Historic provinces of South Africa
In the South African Union (from 1910) the country was divided into four provinces. Starting in 1913, the right of the black majority to own land was restricted to certain areas, which made up about 13% of the territory . After 1950 these areas were gradually converted into so-called homelands . In 1976 Transkei was the first homeland to accept "independence" from South Africa. Although this step was never recognized internationally, three more homelands followed shortly afterwards.
Since 1994 South Africa has been divided into nine provinces. The former homelands were integrated into the newly created provinces shortly before the first free elections.
1910-1994
Provinces
- Cape Province - Cape Town
- Natal - Pietermaritzburg
- Orange Free State - Bloemfontein
- Transvaal - Pretoria
Between 1949 and 1990, South West Africa (today's Namibia) was regarded by South Africa as the 5th province, but this was not recognized internationally.
"Independent" homelands
- Bophuthatswana - Mmabatho (since 1977)
- Ciskei - Bisho (since 1981)
- Transkei - Umtata (since 1976)
- Venda - Thohoyandou (since 1979)
Non-independent homelands
- Gazankulu - Giyani
- KaNgwane - Louieville
- KwaNdebele - Siyabuswa
- KwaZulu - Ulundi
- Lebowa - Lebowakgomo
- Qwaqwa - Phuthaditjhaba