South Africa has three capitals, each serving a different branch of government.

The longer version

Splitting government functions among cities is a practical compromise rather than an accident. One city hosts the legislature, another the executive, and a third the judiciary. Historically, rival regions each wanted the seat of power, and dividing the roles eased the dispute when the country was formed.

The arrangement means that officials and records move between locations, and each city developed around its assigned role. Courts, ministries and parliament therefore sit in different provinces. Such division is unusual but not unique, since other states distribute agencies across several cities for reasons of balance and regional development. Sessions of parliament require travel at certain times of year.

Where this entry sits

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