Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Johannesburg
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Most countries have a single capital city, but South Africa is a famous exception. It has three different cities that share capital functions. This question asks you to identify which listed city is not an official capital, even though it may be the largest or most famous city in the country. Understanding this arrangement is an important part of political geography.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
South Africa distributes its national government across three cities. Pretoria serves as the administrative or executive capital, where the president and many ministries are based. Cape Town is the legislative capital, where the national parliament meets. Bloemfontein is the judicial capital, where the Supreme Court of Appeal is located. Johannesburg, although it is the largest city and a major economic hub, is not an official capital in this arrangement.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the three role based capitals of South Africa. Pretoria is the executive capital, Cape Town is the legislative capital and Bloemfontein is the judicial capital.Step 2: Look at the options. Cape Town, Pretoria and Bloemfontein each match one of the recognised capital roles.Step 3: Johannesburg is a major city in South Africa and the financial heart of the country, but it does not carry official capital status at the national level.Step 4: Since the question asks which city is not a capital, Johannesburg fits this description.Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is Johannesburg.
Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard world atlas or political geography reference on South Africa lists Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein as the three capital cities. Johannesburg is described as the largest city and economic centre, but not as a capital. This three capital structure is often used in exam questions, and the same sources confirm that Johannesburg is the odd one out when capitals are listed.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Cape Town is the seat of the national parliament and is officially recognised as the legislative capital. Pretoria hosts the main executive offices, making it the administrative capital. Bloemfontein houses the Supreme Court of Appeal and is treated as the judicial capital. All three are correct capitals in their respective roles, so they cannot be the answer to a question asking which is not a capital.
Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to assume that the largest or most famous city must be the capital, which leads people to pick Johannesburg as the capital in casual discussions. Another pitfall is to think South Africa has only one capital and then guess incorrectly among the options. To avoid confusion, remember the unique three capital arrangement and associate each city with its specific branch of government. Johannesburg should be remembered as the largest city and economic centre but not a capital.
Final Answer:
The city that is not one of the official capitals of South Africa is Johannesburg.
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