The Complexity of South Africa's Capital Selection

When delving into the reasons why South Africa opted not to choose its most significant city, Johannesburg, as one of its capitals, it's essential to understand the historical context that shaped the nation's governance structure. The choice of capitals, a decision predating the 20th century, reflects a complex interplay of historical events, settler colonialism, and political agreements.

Historical Context

The choice of capitals in South Africa predates the 20th century by centuries. Before Johannesburg became a major urban center, Pretoria and Bloemfontein were already established as the administrative and judicial capitals, respectively, of the Transvaal and Free State Republics. Meanwhile, Cape Town, the former Cape Colony's administrative center, served as the first major urban center in Southern Africa, predating the formation of the Republics by hundreds of years.

These historical precedents set the stage for the political negotiations that followed the Boer War and the subsequent Union of South Africa. It was during this period that the responsibilities of the capital city were divided, with Pretoria becoming the administrative capital, Bloemfontein serving as the judicial capital, and Cape Town assuming the role of the legislative capital. This division was part of the settlement that came after the conflict, and it has remained unchanged since then.

Johannesburg's Rise to Significance

It's worth noting that Johannesburg, while existing as a city by the time the above arrangements were made, was not as significant as it would later become. In fact, even 25 years prior to the capital division, Johannesburg was not a major urban center. Its growth and rise to prominence occurred after the discovery of gold in the late 19th century, which transformed it into a bustling metropolis. By the time the capital cities were being decided, Johannesburg was rapidly industrializing and urbanizing, but it didn't yet hold the same political and administrative weight it would gain in the following decades.

Comparisons with Brazil

Analogy with other nations, such as Brazil, can provide further insight. Brazil, like South Africa, has multiple capitals. While Brazil's cities of Rio de Janeiro and S?o Paulo are among the most populous and economically significant, the judicial capital Salvador received a portion of the administrative responsibilities. This arrangement, however, contrasts with South Africa's situation, where the choice of capitals was not based on political or economic significance alone.

Conclusion and Reflection

The decision of South Africa to have three capital cities, each serving a specific function, reflects a historical legacy rather than a current assessment of the nation's centers of power. While Johannesburg is now the economic powerhouse and frequently discussed as a potential capital, the historical and political context remains a crucial factor in determining why it wasn't chosen as one of the three capitals. The stability and structure established through the union settlement have endured, but ongoing discussions on the future of governance and decision-making may yet lead to changes.