This unusual arrangement dates back to the 1910 Union of South Africa, when the four former colonies each wanted a share of the new government rather than losing their status entirely. The compromise split the three branches of government across three cities instead of picking one winner — an arrangement that has stuck for over a century.
Source: South African Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is the actual capital of South Africa?
There is no single official capital — Pretoria hosts the executive branch (the Presidency and Cabinet), Cape Town hosts Parliament, and Bloemfontein hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Do other countries split their capital like this?
It's unusual but not unique — a small number of countries, including the Netherlands and Bolivia, also separate certain government functions across more than one city, though South Africa's three-way split is one of the most distinct examples.