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Many people think that Johannesburg is the capital of South Africa, but that is not the case, in fact there are three capitals and Johannesburg is not one of them: the administrative capital is Pretoria, the legislative capital is Cape Town, and the judicial capital is Bloemfontein. Since the administration is in Pretoria, this city is the de facto national capital of South Africa.
Johannesburg is the biggest city in South Africa, and a major financial center for the whole of Africa. It is also known for its lively nightlife, with nightclubs and discos, it shopping malls, high class restaurants and luxurious hotels. Furthermore there are plenty of historical and arts museums, and over 150 heritage sites.
Cape Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with the flat-topped Table Mountain at the back and the Waterfront and the Atlantic Ocean in the foreground. Cape Town has a relaxed atmosphere, lots of very good restaurants, and excellent shopping possibilities. In and around Cape Town there are many magnificent beaches.
Durban is South Africa's favouite playground and probably the busiest port in all of Africa. This subtropical city is synonymous with the sea and many of Durban's key attractions follow an oceanic theme. Most famous is probably the Golden Mile, a beachfront stretch with restaurants, bars, hotels and a wonderful view of the sea.
Port Elizabeth was established in 1820 by British settlers. The major highlight of Port Elizabeth is its stunning beaches and turquoise sea. With calm waters and fair breezes, the coast is perfect for swimming and water sports. Restored settler houses can be found around the city, and they are now beautiful homes.
Among other important cities in South Africa are Pretoria, the administrative capital, Bloemfontein, the judicial center, Pietermaritzburg, Rustenburg , East London , and Pietersburg (Polokwane).
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