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 Africa's third largest economy by GDP (after Nigeria and Egypt) 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