Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google

South Africa General Knowledge Quiz

Quick, free quiz with South African quiz questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Aashir KhanUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art themed around South Africa General Knowledge Quiz

This South Africa general knowledge quiz helps you check what you know about the country's history, culture, and geography. Answer 15 multiple-choice questions and see your score at once. For broader practice, try our free general knowledge quiz or keep up with a current affairs quiz; if you like mixed topics, take a quick general trivia quiz.

What is the currency of South Africa?
Kwacha
Pula
Rand
Shilling
undefined
Which river is the longest in South Africa?
Limpopo River
Great Fish River
Vaal River
Orange River
undefined
Which animal is the national animal of South Africa?
Lion
Rhino
Elephant
Springbok
undefined
How many official languages does South Africa have?
11
13
9
7
undefined
Which city is the largest in South Africa by population?
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Durban
Pretoria
undefined
Who wrote the autobiography Long Walk to Freedom?
Desmond Tutu
Nelson Mandela
Thabo Mbeki
Oliver Tambo
undefined
In which year did South Africa hold its first democratic elections?
1996
1990
1989
1994
undefined
Which province is the largest by area in South Africa?
Limpopo
Northern Cape
KwaZulu-Natal
Eastern Cape
undefined
Which desert extends into South Africa's Northern Cape?
Namib Desert
Sahara Desert
Atacama Desert
Kalahari Desert
undefined
Which cultural group in South Africa is closely associated with the annual reed dance (Umkhosi Womhlanga)?
Tswana
Venda
Zulu
Xhosa
undefined
South Africa is a leading global producer of which mineral?
Copper
Platinum
Tin
Bauxite
undefined
What is the highest peak located within South Africa?
Champagne Castle
Thabana Ntlenyana
Mafadi
Njesuthi
undefined
Which is the oldest university in South Africa by founding origin?
University of Cape Town
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Pretoria
Stellenbosch University
undefined
Which warm ocean current flows southward along South Africa's east coast?
Canary Current
Benguela Current
Agulhas Current
Kuroshio Current
undefined
What is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within South Africa?
St Lucia Estuary
Hartbeespoort Dam
Gariep Dam
Lake Sibaya
undefined
Which site is recognized as the oldest known impact structure on Earth and is located in South Africa?
Kaali Crater
Vredefort Dome
Barringer Crater
Tswaing Crater
undefined
Which South African town is famous for the discovery of the Taung Child fossil?
Kathu
Sterkfontein
Taung
Makapansgat
undefined
Which South African artist painted The Song of the Pick?
Maggie Laubser
Gerard Sekoto
Irma Stern
William Kentridge
undefined
Which province contains the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site?
North West
Limpopo
Mpumalanga
Free State
undefined
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park lies only within South Africa.
False
True
undefined
0

Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse South Africa's historical milestones and events
  2. Identify major geographical features and landmarks
  3. Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity and traditions
  4. Apply knowledge of political structure and governance
  5. Evaluate key economic sectors and industries
  6. Interpret South Africa's role in global affairs

Cheat Sheet

  1. Rich History - Get ready for a thrilling journey from ancient human footprints to the groundbreaking end of apartheid in 1994! These epic events shaped South Africa's story and show how resilience and hope can unite a nation. You'll see how past struggles influence modern life in South Africa.
  2. Diverse Geography - Explore towering escarpments, the misty Drakensberg Mountains and the vast semi-desert Karoo, each carving out unique climates and landscapes. These natural wonders dictate where people live, farm and play in South Africa. Understanding these features brings maps and weather patterns to life!
  3. Cultural Rainbow Nation - Dive into a melting pot of 12 official languages, vibrant traditions and mouth-watering cuisines that make South Africa a feast for the senses. From Zulu dance to Afrikaans folk music, every tradition adds color to the national tapestry. Studying this diversity helps you appreciate unity through variety.
  4. Three-Tier Government - Learn how national, provincial and local governments share power and responsibilities to keep the country running smoothly. This system ensures local issues get local solutions while big-picture policies come from the top. It's a real-world lesson in teamwork and checks and balances!
  5. Economic Powerhouses - South Africa's economy shines in mining, manufacturing and agriculture, with gold and platinum leading the charge. These industries drive jobs, exports and innovations that ripple through the nation. Spotting economic trends here is like having a front-row seat to global markets.
  6. Global Role - Discover how South Africa flexes its diplomatic muscles in the UN, African Union and beyond. The country's voice on climate, human rights and trade influences both continental and global decisions. Studying this helps you understand the art of international cooperation.
  7. Legacy of Apartheid - Unpack the policies of racial segregation that shaped communities and memories across generations. You'll learn how dismantling these laws sparked social change - and why their echoes still matter today. Grasping this legacy is key to understanding current South African society.
  8. Vital Rivers - Trace the mighty Orange and Limpopo rivers as they carve through landscapes, supply irrigation and power hydro-dams. These waterways are lifelines for farmers, wildlife and urban centers. Seeing their paths reveals how geography and economy intertwine.
  9. Wildlife & National Parks - Venture into Kruger National Park and other reserves teeming with elephants, lions and rare bird species. Conservation here balances tourism with protecting ecosystems for future generations. Studying these parks is like taking a front-row seat to planet Earth's greatest show.
  10. Festivals & Arts - Feel the rhythm at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival or soak up creativity at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. These events showcase musicians, artists and storytellers from every corner of the Rainbow Nation. Exploring them highlights how art unites communities and sparks joy!
Powered by: Quiz Maker