South Africa General Knowledge Quiz!

By Reinhard Thiemann
Reinhard Thiemann, English teacher
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.
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, English teacher
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South Africa General Knowledge Quiz! - Quiz


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. 

    There are differences between African and European cultural concepts; name two of them!

  • 24. 

    Since the end of apartheid many things have improved in South Africa, name some of them that come to your mind!

  • 25. 

    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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  • 26. 

    What are the four racial groups distinguished by apartheid laws?

    • A.

      Caucasian, coloured, native/Bantu/black, Asian/Indian

    • B.

      White, coloured, native/Bantu/black, Asian/Indian

    • C.

      Bushmen, white, coloured, Asian/Indian

    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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  • 27. 

    Who stopped apartheid? 

    Correct Answer
    FW de Klerk
    Explanation
    FW de Klerk is the correct answer to the question "Who stopped apartheid?" FW de Klerk played a crucial role in ending apartheid in South Africa. As the President of South Africa from 1989 to 1994, de Klerk initiated negotiations with Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) to dismantle the apartheid system. He implemented significant political reforms, released political prisoners, and lifted the ban on ANC and other anti-apartheid organizations. De Klerk's efforts ultimately led to the peaceful transition to a democratic South Africa and the end of apartheid.

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  • 28. 

    Which party did FW de Klerk belong to?  

    Correct Answer
    National Party
    Explanation
    FW de Klerk belonged to the National Party.

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  • 29. 

    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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  • 30. 

    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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  • 31. 

    Which big improvement was achieved for the education system?

    Correct Answer
    free education, free schooling, free schools
    Explanation
    The big improvement achieved for the education system is the provision of free education, schooling, and schools. This means that individuals can now access education without any financial burden, making it more accessible and inclusive for all. This improvement ensures that everyone has equal opportunities to receive an education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By removing financial barriers, more individuals can now pursue their educational goals and contribute to society's overall development.

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  • 32. 

    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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  • 33. 

    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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  • 34. 

    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
    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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  • 35. 

    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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  • 36. 

    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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  • 37. 

    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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  • 38. 

    What is the name of the national flower of South Africa?       

    Correct Answer
    Protea
    the protea
    Explanation
    The protea, a particularly hardy and somewhat unattractive flower,
    is named after the minor Greek oceanic deity Proteus. The national cricket team is called the Proteas,
    as opposed to the Springboks (or Amabokoboko) - rugby; and Bafana Bafana - soccer/football.

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Reinhard Thiemann |English teacher
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.

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