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Reinhard, a former English teacher at A-level (Gymnasium) in Norderstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. His students undertook the task of compiling preparation materials for their final exams, focusing on Topic SA.
Quizzes Created: 1|Total Attempts: 27,418
Questions: 37|Attempts: 27,447|Updated: Nov 11, 2024
What do you know about South Africa? Take this South Africa general knowledge quiz to check your knowledge. South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa, and Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. Roughly 80 percent of South Africans are of black African ancestry and divided among various ethnic groups who speak different African languages. The quiz has questions about South Africa, which will give you points for a correct answer. To learn more, take this quiz, and don't forget to share it with friends.
Questions and Answers
1.
How many years did Mandela spend in prison?
A.
25
B.
27
C.
29
D.
33
E.
12
Correct Answer
B. 27
Explanation Mandela spent 27 years in prison. This is a well-known fact as Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for his anti-apartheid activism in South Africa. He was arrested in 1962 and was released in 1990, making it a total of 27 years. During his time in prison, Mandela became a symbol of resistance against apartheid and his imprisonment only strengthened the global movement calling for his release. Mandela's long years in prison are often seen as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
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2.
When did South Africa become a republic?
3.
South Africa has nine provinces. Please name three.
A.
Kwazulu-Natal
B.
Eastern Cape
C.
Southern Cape
D.
Free State
E.
Durban Province
Correct Answer(s)
A. Kwazulu-Natal B. Eastern Cape D. Free State
Explanation Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Western Cape, North West Province, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape
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4.
Who is Desmond Tutu?
5.
What did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission do?
6.
What happened during the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976?
7.
What was the Native Land Act about?
8.
When did Nelson Mandela become president?
A.
May 10th, 1994
B.
January 1st, 1995
C.
20th August, 1990
D.
December 1st, 1994
Correct Answer
A. May 10th, 1994
Explanation Nelson Mandela became president on May 10th, 1994. This date is significant because it marks the end of apartheid and the first democratic election in South Africa, in which Mandela was elected as the country's first black president. He served as president from 1994 to 1999, playing a crucial role in the reconciliation and transformation of South Africa.
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9.
Who won the Nobel Peace Prize “together” with Nelson Mandela?
A.
Desmond Tutu
B.
Frederik Willem de Klerk
C.
Tabo Mbeki
D.
Simon Peres
E.
P.W. Botha
Correct Answer
B. Frederik Willem de Klerk
Explanation Frederik Willem de Klerk won the Nobel Peace Prize "together" with Nelson Mandela. This suggests that both individuals were jointly recognized and awarded the prize for their efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation in South Africa.
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10.
What is the Freedom Charter?
11.
When was the Bantu Education Act published?
A.
1949
B.
1953
C.
1961
D.
1912
Correct Answer
B. 1953
Explanation The Bantu Education Act was published in 1953. This act was a South African law that introduced a separate and inferior education system for black Africans. It aimed to limit the educational opportunities available to black students and promote segregation. The act had significant long-term effects on the education and development of black South Africans, perpetuating inequality and discrimination.
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12.
What did the Bantu Education Act declare?
13.
When did the National Party win power and introduce apartheid laws?
A.
1912
B.
1953
C.
1961
D.
1948
Correct Answer
D. 1948
Explanation In 1948, the National Party won power in South Africa and introduced apartheid laws. Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that oppressed the majority Black population. The National Party implemented various laws that enforced racial separation, restricted the rights of non-white individuals, and institutionalized white supremacy. These laws remained in place until the early 1990s when apartheid was finally abolished.
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14.
What was the Native Land Act of 1913 about?
A.
Land was distributed to all races according to their number of people
B.
Divided Soth Africa into areas for Boers and Britons
C.
Devided South Africa into black and white areas
Correct Answer
C. Devided South Africa into black and white areas
Explanation cornerstone of racial segregation
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15.
What did Biko find in 1969?
A.
Umkhonto we Sizwe
B.
Congress of the People
C.
The South African Students’ Organisation
D.
Black Consciousness Movement
Correct Answer(s)
C. The South African Students’ Organisation D. Black Consciousness Movement
Explanation COPE, Congress of the People a political party formed in 2008 in South Africa by disgruntled members of African National Congress (ANC) which is the ruling party.
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16.
Umkhonto we Sizwe existed from ____to ____
A.
1961-1990
B.
1965-1990
C.
1989-1994
Correct Answer
A. 1961-1990
Explanation Umkhonto we Sizwe was the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, founded in 1961. It played a significant role in the fight against apartheid and was active until 1990 when the ANC and the South African government began negotiations to end apartheid. Therefore, the correct answer is 1961-1990.
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17.
Name 3 prominent members of Umkhonto we Sizwe.
18.
Which countries did Umkhonto we Sizwe operate from among others?
A.
Angola
B.
Libya
C.
Zimbabwe/Rhodesia
D.
Kongo
E.
South Africa
Correct Answer(s)
A. Angola C. Zimbabwe/Rhodesia E. South Africa
Explanation Units of ANC exiles had MK camps in the "frontline" states neighbouring South Africa, most prominently Angola where MK was allied to the MPLA government, and fought alongside Angolan and Cuban troops at the critical engagement in Cuito Cuanavale.[citation needed] MK fighters were also allied with ZAPU (rival to Robert Mugabe's ZANU) in then-Rhodesia, with FRELIMO in Mozambique, and with SWAPO in Namibia.
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19.
What kind of religious affiliation has the majority of round about 80%?
A.
Muslim
B.
Hindu
C.
Christian
D.
African traditional religions
E.
Non-religious
Correct Answer
C. Christian
Explanation The majority religious affiliation with about 80% is Christian. This means that the largest percentage of people in the given population identify themselves as Christians.
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20.
About what did prior president Thabo Mbeki and his health minister lie when they talked about a high mortality rate in SA? What were their explanations?
21.
The two biggest cities in South Africa are Cape Town and Johannesburg; describe the main differences between them relating society!
22.
What is the name of South Africa's national football team?
A.
The Springboks
B.
The Wombats
C.
Banana Banana
D.
Bafana Bafana
E.
Madiba adida
Correct Answer
D. Bafana Bafana
Explanation because: "boys boys"
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23.
Since the end of apartheid many things have improved in South Africa, name some of them that come to your mind!
24.
The ANC clearly won the first democratic election in 1994, how many percent did they really achieve?
A.
84%
B.
99,9%
C.
78%
D.
56%
E.
62%
Correct Answer
E. 62%
Explanation In the first democratic election in 1994, the ANC achieved a majority of 62% of the votes. This indicates that a significant majority of the population supported the ANC and its policies, leading to their victory in the election.
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25.
What are the four racial groups distinguished by apartheid laws?
Correct Answer
B. White, coloured, native/Bantu/black, Asian/Indian
Explanation The correct answer is white, coloured, native/Bantu/black, Asian/Indian. These four racial groups were distinguished by apartheid laws in South Africa. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the government from 1948 to 1994. The white group consisted of the descendants of European settlers, while the coloured group included people of mixed race. The native/Bantu/black group encompassed the majority of the population, consisting of indigenous African peoples. The Asian/Indian group included people of Indian and other Asian descent who had immigrated to South Africa.
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26.
The legislative capital of South Africa is ___________.
Correct Answer Cape Town, Cape town, cape town
Explanation South Africa has three capital cities, each with a different governmental function. Pretoria serves as the executive capital, housing the offices of the President and the Cabinet. Bloemfontein is the judicial capital, where the Supreme Court of Appeal is located. Cape Town, as the legislative capital, is home to the Parliament of South Africa, where laws are made and debated.
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27.
The _______ is a prominent mountain range in South Africa, known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.
Correct Answer Drakensberg, drakensberg
Explanation The Drakensberg, meaning "Dragon Mountains" in Afrikaans, is a majestic mountain range spanning over 1,000 kilometers in South Africa and Lesotho. It is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage, including ancient San rock paintings. The Drakensberg is a popular destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the natural beauty of South Africa.
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28.
What are the two major ethnic groups in South Africa?
A.
Venda and Ndebele
B.
Xhosa and Zulu
C.
Bushmen and Indians
Correct Answer
B. Xhosa and Zulu
Explanation The correct answer is Xhosa and Zulu. These two ethnic groups are considered major in South Africa due to their significant population and cultural influence. The Xhosa people are known for their language, traditions, and the prominent role they played in the anti-apartheid movement. The Zulu people have a rich history and are recognized for their warrior culture and traditions. Both groups have contributed significantly to the diversity and heritage of South Africa.
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29.
How many people are infected with HIV in SA?
A.
5%
B.
15%
C.
31%
D.
11%
E.
21%
Correct Answer
D. 11%
Explanation The correct answer is 11%. This percentage represents the proportion of people in South Africa who are infected with HIV. It indicates that approximately 11% of the population in South Africa is living with HIV.
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30.
_______ is the highest mountain peak in South Africa, located in the Drakensberg range.
Explanation Thabana Ntlenyana, meaning "beautiful little mountain" in Sesotho, is the highest peak in South Africa, reaching an elevation of 3,482 meters (11,424 feet). It is located in the Drakensberg mountain range, near the border with Lesotho. Thabana Ntlenyana is a challenging but rewarding climb for experienced hikers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
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31.
The ANC won the elections again in 2009. How many percent voted for it?
A.
71%
B.
59,7%
C.
65.9%
Correct Answer
C. 65.9%
Explanation In the 2009 elections, the ANC received 65.9% of the votes. This means that a majority of the voters, almost two-thirds, chose to vote for the ANC. This indicates that the ANC was able to maintain its popularity and support among the electorate, allowing them to win the elections once again.
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32.
Nelson Mandela wrote a book about his life, what is the name of it?
Correct Answer Long Walk to Freedom
Explanation Nelson Mandela wrote a book about his life titled "Long Walk to Freedom." This book chronicles Mandela's journey from his childhood in rural South Africa to his fight against apartheid and his eventual presidency. The title "Long Walk to Freedom" symbolizes the struggles and sacrifices Mandela endured in his pursuit of justice and equality for all South Africans. It serves as a powerful testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and democracy.
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33.
The war between Britain and the two independent Dutch colonies lasted from 1899 to 1902. The British won and both colonies got annexed. But what were the names of the colonies?
Orange Free State and__________
Correct Answer Transvaal Republic
Explanation The correct answer is Transvaal. The war between Britain and the two independent Dutch colonies, the Orange Free State and Transvaal, lasted from 1899 to 1902. The British emerged victorious, resulting in the annexation of both colonies.
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34.
Who fought in the first frontier war in SA in 1779?
A.
Indians and Afrikaaners
B.
British soldiers and Dutch settlers
C.
Xhosa and white Dutch settlers
Correct Answer
C. Xhosa and white Dutch settlers
Explanation The first frontier war in South Africa in 1779 was fought between the Xhosa people and white Dutch settlers.
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35.
South Africa is a diverse country. This is even reflected in the National Flag. Which two colours are missing on it?
A.
Black
B.
Purple
C.
Brown
D.
Pink
E.
Red
Correct Answer(s)
A. Black E. Red
Explanation The South African national flag is known for its vibrant colors, which represent the diversity of the country. The flag consists of six colors: green, gold, blue, white, black, and red. However, the two colors missing on the flag are black and red. The absence of these colors in the flag does not diminish the significance and representation of the diverse population and culture of South Africa.
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36.
Which significant event in the history of the struggle against apartheid occurred in March of 1960?
A.
Rivonia trial
B.
Soweto uprising
C.
Sharpeville Massacre
D.
Freedom Charter
Correct Answer
C. Sharpeville Massacre
Explanation The Sharpeville Massacre (12 March, 1960) took place when police opened fired on more than fifty people who were peacefully protesting against the Pass Laws. Most of the victims were shot in the back, indicating that they were running away, not advancing, when they were slaughtered. A Police Information and Careers Centre was opened on the site in 2004.
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37.
What is the name of the national flower of South Africa?
Correct Answer Protea, King Protea, king protea, Protea
Explanation The King Protea (Protea cynaroides) is the national flower of South Africa. Known for its large, striking flower head, it symbolizes the beauty and diversity of the country's flora. The King Protea is a member of the Proteaceae family and is native to the Cape Floristic Region. Its unique appearance and resilience make it a fitting emblem of South African natural heritage.
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