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About SA - South Africa's provincesSouth Africa's provincesSouth Africa is divided into nine provinces, each with its own legislature, premier and executive council. The provinces, with their own distinctive landscapes, vegetation and climate, are:
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
Eastern Cape
Capital Bhisho
Principal languages
isiXhosa
78,8%
Afrikaans
10,5%
English
5,6%
Population
6 620 100
Share of total population 12,5% Area (km2)
168 966
Percentage of total area 13,8% The Eastern Cape, at 168 966 km2, is roughly the size of Uruguay. It is the country's second-largest province after the Northern Cape, taking up 13,8% of South Africa's land area.
The province has a population of more than 6,6 million people, the majority of whom speak isiXhosa, followed by Afrikaans and English.
It is a region of great natural beauty, particularly the rugged cliffs, rough seas and dense green bush of the stretch known as the Wild Coast. The region boasts remarkable natural diversity, ranging from the dry, desolate Great Karoo to the lush forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley; the fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple harvests; and the mountainous southern Drakensberg region at Elliot.
Various floral habitats meet in the province. Along the coast, the northern tropical forests intermingle with the more temperate woods of the south.
The province is home to a number of Higher Education institutions, including the:
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- University of Fort Hare
- Walter Sisulu University of Technology.
It has airports in Port Elizabeth, East London, Mthatha and Bhisho, and boasts two major harbours in East London and Port Elizabeth respectively.
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
Agriculture is important in the Eastern Cape. The fertile Langkloof Valley in the south-west has enormous deciduous fruit orchards, while sheep farming predominates in the Karoo.
The Alexandria-Grahamstown area produces pineapples, chicory and dairy products, while coffee and tea are cultivated at Magwa. People in the former Transkei region are dependent on cattle, maize and sorghum farming. An olive nursery has been developed in collaboration with the University of Fort Hare to form a nucleus of olive production in the Eastern Cape.
There is excellent potential for forestry – the coastal areas receive good summer rainfall and have a moderate climate, becoming more subtropical to the north-west. The Tsitsikamma National Park on the southern border is home to dense indigenous forests.
The basis of the province's fishing industry is squid, some recreational and commercial fishing for line fish, the collection of marine resources, and access to line-catches of hake.
Industry
With two harbours and four airports offering direct flights to the main centres and an excellent road and rail infrastructure, the province has been earmarked as a key area for growth and economic development.
The Provincial Industrial Development Strategy identified the sectors that can create jobs and diversify the economy.
A total of 110 472 work opportunities had been created in the province by the end of 2011/12, which exceeded the target of 94 504 job opportunities announced for Phase 2 of the Expanded Public Works Programme. The target for 2012/13 is 116 958 work opportunities.
The two industrial development zones (IDZs) have delivered much-needed investment, with the East London IDZ securing private investors to the amount of R4,063 billion in the automotive, aquaculture, agro-processing, renewable energy and business process outsourcing sectors.
Of the R4,063 billion, R3,3 billion is earmarked for two renewable energy projects – the Langa renewable Energy Project in Berlin, and the Ikhwezi Photovoltaic Project. The Coega IDZ now has 21 operating investors, which represents R1,24 billion in private sector investments. To date, this has created 3 645 construction jobs, and 2 985 direct jobs. Another R7,6 billion projects are being
implemented.Eskom is committed to invest over R10 billion in energy infrastructure over the next six years, including increasing transfer of power to the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City metropolitan municipalities.
construction project on the N2 Wild Coast is estimated to create well in excess of 6 800 direct jobs and open up the Wild Coast and key towns such as Port St Johns for investment and economic development.
The Nelson Mandela Legacy Bridge is currently under construction at former President Nelson Mandela's birthplace, Mvezo Village in the Eastern Cape. This is likely to boost the tourism sector locally and in the province as a whole. The bridge, which joins two districts, OR Tambo to the east and Amathole to the west, will cut the distance between Mvezo Village and its closest town, Dutywa, by at least 50 minutes. Its construction contributed to job creation and skills development in the local communities, such as steel fixing, bricklaying, paving and carpentry.
Free State
Capital Bloemfontein
Principal languages
Sesotho
64,2%
Afrikaans
12,2%
isiXhosa
7,5%
Population
2 753 200
Share of total population 5,2% Area (km2)
129 825
Percentage of total area 10,6% The Free State, a province of wide horizons and blue skies, farmland, mountains, goldfields and widely dispersed towns, lies in the heart of South Africa, with Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape. Between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, this immense rolling prairie stretches as far as the eye can see.
According to the Mid-Year Population Estimates, 2011, there were over 2,7 million people in the Free State on about 129 480 km2 of land. The main languages spoken are Sesotho, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.
In May 2011, Manguang, comprising Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, became South Africa's newest metropolitan authority. It has an established institutional, educational and administrative infrastructure, and houses the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Important towns include Welkom, the heart of the goldfields and one of the few completely preplanned cities in the world; Odendaalsrus, another gold-mining town; Sasolburg, which owes its existence to the petrol-from-coal installation established there; Kroonstad, an important agricultural, administrative and educational centre; Parys, on the banks of the Vaal River; Phuthaditjhaba, well known for the beautiful handcrafted items produced by the local people; and Bethlehem, gateway to the Eastern Highlands of the Free State.
The N1, which is the artery between Gauteng and the Western and Eastern Cape, passes through the middle of the Free State.
Some of South Africa's most valued San rock art can be found in the Free State. Other key tourism attractions include the annual air show in Bethlehem, the Cherry Festival in Ficksburg, the Phakisa-Nascar event in Welkom, and the Fauresmith International Endurance Ride equestrian event.
The annual Mangaung African Cultural Festival, popularly called Macufe, is hosted in partnership with the Free State Tourism Authority and the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State.
The Vredefort Dome, 10 km in diameter, about 100 km south-west of Johannesburg, was voted South Africa's seventh World Heritage Site in 2005.
Agriculture
Agriculture dominates the Free State landscape with cultivated land covering 32 000 km2 and natural veld and grazing a further 87 000 km2 of the province.
Field crops yield almost two thirds of the gross agricultural income of the province. Animal products contribute a further 30%, with the balance generated by horticulture.
The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme seeks to support smallholder farmers – both subsistence and commercial – as well as the beneficiaries of land-reform programmes. To this end, the Free State received R102,9 million in 2011 from government.The Free State is a summer rainfall region that can be extremely cold during winter, especially towards the eastern mountainous regions. The western and southern areas are semi-desert.
Known as the "bread basket" of South Africa, about 90% of the province is under cultivation for crop production. It produces about 45% of the country's sunflower crop, 34% of the total maize crop, 37% of wheat, 53% of sorghum, 33% of potatoes, and almost all of its cherries (90%). Red meat and dairy are also important products and game hunting is a fast-growing industry.
Mining
Mining is the Free State's major employer. A gold reef over 400 km long stretches across Gauteng and the Free State. South Africa is the world's largest gold producer, and the country's largest gold-mining complex is Free State Consolidated Goldfields, with an area of 330 km2.
The province has 12 gold mines, producing 30% of South Africa's output and making it the fifth-largest producer of gold in the world. Gold mines in the Free State also supply a substantial portion of the total silver produced in the country.
Uranium occurring in the gold-bearing conglomerates of the goldfields is extracted as a by-product.
Bituminous coal is mined and converted to petrochemicals at Sasolburg.
The Free State also produces high-quality diamonds from its kimberlite pipes and fissures, and the country's largest deposit of bentonite is found in the Koppies district.
Manufacturing and industry
The Free State economy has been very reliant on primary sectors such as agriculture and mining, but it is now increasingly growing its manufacturing sector, which accounts for about 14% of the provincial gross domestic product (GDP).
The most important manufacturing subsectors, besides chemicals, are food and beverages, textiles, furniture, agriprocessing, jewellery and engineering products.
Some 14% of the province's manufacturing is classified as being in high-technology industries – the highest of all provincial economies. The northern Free State's chemicals sector is one of the most important in the southern hemisphere.
Petrochemicals company Sasol, based in catalysed chemical reaction in which carbon monoxide and hydrogen are converted into liquid hydrocarbons, producing a synthetic petro- leum substitute for use as synthetic lubrication oil or as synthetic fuel.
Gauteng
Capital Johannesburg
Principal languages
isiZulu
19,8%
Afrikaans
12,4%
Sesotho
11,6%
English
13,3%
Population
12 728 400
Share of total population 24% Area (km2)
18 171
Percentage of total area 1,4% Although Gauteng is the smallest of the nine provinces, it is the economic centre of South Africa and the continent. Responsible for over 34,8% of the country's and 10% of the entire continent's GDP, it is also Africa's financial-services capital
Financial and business services, logistics, manufacturing, property, telecommunications and trade are some of the province's most important economic sectors.
The population of 11 million people have the highest per-capita income level in the country. The province blends cultures, colours and first- and third-world traditions in a spirited mix, flavoured by a number of foreign influences
Most overseas visitors enter South Africa via OR Tambo International Airport.
Johannesburg, widely referred to as Joburg and nicknamed “Egoli” (Place of Gold), is the capital of the province and a city of contrasts. South of Johannesburg is Soweto, developed as a township for black people under the apartheid system.
Some 50 km north of Johannesburg lies Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. The magnificent Union Buildings, which overlook the city from where it sits on Meintjieskop, represent the official seat of the South African Government and house the offices of the country's President.
In 2012/13, the Gauteng Provincial Government spent more than R500 million on the construction and maintenance of roads in the province. Through the S'hambaSonke road maintenance project, 100 new contractors were capacitated and 6 500 jobs created, benefitting cooperatives and companies owned by women, youths and people with disabilities.
The industrial area of Rosslyn and the townships of Soshanguve and GaRankuwa are situated north of Pretoria. Mamelodi and Cullinan, known for its diamonds, lies to the east. To the west lies Atteridgeville.
Other important Gauteng towns include Krugersdorp and Roodepoort on the West Rand, and Germiston, Springs, Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan and Kempton Park on the East Rand.
Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging in the south of the province are major industrial centres, while Heidelberg, Nigel and Bronkhorstspruit to the east are of agricultural importance.
The province houses some of the most important educational and health centres in the country. Pretoria boasts the largest residential university in South Africa, the University of Pretoria, and what is believed to be the largest correspondence university in the world, Unisa. Other universities include:
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- the Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa).
There are also several teacher-training colleges, technical colleges and universities of technology in the province.
In addition, Gauteng is home to leading research institutions such as the:
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- Agricultural Research Council
- Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute
- Human Sciences Research Council.
In 2012/13, the Gauteng Provincial Government spent more than R500 million on the construction and maintenance of roads in the province. Through the S'hambaSonke road maintenance project, 100 new contractors were capacitated and 6 500 jobs created, benefitting cooperatives and companies owned by women, youths and people with disabilities.
Mining and manufacturing
Manufacturing includes basic iron and steel, fabricated and metal products, food, machinery, electrical machinery, appliances and electrical supplies, vehicle parts and accessories, and chemical products.
The major gold and diamond mining houses all have their headquarters in Johannesburg, the biggest being Anglo American and De Beers.
There are 159 mines – 44 of them gold mines – in Gauteng, that together account for a quarter of South Africa's total mineral production. Most of the mining is for gold – 80% of Gauteng's output.
Although gold mining and ancillary industries provide thousands of jobs, the importance of mining is declining compared to the manufacturing and financial sectors. Mining produces only 6% of Gauteng's total income and 31% of export earnings.
Technology
More than 60% of South Africa's research and development takes place in Gauteng.
The CSIR is one of South Africa's leading science and technology research, development and implementation centres. Located in Pretoria, the CSIR's research and development areas include biosciences; built environment; information and communication; materials science and manufacturing; natural resources and the environment; mineral resources; space technology; nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
The Innovation Hub in Pretoria is Africa’s first internationally accredited science park and a full member of the International Association of Science Parks. Its community has become a regional centre of innovation and knowledge creation, linked to the fast moving world of global interconnectivity. It is made up of small. medium and micro enterprises and multinational companies, employing in excess of 1 000 people.
In 2012, the Climate Innovation Centre and a Bioscience Park was established at the Innovation Hub to help entrepreneurs to develop and commercialise green technologies that will help disadvantaged communities
Agriculture and industry
A large area of the province falls within the so-called “Maize Triangle”. Gauteng is an integrated industrial complex with major areas of economic activity in three sub-regional areas, namely the Vaal Triangle; the East, West and Central Rand; and Pretoria.
Over the next three years, the Gauteng Provincial Government plans to spend R34 billion on infrastructure development to boost the province's industrial activity.
KwaZulu-Natal
Capital Pietermaritzburg
Principal languages
isiZulu
77,8%
English
13,2%
Afrikaans
1,6%
Population
10 456 900
Percentage share of total population
19,7%
Area (km2) 94 361 Percentage of total area 7,7% KwaZulu-Natal , or “KZN” as it is widely known, is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. This verdant region includes South Africa’s lush subtropical east coast. Washed by the warm Indian Ocean, it stretches from Port Edward in the south, and northwards to the Mozambique boundary.
The province also boasts sweeping savanna in the east, and the majestic Drakensberg mountain range in the west.
The summer-rainfall coastal regions are hot and humid, with a subtropical climate. The Midlands area is drier, with extremely cold conditions in winter and snow on the high-lying ground. In the north, the subtropical strip extends around Swaziland to the edge of the escarpment.
The province has a population of more than 10 million people living on 92 100 km2 of land. isiZulu is spoken by the majority of the people, followed by English.
Visitors to KwaZulu-Natal can either disembark at King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy, north of Durban or use the extensive national road network. There are also two major harbours – the port of Durban, which is one the busiest in Africa, and Richards Bay, which is an important coal-export harbour.
The province boasts several nature reserves including the Royal Natal National Park, Giant’s Castle and the Kamberg Nature Reserve.
It also has several tertiary institutions of learning, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban Institute of Technology.
KwaZulu-Natal is the only province with a monarchy specifically provided for in the Constitution.
In August 2012, President Jacob Zuma unveiled a statue of former President Nelson Mandela in Howick at the site where he was arrested in 1962. Howick is famous for its beautiful scenery and its close proximity to the magnificent Howick Falls, a major landmark and popular tourist attraction.
Industry and agriculture
KwaZulu-Natal has a diverse industrial sector, with major industries having developed around the port of Durban, as well as agricultural and forestry industries.
Major industries in the province are agriculture, forestry, aluminium, petro-chemicals, automotive manufacturing, steel production, plastics and packaging, paper and board manufacturing, and a range of industries associated with imports and exports though the two major ports of Durban and Richards Bay.
Richards Bay is the centre of operations for South Africa's aluminium industry. The Richards Bay Coal Terminal is instrumental in securing the country's position as the world's second-largest exporter of steam coal.
Richards Bay Minerals is the largest sand-mining and mineral-processing operation in the world.
A 50-year master plan is being developed by the Richards Bay IDZ aimed at attracting billions from investment and at positioning the IDZ to take advantage of business opportunities emanating from government's new special economic zone strategy. The sugar-cane plantations along the Indian Ocean coastal belt form the mainstay of the region's economy and agriculture.
The coastal belt is also a large producer of subtropical fruit, while the farmers in the hinterland concentrate on vegetables, dairy and stock farming.
Another major source of income is forestry in the areas around Vryheid, Eshowe, Richmond, Harding and Ngome, which is also known for its tea plantations.
Limpopo
Capital Polokwane
Principal languages
Sesotho sa Leboa
52,9%
Xitsonga
17,0%
Tshivenda
16,7%
Population
5 518 000
Percentage share of total population
10,4%
Area (km2) 125 754 Percentage of total area 10,3% Limpopo, South Africa's northernmost province, shares borders with Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana, making it the ideal gateway to Africa. Named after the Limpopo River that flows along its northern border, the province is rich in wildlife, spectacular scenery and a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.
The province is linked to the Maputo Development Corridor through the Phalaborwa SDI, which is a network of rail and road corridors connecting to the major seaports, opening up Limpopo for trade and investment. This is complemented by the presence of smaller airports in centres such as Phalaborwa and Musina, as well as the Gateway International Airport in Polokwane, the capital city, which lies strategically in the centre of the province.
The Great North Road, running through the centre of the province, strings together a series of interesting towns such as Bela-Bela, with its popular mineral spa; Modimolle with its beautiful Waterberg mountain range; Mokopane; Polokwane; Makhado at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountain range; and Musina, with its thick-set baobab trees. The crossing into Zimbabwe is at Beit Bridge.
Phalaborwa and Thabazimbi are Limpopo's major mining centres, while the town of Tzaneen in the picturesque Magoebaskloof is known for its tea plantations, forestry products and tropical fruits.
Census 2011 statistics indicate that the province's 5,5 million people live on about 123 910 km2 of land. The majority speak Sesotho sa Leboa, followed by Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
This province is in the Savanna Biome, an area of mixed grassland and trees, which is generally known as bushveld. The province's natural resources include more than 50 provincial nature reserves, as well as several private game reserves. The largest section of the Kruger National Park is situated along the eastern boundary of Limpopo with Mozambique.
Several museums and national monuments bear testimony to the ancient people and fearless pioneers who braved the unknown. Living museums include:
- the Bakone Malapa Museum near Polokwane, where Bapedi tribespeople practise age-old skills for the benefit of visitors
- the Tsonga Open-Air Museum near Tzaneen
- Mapungubwe ("Place of The Jackal") Hill, some 75 km from Musina, a world heritage site. It served as a natural fortress for its inhabitants from about 950 to 1200 AD.
Agriculture
Limpopo produces a wide range of agricultural products. The area is a potato belt and is known for its superior quality potatoes for high-end markets. It also produces 75% of the country's mangoes; 65% of its papayas; 36% of its tea; 25% of its citrus, bananas and litchis; 60% of its avocados and two thirds of its tomatoes. Other products include coffee, nuts, guavas, sisal, cotton, tobacco, cotton, sunflower, maize, wheat and grapes. In addition, more than 170 plantations produce timber.
Most of the higher-lying areas are devoted to cattle and game ranching, earning a reputation for quality biltong (salted, dried meat), which is a popular South African delicacy.
The provincial "Ku Luma Vukanyi" (Tasting of the First Fruit) Ceremony is celebrated in Limpopo in February each year to mark the start of the marula season. Marula trees grow abundantly in the northern and northeastern parts of Limpopo. It is not only a source of nutrition, but is also used for a variety of other products such as traditional medicine, haircare products, beer, jam and soap.
Between January and March each year, hundreds of unemployed women from rural Limpopo make marula beer which they sell to locals, as well as in Johannesburg and other parts of Gauteng. The money they earn help them to support their families.
Industry and mining
Limpopo also has abundant mineral resources, making mining the critical sector of the province's economy by contributing 22% of the gross geographic product.
Other reserves include antinomy, phosphates, fluorspar, gold, diamonds, copper, emeralds, scheelites, magnetite, vermiculite, silicon, mica, black granite, corundum, feldspar and salt.
The Medupi power station, a new dry-cooled, coal-fired power station, is under construction near Lephalale. It is expected to create around 40 000 job opportunities.
Mpumalanga
Capital Mbombela
Principal languages
siSwati
27.7%
isiZulu
24,1%
isiNdebele
10,1%
Population
4 128 000
Share of total population
7,8%
Area (km2) 76 495 Percentage of total area 6,3% Spectacular scenic beauty and an abundance of wildlife, make Mpumalanga one of South Africa's major tourist destinations.
Mpumalanga, which means “Place Where the Sun Rises”, is home to just more than 4,1 million people, according to the Mid-Year Population Estimates 2013 Report, with the principle languages being Siswati en isiZulu.
With a surface area of only 76 495 km2, it is the second-smallest province after Gauteng, yet has the fourth-largest economy in South Africa.
Bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland in the east, and Gauteng in the west, it is situated mainly on the high plateau grasslands of the Middleveld, which roll eastwards for hundreds of kilometres. In the north-east, it rises towards mountain peaks and terminates in an immense escarpment. In some places, this escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld.
The province has a network of excellent roads and railway connections, making it highly accessible. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, Mpumalanga is also served by a number of small airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) is the capital of the province and the administrative and business centre of the Lowveld. Other important towns are Witbank, Standerton, Piet Retief, Malelane, Ermelo, Barberton and Sabie.
Mpumalanga falls mainly within the grassland biome. The escarpment and the Lowveld form a transitional zone between this grassland area and the savanna biome.
The Maputo Corridor, which links the province with Gauteng and Maputo in Mozambique, heralds a new era in terms of economic development and growth for the region.
Agriculture
The province is a summer-rainfall area divided by the escarpment into the Highveld region with cold frosty winters, and the Lowveld region with mild winters and a subtropical climate.
The escarpment area sometimes experiences snow on high ground. Thick mist is common during the hot, humid summers.
Agriculture, as the backbone of the province's economy, employs 8,1% of its total workforce, compared to the national average of 4,7%. Although the agricultural sector's contribution to the province's GDP has declined from 4,2% in 1996 to 3,5% in 2010, it sill has a comparative advantage over the same industry in the national economy, providing the province with expansion opportunities within the sector.
An abundance of citrus fruit and many other subtropical fruit – mangoes, avocados, litchis, bananas, papayas, granadillas, guavas – as well as nuts and a variety of vegetables are produced here.
Mbombela is the second-largest citrus-producing area in South Africa and is responsible for one third of the country's export in oranges. The Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops is situated in Mbombela.
Groblersdal is an important irrigation area, which yields a wide variety of products such as citrus fruit, cotton, tobacco, wheat and vegetables. Carolina-Bethal-Ermelo is mainly a sheep-farming area, but potatoes, sunflowers, maize and peanuts are also grown here.
Industry and manufacturing
Most of the manufacturing production in Mpumalanga occurs in the southern Highveld region, especially in the Highveld Ridge where large petrochemical industries such as Sasol II and III are located.
Large-scale manufacturing occurs especially in the northern Highveld area, in particular, chrome alloy and steel manufacturing.
In the Lowveld subregion, industries are concentrated around the manufacturing of products from agricultural and raw forestry material. The growth in demand for goods and services for export via Maputo will stimulate manufacturing in the province.
Mpumalanga is very rich in coal reserves, with eMalahleni the biggest coal producer in Africa. The country’s major power stations, three of which are the biggest in the southern hemisphere, are situated in this province. Kendal power station's cooling towers are currently the largest structures of their type in the world. When Kusile power station near Delmas is completed in 2016, it will be the country's biggest, contributing a massive 4 800 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
One of the country’s largest paper mills is situated at Ngodwana, close to its timber source. Middelburg, which produces steel and vanadium, is home to Columbus Stainless, South Africa's only producer of stainless steel flat products.
Northern Cape
Capital Kimberley
Principal languages
Afrikaans
53,8%
Setswana
33,1%
Population
1 162 900
Share of total population
2,2%
Area (km2) 372 889 Percentage of total area 30,5% The Northern Cape is South Africa's largest province, taking up almost a third of the country's total land area. However, the province is sparsely populated with only 1,1 million people on 361 830 km2 of land.
Afrikaans is spoken by about 68% of the people, while Setswana, isiXhosa and English are also widely spoken.
The last remaining true San (Bushman) people live in the Kalahari area, mainly along the Orange and Vaal rivers. Many fossils and San rock engravings have been found here, some of which are displayed at the McGregor Museum in Kimberley.
The Northern Cape lies to the south of its most important asset, the mighty Orange River, which provides the basis for a healthy agricultural industry.
The Northern Cape borders the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and Namibia and Botswana to the north-west and north respectively. It is fringed by the Swartberg mountain range on its southern border.
With two major airports at Kimberley and Upington, and an excellent road network, the province's interior is easily accessible from South Africa's major cities, harbours and airports.
Sutherland is host to the southern hemisphere’s largest astronomical observatory, the multinational-sponsored Southern African Large Telescope.
In May 2012, the Northern Cape was chosen as one of two sites to host the Square Kilometre Array radio-telescope (better known as the SKA Project). Developed by scientists from 17 countries, it will be the largest and most advanced radio telescope in the world. Among many other benefits, the province's tourism and hospitality industry is benefiting from the project, as scientists and other interested par- ties, are flooding into the town of Carnarvon.
The province has several national parks and conservation areas, namely the:
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
- Ai-Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Park
- Augrabies Falls National Park.
The largest part of the province falls within the Nama-Karoo Biome. The area is known worldwide for its spectacular annual explosion of spring flowers, which attract thousands of tourists. This biome contains a number of fascinating plants, including the elephant's trunk ("halfmens" or half-man), tree aloe ("kokerboom" or quiver tree) and a variety of succulents.
Agriculture and industry
The economy of a large part of the Northern Cape, the interior Karoo, depends on sheep farming, while the karakul-pelt industry is one of the most important in the Gordonia district.
The province has fertile agricultural land. In the Orange River Valley, especially at Upington, Kakamas and Keimoes, grapes and fruit are cultivated intensively. Wheat, fruit, peanuts, maize and cotton are produced at the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme near Warrenton.
Wine is also produced in the Northern Cape's Orange River wine region, which accounts for 25,6% of South Africa's Colombard vines and 10% of Chenin Blanc. The 2010/11 production season will be remembered for the floods in the middle and especially the lower parts of the Orange River. A second spell of flooding occurred in early February 2011, which caused large-scale damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure.
In 2012, work was underway to add 40 000 tons of grapes to meet the shortage in the production of grapes for wine, juice and raisins. To this end, the Northern Cape Vineyard Development Scheme was formed with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the National Agricultural Marketing Council, the Land Bank, Distell, Winetech and Oranjerivier Wynkelders, better known as OWK.
The Niewoudtville Rooibos Tea processing initiative is centred on development and economic empowerment of the smallholder farmers. It is aimed at unlocking economic potential, creating sustainable jobs and increasing the skills base. The installation of the pasteurisation equipment has been completed and tea has been exported to countries such as Germany, Spain and Japan.
Mining
Mining contributes 27,6% to the gross regional domestic product.
Iron-ore mining in the north-eastern corner of the province has been expanding despite the global recession, driven largely by a demand for steel from China. Sishen is the biggest iron-ore mine in the country and its owner, Kumba Iron Ore, is engaging in a new project at Kolomela (previously known as South Sishen). New manganese projects are also underway.
Diamond mining, in contrast, has seen declining volumes and jobs losses. Diamond mining is increasingly moving away from the older mines to alluvial mining along the Orange River and its tributaries and in the Atlantic Ocean.
The province also has copper, asbestos, fluorspar, semi-precious stones and marble.
North West
Capital Mahikeng
Principal languages
Setswana
63,4%
Afrikaans
9,0%
isiXhosa
5,5%
Population
3 597 600
Share of total population
6,8%
Area (km2) 104 882 Percentage of total area 8,7% North West is bordered by Botswana in the north and is fringed by the Kalahari desert in the west, Gauteng to the east, and the Free State to the south. It is known as the "Platinum Province", owing to its wealth of this precious metal.
The province has a population of 3,2 million people who mainly speak Setswana.
Mahikeng (previously Mafeking) is the capital,well-known for the famous siege which took place in October 1899 during the Anglo-Boer/South African War.
Most economic activity is concentrated in the southern region between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp, as well as Rustenburg and the eastern region, where more than 83,3% of the province's economic activity takes place.
North West has a number of major tourist attractions, including Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City, the Pilanesberg National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve and the Rustenburg Nature Reserve. A portion of one of South Africa's seven Unesco world heritage sites also fall within the borders of North West namely the Taung hominid fossil site, which has been incorporated into South Africa's Cradle of Humankind.
Mining and manufacturing
Mining contributes 23,3% to the North West's economy, and makes up 22,5% of the South African mining industry as a whole.
The Rustenburg and Brits districts produce 94% of the country's platinum, which is more than any other single area in the world. North West also produces a quarter of South Africa's gold, as well as granite, marble, fluorspar and diamonds.
Employment along the Platinum Corridor, from Pretoria to eastern Botswana, accounts for over a third of total employment in North West.
North West aims to achieve the development and growth of a well-coordinated, vibrant, diversified and sustainable economy that will create jobs and eradicate unemployment.
North West's manufacturing sector is centred at the municipalities of Brits, Rustenburg, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp and Mahikeng, which account for more than 50% of total manufacturing production in the province.
The industries in Brits concentrate on manufacturing and construction, while those in Klerksdorp are geared towards the mining industry, and those at Vryburg and Brits towards agriculture. In the manufacturing arena, automotive parts, electrical machinery, electronic and audio, and medical equipment are manufactured in the province using local material and resources.
Agriculture
Some of the largest cattle herds in the world are found at Stellaland near Vryburg, which explains why this area is often referred to as the "Texas of South Africa". Marico is also cattle country. The areas around Rustenburg and Brits are fertile, mixed-crops farming land. Marico is also cattle country.
North West is South Africa's major producer of white maize. The areas around Rustenburg and Brits are fertile, mixed-crops farming land, with maize and sunflowers being the most important crops.
Western Cape
Capital Cape Town
Principal languages
Afrikaans
49,7%
isiXhosa
24,7%
English
20,2%
Population
6 016 900
Share of the total population 11,4% Area (km2)
129 462
% of total area
10,6%
Situated on the south-western tip of the African continent, the Western Cape with its wide beaches and breathtaking scenery, complemented by a rich variety of cultures, historical landmarks, world-class restaurants and entertainment, is a world-famous tourist destination.
Table Mountain, the Cape winelands, Robben Island and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are among the province's most popular tourist attractions.
The Western Cape is also known for its floral diversity. The Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, comprising eight separate protected areas, covers an area of more than 553 000 ha stretching from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape.
The Knysna-Tsitsikamma region has the country's biggest indigenous forests.
According to the Mid-year population estimates 2013, about 6 million people live in the Western Cape on 129 462 km2 of land. Afrikaans is spoken by the majority, with isiXhosa and English being the other main languages. Census 2011 statstics indicate that the Western Cape has the lowest rate of unemployment.
The province has a strong network of higher education institutions including the universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Western Cape, and has the highest adult education level in the country.
The cold Atlantic Ocean along the west coast is a rich fishing area, while the warmer Indian Ocean skirts the province’s southern beaches.
Cape Town, often referred to as the "Mother city", houses Parliament and is the country’s legislative capital.
Visitors to the Western Cape can disembark at Cape Town International Airport, George Airport or at the ports of Cape Town, Mossel Bay or Saldanha.
Agriculture and fisheries
The Western Cape's sheltered valleys be- tween mountains are ideal for the cultivation of export-grade fruit such as apples, table grapes, olives, peaches and oranges.
A variety of vegetables is cultivated in the eastern part of the Western Cape, while the Swartland and Overberg districts are well-known as the country's prime wheat-growing areas.
The agricultural sector is critical for the Western Cape economy, accounting for 60% of regional exports.
South Africa's 300-year-old wine industry is based in the south of the province. The region produces 3,1% of the world's wine and ranks as number nine in overall volume production, with 100 200 ha under vines for wine production.
Some 75% of all South African fishing take place along the Western Cape coastline. The rich fishing grounds on the west coast are protected from exploitation by a 200 km commercial fishing zone and a strict quota system. Snoek, Cape lobster, abalone, calamari, octopus, oysters and mussels are among the delicacies produced in these waters.
Key exports are also fruit, wine, wool and ostrich. The high quality of exports, combined with the relative weakness of the local currency, makes the products some of the most affordable high-quality exports in the world.
Hortgro, the fruit industry body, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, is establishing 600 ha of fruit trees for various empowerment projects, creating 570 permanent and 545 temporary job opportunities.
In 2012, the department allocated R11 million towards food security projects. Six Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) wine firms exhibited their wines in Nigeria in 2012; another six travelled to Holland for business and 22 wine businesses, six of which were BEE, participated in the Yantai International Wine Show in China.
Industry
The Western Cape economy contributes roughly 14,5% to South Africa's GDP, growing at an average of 3,2% a year. Sectors such as finance, real estate, information and communication technology, retail and tourism have shown substantial growth, and are the main contributors to the regional economy.
Cape Town remains the economic hub of the province, encompassing industrial areas such as Epping, Montague Gardens, Parow and Retreat.
Many of South Africa's major insurance companies and banks, as well as petroleum companies and the largest segment of the printing and publishing industry are based in the Western Cape.
After Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the West- ern Cape's manufacturing sector is the third- largest contributor to the national manufacturing sector. The clothing and textile industry remains the most significant industrial source of employment in the province.
Sources:
SA Yearbook 2012/2013
Mid-Year Population Estimates 2013 ReportRelated links
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