South Africa has 11 official languages, with Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English being the most commonly spoken first languages. The country has three capital cities: Pretoria/Tshwane (administrative), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). It is a major economy in Africa and the continent's only member of the G20. South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth and an active participant in international forums. South Africa is a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and served as chair from 2017 – 2019. It is an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Australia maintains a High Commission in Pretoria. South Africa is represented in Australia by a High Commission in Canberra.
Economic and trade information
South Africa Country/Economy Fact Sheet [PDF]
Travel information
- Before you travel, visit smartraveller.gov.au
- Read the travel advice for South Africa
- Subscribe to updates
- Get the right travel insurance
- For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
- Australian Passports Office
- Visa information
Heads of Government
Includes Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Foreign, Trade and Aid Ministers
Embassies and consulates
Australia
Australian High Commission in South Africa