UPSC Prelims 2005 Q123: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Which one of the following cities is the seat of Parliament of South Africa?
- (a) Pretoria
- (b) Durban
- (c) Johannesburg
- (d) Cape Town
Answer: (d) Cape Town
Explanation
Seat of the Parliament of South Africa
| City | Role |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | Legislative capital — seat of Parliament |
| Pretoria | Administrative (executive) capital |
| Bloemfontein | Judicial capital |
| Durban, Johannesburg | Not capitals |
South Africa has three capitals, and Cape Town is the seat of Parliament.
Answer: (d) Cape Town.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pretoria is the administrative capital.
- (b) Incorrect. Durban is a port city, not a capital.
- (c) Incorrect. Johannesburg is the largest city, not a capital.
- (d) CORRECT. Parliament sits in Cape Town.
Key point
South Africa: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial).
Remember
Parliament of South Africa sits at Cape Town.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Pretoria as the only capital.
- Choosing Johannesburg for being the largest city.
- Forgetting Bloemfontein as the judicial capital.
Exam tip
Three capitals: Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein.
Sources
- Parliament of the Republic of South Africa — About Parliament: the seat of Parliament in Cape Town
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Cape Town