The capital of South Africa, Pretoria, is spelled in English with the IPA phonetic transcription /prɪˈtɔːrɪə/. This means that the first syllable "pri" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a stressed "to". The last syllable "ria" is pronounced with a long "i" sound and an "ə" sound at the end, which is pronounced as a light schwa sound. The spelling of the word is based on the pronunciation of the word in English language.
The capital of South Africa refers to the official seat of government and administrative center of the country. The capital plays a crucial role in the political, economic, and cultural affairs of the nation.
Pretoria, located in the northeastern part of South Africa, is the executive and de facto administrative capital of the country. Serving as the seat of the executive branch, including the Presidency and Cabinet, Pretoria houses the Union Buildings, a significant landmark where the President's office is situated. Pretoria also hosts many government departments and agencies.
However, it is essential to note that South Africa has a unique administrative arrangement with three capital cities. Cape Town is the legislative capital, hosting the National Assembly and the legislative branch. Bloemfontein is the judicial capital, housing the Supreme Court of Appeal. These three cities play distinct roles within South Africa's governmental structure.
Given Pretoria's central role in governance and administration, it is commonly referred to as the "capital of South Africa." The term implies its significance as the primary center for decision-making, policy formulation, and government operations in the country. This status distinguishes Pretoria from Cape Town and Bloemfontein, which have their own distinct functions in the South African governmental system.