Cities of South Africa

South African cities represent a diverse mix of urban settlements shaped by the country's complex historical, economic, and cultural factors. The three capital cities are Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial), reflecting South Africa's unique governmental structure.

Johannesburg, the largest city by population, emerged as a gold-mining settlement in the late 19th century and has evolved into Africa's leading financial center. The country's urban landscape features major metropolitan areas including Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, which serve as significant economic hubs for their respective regions. These cities collectively account for approximately 67% of South Africa's GDP.

South African cities demonstrate distinct architectural influences, combining colonial heritage with modern African urbanism. Many urban areas still reflect the spatial planning legacy of apartheid, though significant transformation efforts have been ongoing since 1994. The cities face common challenges including rapid urbanization, informal settlements, and infrastructure development needs. Current urban development focuses on sustainable growth, social integration, and economic opportunity expansion.

List of the largest cities in South Africa