.7%), isiZulu (24.1%), Xitsonga (10.4%), isiNdebele (10.1%)
Northern Cape – Afrikaans (53.8%), Setswana (33.1%)
North West – Setswana (63.4%), Afrikaans (9%)
Western Cape – Afrikaans (49.7%), isiXhosa (24.7%), English (20.3%)

South Africa’s constitution recognises 11 official languages: Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

For centuries South Africa’s official languages were European – Dutch, English, Afrikaans. African languages, spoken by at least 80% of the people, were ignored. In 1996 South Africa’s new constitution gave official protection to all of the country’s major languages.

South Africa has about 34 historically established languages. Thirty are living languages, and four extinct Khoesan languages.

English is an urban language of public life, widely used in the media, business and government. Out of the 4.9-million South Africans who speak English as a first language, a third (33%) are white, a quarter (24%) are black, 22% are Indian and 19% are coloured South Africans. English is widely used as a second language and common language of communication, mainly in the cities.

Afrikaans is a version of Dutch that evolved out of a South Holland dialect brought here in the 1600s. Over the centuries it has picked up many influences from African languages, as well as from European colonial languages such as English, French and German. More than half (50.2%) of Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 40% are white, 9% black and just 1% Indian.

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South Africa’s nine African official languages all fall into the Southern Bantu-Makua subfamily, part of the broad and branching Niger-Congo family of languages. The languages arrived here during the great expansion of Bantu-speaking people from West Africa eastwards and southwards into the rest of the continent. The expansion began in around 3000 BCE and was largely complete by 1000 CE.

Like all languages in the Niger-Congo family they are tonal languages, in which either a high or low tone gives a word a different meaning.

The nine African languages can be broadly divided in two:

Nguni-Tsonga languages: isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Xitsonga
Sotho-Makua-Venda languages: Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Tshivenda

Within the first group Xitsonga alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga subfamily, while isiZulu, isiXhosa, isNdebele and siSwati are Nguni languages.

Similarly, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana are closely related Sotho languages, and Tshivenda something of a standalone in the Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily.

Multilingual South Africa

South Africans are more than bilingual. A rough estimate based on Census 2001 first-language data and a 2002 study of second-languages speakers is that the average South African – man, woman and child – uses 2.84 languages. Obviously, many people are limited to one, and many others able to speak three, four or more languages.

Click to enlarge

English- and Afrikaans-speaking people (mostly coloured, Indian and white South Africans) tend not to have much ability in African languages, but are fairly fluent in each other’s language. Multilingualism is common among black South Africans.

For this reason, South African censuses ask people which two languages they speak. The question in the 2011 Census was:

Which two languages does (member of household) speak most often in this household?

Thirteen options were given: South Africa’s 11 official languages, plus Sign Language, and “Other”. If a person did not speak a second language, that too was recorded.

The contrast between first language and second language is shown in the maps at right. While the geographical pattern of dominant first languages neatly conforms to the facts of history and urbanisation, the picture of second languages is more complicated, more of a mess.

The second map reveals a couple of things. The first is how few South Africans speak just one language. The second is that while English is the dominant first language only in the cities – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban – it is widely used as a second language across the country. English is spread by the media and used as a common language of communication.

But many South Africans are compelled to learn English, and often Afrikaans as well, simply to get a job and to work. These are often poorer people denied an adequate education. Elsewhere in the world the ability to speak many languages is a sign of sophistication. In South Africa, multilingualism – a complex undertaking, especially in languages from very different families – is a common achievement of the poor.

Code-switching South Africa

Language is fluid, especially in South Africa. Our languages are and have been for centuries in a constant swirl, mixed by work, migration, education, urbanisation, the places we live, friendship and marriage.

Because of this, South Africans are a code-switching people. “Code switching” simply means using more than one language in a single conversation. Every adult South African does this at some time, even if they aren’t aware of it.

Here’s an example overheard at a football match. IsiZulu is in regular type, Afrikaans in bold and English in italics:

“I-Chiefs isidle nge-referee’s ngabe ihambe sleg.
Maar why benga stopi this system ye-injury time?”

A rough translation:

“Chiefs [the football club] have won because the referee favoured them. Otherwise, they would have lost.
But why is this system of injury time not stopped?”

Influenced by the other languages spoken around them, all of South Africa’s languages change and grow all the time.

Who speaks what?

Watch:

South Africa’s most recent census was in 2011. The following table gives a breakdown of first-language speakers, as recorded by the census.

The languages

Unless otherwise indicated, all figures below are from Census 2011 and refer only to first language – the language spoken at home.

Afrikaans

Also known as: isiBhuru (isiNdebele), isiBhulu (isiXhosa), isiBhunu (isiZulu), siBhunu (siSwati), Seburu (Sesotho sa Leboa), Xibunu (Xitsonga)
First-language users: 6,855,082 (13.5% of South Africans)
Second-language users: 10,300,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 17,155,082 (estimate)

Afrikaans evolved out of a 17th-century Dutch dialect introduced to South Africa in 1652 when the Dutch first colonised the Cape of Good Hope. Today it is the majority language of the Northern Cape.

Afrikaans became an official language in South Africa with the Official Languages of the Union Act of 1925, which retroactively dated the language’s official status to 1910.

The 6,855,082 South Africans who speak Afrikaans as a first language make up 13.5% of the country’s total population. More than half (50.2%) of these Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 39.5% white, 8.8% black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, and 0.6% other.

More than three-quarters (75.8%) of coloured South Africans speak Afrikaans, as do almost two-thirds (60.8%) of whites. It is the home language of 4.6% of Indian or Asian people, and of 1.5% of black South Africans.

Afrikaans and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population41,000,9384,615,4011,286,9304,586,838280,45451,770,560

Afrikaans speakers602,1663,442,16458,7002,710,46141,5916,855,082

Share of population1.5%75.8%4.6%60.8%15.2%13.5%

Most Afrikaans speakers (41%) live in the Western Cape, and 21% in Gauteng. Ten percent of all Afrikaans speakers live in the Eastern Cape, 8.8% in the Northern Cape, and 5% in the Free State.

Within the provinces, Afrikaans is the majority language in the Northern Cape (53.8%) and the Western Cape (49.7%). It makes up 12.7% of languages spoken in the Free State, 12.4% of Gauteng’s languages, 10.6% of languages in the Eastern Cape, 9% in North West, 7.2% in Mpumalanga, 2.6% in Limpopo and 1.6% in KwaZulu-Natal.

English

Also known as: Engels (Afrikaans), isiNgisi (isiNdebele and isiZulu), isiNgesi (isiXhosa), Senyesemane (Sesotho), Seisemane (Sesotho sa Leboa), siNgisi (siSwati), Xinghezi (Xitsonga)
First-language users: 4,892,623 (9.6% of South Africans)
Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 15,892,623 (estimate)

English is a prominent language in South African public life, widely used in government, business and the media. As a first language it is mainly confined to the cities.

In 1910 English and Dutch were declared the official languages of the new Union of South Africa. English has retained this official status ever since.

The 4,892,623 South Africans who speak English as a first language make up 9.6% of the country’s total population. Among first-language English speakers, 32.8% are white, 23.9% black, 22.4% Indian and 19.3% coloured.

The majority (86.1%) of Indian South Africans speak English as their home language, as do over a third (35.9%) of whites. It is the first language of 20.8% of coloured people, and of 2.9% of black South Africans.

English and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

English speakers1,167,913945,8471,094,3171,603,57580,9714,892,623

Share of population2.9%20.8%86.1%35.9%29.5%9.6%

The largest number of English speakers are in Gauteng – 1.6-million people, or a third (32.8%) of all English-speaking South Africans. Over a quarter (27.3%) live in KwaZulu-Natal, 23.5% in the Western Cape, and 7.4% in the Eastern Cape.

English is a minority language within all nine provinces.

It is the second-largest language in both the Western Cape (after Afrikaans) and Gauteng (after isiZulu). In the Western Cape it is spoken by 20.2% of the population, and in Gauteng by 13.3%. English is minimally spoken in the other provinces.

Read more: The online dictionary of South African English

isiNdebele

Also known as: Ndebele, Southern Ndebele, Ndzundza, isiKhethu
First-language users: 1,090,233 (2.1% of South Africans)
Second-language users: 1,400,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 2,490,233 (estimate)

IsiNdebele is the least spoken of South Africa’s 11 official languages, and confined mainly to Mpumalanga and Gauteng. It is an Nguni language, like isiZulu, isiXhosa and siSwati. Also called Southern Ndebele, it is not to be confused with Northern Ndebele, more commonly known as Matabele, which is closer to isiZulu and an official language of Zimbabwe.

The 1,090,223 South Africans who speak isiNdebele as a first language make up just 2.1% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiNdebele speakers, 97% are black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, 0.8% coloured, 0.8% white and 0.5% other.

IsiNdebele is spoken by 2.6% of black South Africans – fewer than the 2.9% who speak English at home. It is barely spoken by other population groups, being the home language of 0.2% of both the coloured and white population, and 0.8% of Indian or Asian people. It is also spoken by 2.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

IsiNdebele and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

IsiNdebele speakers1,057,7818,2259,8158,6115,7911,090,223

Share of population2.6%0.2%0.8%0.2%2.1%2.1%

Most isiNdebele speakers (37%) live in Mpumalanga, followed by Gauteng (34.9%), KwaZulu-Natal (10.2%), Limpopo (9.6%) and North West (4%).

IsiNdebele is a minority language in all the provinces. It is spoken by 10.1% of the population of Mpumalanga and 3.2% of Gautengers.

isiXhosa

Also known as: Xhosa
First-language users: 8,154,258
Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 19,154,258 (estimate)

The dominant language of the Eastern Cape, isiXhosa is also the second-largest language in South Africa after isiZulu. It is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiZulu and siSwati, but also shows some influence from the Khoekhoe languages.

The 8,154,258 South Africans who speak isiXhosa as a first language make up 16% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiXhosa speakers, 99.4% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Among the population groups, isiXhosa is spoken by 20.1% of black South Africans, the second-largest share after isiZulu. It is the home language of 0.6% of coloured people, 0.4% of Indians, 0.3% of whites and 1.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

IsiXhosa and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

IsiXhosa speakers8,104,75225,3405,34213,6415,1828,154,258

Share of population20.1%0.6%0.4%0.3%1.9%16%

Close to two-thirds (62.4%) of first-language isiXhosa speakers live in the Eastern Cape, and 17.2% in the Western Cape. About a tenth (9.8%) of all isiXhosa speakers live in Gauteng.

Within the provinces, isiXhosa is the majority language in the Eastern Cape, where its 5,092,152 first-language users make up 78.8% of the population. In the Western Cape a quarter (24.7%) of the population speaks isiXhosa. IsiXhosa is spoken by 7.5% of people in the Free State, 6.6% in Gauteng, 5.5% in North West, and 5.3% in the Northern Cape.

isiZulu

Also known as: Zulu
First-language users: 11,587,374 (22.7% of the population)
Second-language users: 15,700,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 27,300,000 (estimate)

IsiZulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, the first language of close to a quarter of the population. It is the dominant language of KwaZulu-Natal. Like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and siSwati, isiZulu is an Nguni language.

The 11,587,374 South Africans who speak isiZulu as their home language make up 22.7% of the country’s total population. A full 99.4% of first-language isiZulu speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

IsiZulu is spoken by 28.5% of black South Africans, more than any other language. It is the home language of 1.3% of Indian or Asian people, 0.5% of coloureds, 0.4% of whites and 4.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

IsiZulu and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

IsiZulu speakers11,519,23423,79716,69916,45811,18611,587,374

Share of population28.5%0.5%1.3%0.4%4.1%22.7%

Over two-thirds (68.2%) of isiZulu-speaking South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal, and more than a fifth (20.6% in Gauteng). Some 8.3% of all isiZulu speakers live in Mpumalanga, which borders KwaZulu-Natal to the northwest. The rest are thinly spread across the other provinces.

Within the provinces, isiZulu is spoken by over three-quarters (77.8%) of the population of KwaZulu-Natal, and nearly a quarter (24.1%) of the people of Mpumalanga. Almost a fifth (19.8%) of Gautengers speak isiZulu. It is a small minority language in the rest of the provinces.

Sesotho

Also known as: Southern Sotho
First-language users: 3,798,915 (7.6% of the population)
Second-language users: 7,900,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 11,698,915 (estimate)

Sesotho is the language of the Free State, and the first language of 3,798,915 South Africans, or 7.6% of the total population. It is one of the three Sotho languages, with Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana.

A full 98.7% of first-language Sesotho speakers are black, 0.6% coloured, 0.5% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Sesotho is spoken by just under a tenth (9.4%) of black South Africans. It is the home language of 0.5% of coloured people, of 0.4% of both white and Indian/Asian people, and of 1.7% of the people who describe themselves as “other”.

Sesotho and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

South Africa’s population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Sesotho speakers3,798,91523,2305,26917,4914,6573,849,563

Share of population9.4%0.5%0.4%0.4%1.7%7.6%

Most (44.6%) Sesotho speakers live in the Free State. The inner curve of this bean-shaped province fits around the northwest border of Lesotho, a country where Sesotho and English are the official languages. Over a third (36.2%) of all Sesotho-speaking South Africans live in Gauteng. Some 5.2% live in North West.

Within the provinces, Sesotho is spoken by close to two-thirds (64.2%) of the population of the Free State, over a tenth (11.6%) of Gauteng, and by 5.8% of people living in North West.

Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi)

Also known as: Northern Sotho
First-language users: 4,618,576 (9.1% of the population)
Second-language users: 9,100,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 13,518,576 (estimate)

Sesotho sa Leboa or Sepedi?
The 1993 interim Constitution named the language Sesotho sa Leboa. It was then changed to Sepedi in the final Constitution of 1996. Debate on the right name continues. Most language experts, as well as speakers of the language, consider Sesotho sa Leboa to be the correct name, and Sepedi to be a dialect. In a study of the language policy of six South African universities, five used Sesotho sa Leboa and one Sepedi. But both the Department of Basic Education and Statistics South Africa use Sepedi as the language’s name.

Sesotho sa Leboa is South Africa’s third-largest African language (after isiZulu and isiXhosa), and mainly spoken in Limpopo. Like Sesotho and Setswana, it is a Sotho language.

Sesotho sa Leboa is the first language of 4,618,576 people, or 9.1% of the total population. A full 99.7% of first-language Sesotho sa Leboa speakers are black, 0.1% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by 11.4% of black South Africans. It is the home language of just 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of coloureds, 0.1% of whites and 0.6% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Sesotho sa Leboa and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Sesotho sa Leboa speakers4,602,4595,6422,9435,9171,6164,618,576

Share of population11.4%0.1%0.2%0.1%0.6%9.1%

Nearly two-thirds of (61.2%) of all Sesotho sa Leboa speakers live in Limpopo, over a quarter (27.8%) in Gauteng and 8.1% in Mpumalanga. The rest of the language’s speakers are scattered around the country.

Within the provinces, Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by more than half (52.9%) the people of Limpopo, 10.6% of those in Gauteng, and 9.3% of Mpumalanga’s population.

Setswana

Also known as: Tswana, Sechuana, Chuana
First-language users: 4,067,248 (8% of the population)
Second-language users: 7,700,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 11,767,248 (estimate)

The language of North West and its neighbouring country of Botswana, Setswana is the Tswanaic language in the Sotho-Tswana subfamily, which it shares with Sesotho and Sesotho sa Leboa. Its 3,996,951 speakers make up 8% of South Africa’s population.

Some 98.3% of Setswana speakers are black, 1% coloured, 0.1% Indian or Asian and 0.1% white.

Setswana is spoken by 9.9% of black South Africans, making it the third-largest language in the population group. It is the first language of 0.9% of coloured people, 0.4% of both Indians and whites, and 2.4% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Setswana and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Setswana speakers3,996,95140,3514,91718,3586,6714,067,248

Share of population9.9%0.9%0.4%0.4%2.4%8.0%

Over a half (52.9%) of Setswana speakers live in North West, a quarter (26.9%) in Gauteng, and close on a tenth (9.2%) in the Northern Cape. Both North West and the Northern Cape lie on the border of Botswana, where 79% of the population speak Setswana.

Within the provinces, Setswana is spoken by nearly two-thirds (63.4%) of the population of North West, a third (33.1%) of the Northern Cape’s people, by 9.1% of Gauteng’s population and 5.2% of the Free State’s.

siSwati

Also known as: Swati, Swazi
First-language users: 1,297,046 (2.5% of the population)
Second-language users: 2,400,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 3,697,046 (estimate)

SiSwati is mostly spoken in Mpumalanga, which along its curved eastern border almost encircles the country of Swaziland. SiSwati is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

The 1,297,046 people who speak siSwati are just 2.5% of South Africa’s population, making it the country’s third-smallest language. Among first-language siSwati speakers, 99.3% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

In the population as a whole, siSwati is spoken by 3.2% of black South Africans, by around 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

SiSwati and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

SiSwati speakers1,288,1564,0561,2172,2991,320234,655

Share of population3.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.5%

Most siSwati speakers live in Mpumalanga – 85.3% of its total users and the highest provincial concentration of any language. Another tenth (10.5%) live in Gauteng, and the rest are scattered mainly over the northern parts of the country.

Within the provinces, sisSwati is spoken by 27.7% of the total population of Mpumalanga, and just 1.1% of Gautengers.

Tshivenda

Also known as: Venda, Chivenda
First-language users: 1,209,388 (2.4% of the population)
Second-language users: 1,700,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 2,909,388 (estimate)

Tshivenda is something of a standalone among South Africa’s major African languages, falling into the broader Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily but not part of the Sotho group. It is mostly spoken in the far northeast of Limpopo.

The 1,209,388 South Africans who speak Tshivenda are just 2.4% of the country’s population, making it the second-smallest language after isiNdebele. A full 99.4% of first-language Tshivenda speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Tshivenda is spoken by 3% of black South Africans, by just 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Tshivenda and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Tshivenda speakers1,201,5882,8478102,8891,2541,297,046

Share of population3.0%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.4

Three quarters (73.8%) of Tshivenda speakers live in Limpopo, giving the language the second-highest provincial concentration after siSwati. A further 22.5% of Tshivenda speakers live in Gauteng.

Within the provinces, Tshivenda is spoken by 16.7% of the population of Limpopo, and 2.3% of the population of Gauteng.

Xitsonga

Also known as: Tsonga, Shangaan, Shangana, Vatsonga
First-language users: 2,277,148 (4.5% of the population)
Second-language users: 3,400,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 5,677,148 (estimate)

Xitsonga is a minority language concentrated along South Africa’s northeast border with the country of Mozambique, where it is also spoken. Within the broader Nguni-Tsonga language subfamily which it shares with isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu and siSwati, it alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga group, while the other languages are Nguni.

The 2,277,148 South Africans who speak Xitsonga as their home language make up 4.5% of the country’s total population. A full 99.1% of first-language Xitsonga speakers are black, 0.2% white, 0.1% coloured and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Xitsonga is spoken by 5.6% of black South Africans, 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of whites, 0.05% of coloureds and 3.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Xitsonga and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Xitsonga speakers2,257,7712,2682,5063,98710,6161,209,388

Share of population5.6%0.05%0.2%0.09%3.9%4.5%

Nearly two-fifths (39.8%) of Xitsonga-speaking South Africans live in Limpopo, over a third (35%) in Gauteng, 18.3% in Mpumalanga and 5.6% in North West.

Within the provinces, Xitsonga is spoken by 17% of the population of Limpopo, 10.4% of Mpumalanga and 6.6% of the people in Gauteng.

Sources and notes

Glottolog – Comprehensive reference information for the world’s languages, especially the lesser known languages.
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
Statistics South Africa Census 2011
Adrian Frith: Census 2011
Ethnologue: Languages of South Africa, 20th edition data (2017)
Pharos South African Multilingual Dictionary (2014) ISBN 9781868901975
Language in South Africa: The role of language in national transformation, reconstruction and development (2002) by Victor Webb. ISBN 9789027297631
“The twelve modern Khoisan languages” (2013) by Matthias Bretzinger. In Khoisan languages and linguistics, Proceedings of the 3rd international symposium. ISBN 9783896458735

Researched, written and designed by Mary Alexander.
Updated 11 September 2024.
Comments? Email mary1alexander@gmail.com

A guide to South African Provinces

South Africa

Travel and Discover South Africa

Information to help you choose where to go

South Africa is on the southernmost tip of the African continent. It is still Africa. Many people have asked me where they should go when they want to visit and travel to South Africa. It is like asking how many grains of sugar is in a teaspoon.

If you have never visited South Africa and you know very little about it, you will discover it is vast and diverse. One of the most important questions you have to ask yourself is what your goal is when you want to visit. The second question is the length of time you have for your travels. Then you can consider your budget and plan accordingly.

Which province and region should you travel to in South Africa?

South Africa might not be the largest country in the world but it certainly isn’t small. It is 9th on the list of largest countries in Africa.

Did you know South Africa has nine provinces? They cover approximately 1,22 million km². That is a whole lot of space to explore. Sometimes you can flit around and get to places quickly; sometimes it takes you ages just to drive a couple of hundred kilometres.

To give you an idea, South Africa is twice the size of France, 3 x the size of Japan and 4 x the size of Italy. South Africa is also about 5 times bigger than the United Kingdom.

Safaris in South Africa - elephants will keep you entertained

The most popular places to visit in South Africa

Cape Town and Kruger National Park are the most visited areas in South Africa. Cape Town might have it all from beautiful mountains with glorious vistas, to delectable wines or splendid beaches. The Kruger National Park might have all the wildlife your heart desires, but there is an enormous variety to see between these two destinations.

For instance, if you only visit Cape Town and its vicinity you will have missed out on many other parts of South Africa from its people, to varied scenery and even different animals.

Delectable wines doing good! - Unite against poaching

Facts about South Africa – Geographical, populace and environmental

If you would like to visit South Africa it is advisable to know a bit about its size, its environment and its climate.

South Africa’s provinces vary considerably in size. Each has its own attractions filled with historic information, unique landscapes and different cultures.

60’s Vibe in Stormsriver Village

The Northern Cape, an arid and usually dry region is vast and therefore the largest of the provinces. Gauteng by comparison is tiny but contains the country’s largest city. The Northern Cape has approximately 1.3 million people living there whilst Gauteng (Place of Gold) has an estimated population of over 16 million. To put it into perspective, in Gauteng there are nearly 700 people per square kilometre whilst in the Northern Cape there are probably less than four people per square kilometre.

Open spaces in the Kgalagadi, Northern Cape

Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique are South Africa’s neighbours and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho is completely landlocked by South Africa.

Each province has its own Legislature, Premier and Executive Council. The country has common boundaries with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, while Mozambique and Eswatini lie to the north-east.

Bat eared fox

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The 9 Provinces of South Africa:

Eastern Cape
Free State
Gauteng
KwaZulu-Natal
Limpopo
Mpumalanga
Northern Cape
North West Province
Western Cape

Scenic mountain passes

South Africa boasts three capital cities:

Cape Town in the Western Cape is the legislative capital where South Africa’s Parliament is.

Pretoria in the City of Tshwane in Gauteng is the administrative capital, where the Union Buildings are.

Bloemfontein in the Free State is the judicial capital where the Supreme Court of Appeal resides.

Rugged landscape of the Northern Cape

Four of South Africa’s provinces are situated on the coast. The coastline has two oceans, the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean.

Northern Cape:

Situated on the western side of South Africa the Northern Cape has the cold and frequently rough Atlantic Ocean.

Western Cape:

Although it is in the western area of South Africa, it also shares some of the southern tip of Africa. It is the only province that features two oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, where the two meet at Cape Agulhas.

Eastern Cape:

Still situated in a southern section of South Africa, the Eastern Cape has the warmer subtropical Indian Ocean.

Kwazulu-Natal:

Situated in the east of South Africa, Kwazulu-Natal has the subtropical warmer Indian Ocean.

All the other provinces of South Africa, the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Province are landlocked.

Richest Provinces In South Africa

Richest Province In South Africa 2024: South Africa is one of the most prominent Countries in Africa. Situated in the southernmost part of the continent, it has about 60 million people as it’s population and prides itself as one of the few Countries yet to experience coup d’etat. It’s ability to resolve most of it national crisis has gone a long way in promoting it’s image in the international community. It has one of the largest wide life habitat and home for tourism and culture. South Africa is known to have about 80% of it population as Black South Africans while the other remaining population comprises of Africa’s largest communities of European, Asian and multiracial (Coloured South Africans).

Most developed province in South Africa

These accounts for its diversity in culture and heritage. With numerous languages spoken in the country, it is well categorized as a multiethnic society with a wide variety of cultures, and religious belief and worshipers. This peculiarity was aptly captured under the South African constitution whereby it recognized 11 official National languages.

South Africa is known to have about nine provinces and has been recorded as one of the most beautiful Countries in Africa with lots of natural habitation for both humans and wildlife. It is also a very busy country with lots of economic opportunities for both citizens and foreigners alike. It is a very flourishing country in terms of infrastructural development and commercial activities.

Top ten richest province in South Africa

Table of Contents

Top 9 Richest Provinces In South Africa By GDP 2024

1. GAUTENG: The Gauteng province most times referred to as the ‘eGoli’ and ‘City of Gold’ is the richest province in South Africa. It is no news how gold was discovered in the province around 1886. This skyrocketed the economic status of the province from that time. With lots of big multinational corporations establishing their headquarter there to the seemingly advancement of commercial activities in the area.

Richest province with minerals in South Africa

It has been able to retain the position ever since as a commercial hub being one of the major exporter of over 40 percent of the world gold production. It is one of the province that contribute heavily to the GDP of the country. It is one of the most richest, infact, the richest province in South Africa operating a seperate GDP of about 18,259 US Dollars.

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2. WESTERN CAPE: Western Cape is the hub of tourism. It is one of the busiest province in South Africa. It has been listed as one of the most beautiful and richest province in South African. It has a lot of tourist sites, great nightlife and exquisite hotels. It is one of the best places to visit and have a great experience and adventure.

List Of Richest Province In South Africa

It is one of the province operating a high GDP and contributing to the economic growth of the country. Apart from being a hub of tourist attractions with a number of visitors coming in annually, it also has lots of establishment. Western Capeis recorded to have a GDP of over 15,673 US Dollars.

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3. NORTH WEST: The province is also known as the ‘platinum province’ because of its many platinum mines. The North West remains one of the most richest and industrialized province in the country and accounts for about 94% of the country’s platinum. North West is also recorded as a major producer of platinum, producing more platinum than any single area globally.

GDP per province South Africa

North west is also home to Sun City Resort, one of the most amazing landscapes and a home of relaxation. It is one of the most visited resorts in the country with amazing sceneries to appeal to the onlookers. It is peaceful and quite. It is part of the tourist attraction contributing to the Economic Growth of the province. With a GDP of about 12, 829 US Dollars per capita, it ranks as one of the richest province in South Africa.

4. MPUMALANGA: The province of Mpumalanga is not as large as other province but certainly not the poorest province either. It is one of the richest province in South Africa owing to the many economic establishments set up in the area.

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It is known as the place of sunrise and home of tourists. It has some of the best National Park and other recreational parks and event centers that generate and contribute to bother the National GDP and the GDP of the province. It has a GDP per capita up to the tune of about 12, 585 US Dollars making it one of the richest province even though it is the smallest province in South Africa.

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5. FREE STATE: The Free State has shown to be the commercial hub for skilled artist and artistry. Apart from being a base and the Judicial capital, it has a very robust and functional economy that is targeted at growing a more productive economic system.

The province is the base of real culture and art. The level of artistic engagement found in the area as well as the festivals of art and culture. It also has a diversified interest in agriculture with maximum participation producing more economic results. It has a GDP of about 12, 584 US Dollars per capita and has been instrumental to the growth of the Country’s overall GDP.

Fastest growing province in South Africa

6. NORTHERN CAPE: The Northern Cape remains the country’s biggest province but has a relatively low population. It is quite a home for enterprise and commercial activities bringing the province to limelight as one of the richest province in the country.

Although it is a relatively new province having been carved out in 1994 from the West and Eastern provinces. It has a GDP of about 11, 902 US Dollars which is is quite plausible for a young province with low human population. It has been a major contributor to the National GDP as well.

Second richest province in South Africa

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7. KWAZULU-NATAL: The coastal region and province of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most beautiful and warmth inducing province in the country and has been considered as one of the richest province in South Africa. It opens its doors to tourists and lovers of nature.

Amongst many other diversified strategic enterprises boosting it’s economy, the province has some of the best tourist centers such as the King Shaka International Airport, Umhlanga and Ballito avails onlookers and tourists a wonderful experience to relax while glancing through beautiful sceneries. With a GD P of about 10, 406 US Dollars and ranks as one of the richest provinces in South Africa.

8. LIMPOPO: Limpopo is known for its openness and beauty. Covered in the natural embellishments of wildlife and has fast become a haven for both wildlife and tourists. The province has been able to harness it resources and infrastructures across the province, harnessing the potential that lies in other sectors other than depending on a streamlined source of income.

The province is known to have some of the best tourist attraction centers which has been a boost to the economic trajectory of the province and the country at large. It has a commendable GDP of about 8,983 US Dollars, slightly above that of Eastern Cape. It is one of the richest provinces in South Africa.

9. EASTERN CAPE: With the Eastern Cape contributing less than 8% to the total national GDP it ranks lower on the list as one of the richest province in South Africa. This is because it is riddled with a poverty that is clearly below the average level and it’s GDP totalling about 7, 893 seem to be the lowest when compared to the other provinces.

Although more effort and plans are being put in place to revitalize the economy of the province by diversifying the economy, it has not been able to placate the deplorable standard of living in the area and has failed to profer a quick approach to alleviating the poverty rate in the area.

Unveiling Facts About South Africa

Today, South Africa is made up of many different people, each with their own language and history. This country has 11 official languages, and many more unofficial languages. It has colourful mix of cultures which gives it a nickname “rainbow nation“.

How many provinces in South Africa

Today, most of the landscapes in South Africa are made up of high, flat areas called “plateaus”. These landscapes are covered with rolling grasslands (which are called “highveld”) and tree-dotted plains (which are called “bushveld”).

Again, there is a mountainous region at the east, south, and west of these plateau lands (which are also called the “Great Escarpment”). The eastern range of the land is called the “Drakensberg” or “Dragon’s Mountain” and is filled with jagged peaks. Some of these jagged peaks reach 3,400 meters high!

South Africa has another country within its borders. This country is called the “Drakensberg” and is the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho. The water in South Africa comes from the snow-capped peaks of Lesotho (it is also called “the kingdom of the Sky”). Today, Lesotho is the only country in the world that lie entirely over 1,000m above sea level.

South Africa has wonderful wildlife from aardvarks to zebras. Although South Africa only makes up about one percent of the land surface of the Earth, it is home to almost ten percent of the species of known bird, fish and plant in the world, and about six percent of the species of the mammals and reptiles in the world.

Also, the seas around this country are full of incredible creatures. Over 2,000 marine species visit the waters of South Africa at some point during the year. The country enjoys one of the most spectacular underwater events of nature (which is called the “sardine run“).

For instance, millions of sardines travel up the east coast of South Africa every June, creating a phenomenal feeding frenzy for thousands of hungry sharks, birds, and dolphins.

Today, this country has 10% of the total species of birds on earth. About 900 different types of birds (such as peacocks, ostriches, vultures, and penguins) can be found all over the country. You can swim with Jackass penguins in South Africa. These Jackass penguins are located at Boulders Beach in Town of Simon near Cape Town, as well as further down the coast in Betty’s Bay.

Other Interesting Facts About South Africa

1. It has 11 Official Languages: The diversity of cultures found throughout the nation has earned South Africa the moniker “Rainbow Nation.”

The fact that South Africa has eleven official languages—English, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, IsiNdebele, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga—demonstrates the country’s reputation as a cultural “melting pot.” The majority of South Africans are multilingual in their native tongue. The most widely spoken first language is isiZulu, followed by isiXhosa.

2. South Africa has an abundance of Wildlife: Even though South Africa makes up only 2% of the planet’s land area, it is home to 10% of the world’s species of birds, fish, and plants, as well as 7% of mammals and reptiles!

There are many different types of natural environments and wildlife in South Africa, even though you might not see lions, elephants, or giraffes strolling through the city. From vervet monkeys swinging through tree-lined suburban streets and baboons playing around Cape Point, to seals visiting the Hout Bay harbor in search of a fish snack and a multitude of bird species taking to the skies at any given time. There’s wildlife all around you!

3. There is evidence of human evolution: Some of the earliest evidence of human evolution has been found in the Sterkfontein Caves, northwest of Johannesburg. Archaeologists have discovered human remains here that go back more than two million years!

The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now referred to as “the Cradle of Humankind” because of the discoveries that were made there. In South Africa, fossils date back hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years, from both the natural and human past. Up to 80% of the mammalian fossils found to date have come from the Karoo, while early dinosaur fossil discoveries have come from the Western Cape.

4. It is a famous holiday destination: There are many different types of landscapes and biomes found in South Africa, such as wetlands, grasslands, mountains, subtropical forests, bushveld, and deserts. It’s a vacation spot unlike any other! South Africa offers golden beaches, sunshine, and the sea for your beach vacation. Game reserves and amazing wildlife can be found in South Africa if you’re looking for a safari experience.

The Cape Winelands of South Africa are just waiting to be discovered if you’re itching to get away into wine country! In addition to all of this, you can find charming seaside towns and modern cities. Alternatively, take a drive along dusty roads in the desert and pass through beautiful mountain passes.

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