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  South African Government Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
  South African Government Quizzes, Trivia

South African Government Trivia

South African Government Trivia Quizzes

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These quizzes will test your knowledge on the various aspects of the government of South Africa.
9 quizzes and 113 trivia questions.
1.
  Great Political Speeches: Nelson Mandela   popular trivia quiz  
Fun Fill-It
 18 Qns
As Nelson Mandela stood trial in 1964 on the charge of sabotage against the Supreme Court, he stood in the dock and gave a speech in his own defence that told the world of the suffering of the African people against the government of South Africa.
Average, 18 Qns, Snowman, Feb 22 24
Average
Snowman gold member
Feb 22 24
54 plays
2.
  Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In Memoriam: 1912-2003 "Walter Sisulu was ready to go to the gallows defiantly singing of the freedom he knew would come, even if he had been murdered by the apartheid regime." -Thabo Mbeki
Tough, 10 Qns, jesus_geek, Dec 08 05
Tough
jesus_geek
252 plays
3.
  Biography of Nelson Mandela    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a revolutionary, soldier, political prisoner, president of South Africa, statesman and global icon of social justice.
Tough, 10 Qns, sw11, May 24 24
Tough
sw11 gold member
May 24 24
62 plays
4.
  A - Z of ZA: Politics   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
ZA is the international code for South Africa. This quiz covers a bit of the game we call politics.
Tough, 25 Qns, 51percent, Apr 13 11
Tough
51percent
660 plays
5.
  Nelson Mandela    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is all about Nelson Mandela. He is a wonderful man who campaigned long and hard against apartheid.
Average, 10 Qns, Lizzie997, Jan 04 21
Average
Lizzie997
Jan 04 21
1773 plays
6.
  Jacob Zuma - 100 pc JZ    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Jacob Zuma was voted as the president of the ANC in South Africa, in December 2007, beating Thabo Mbeki. One of the slogans used by his supporters is "100% JZ", to show their backing of their leader.
Average, 10 Qns, 51percent, Dec 22 15
Average
51percent
269 plays
7.
  Apartheid and South Africa    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
How much do you know about the Apartheid and South Africa?
Average, 10 Qns, rosefeather, Jan 03 19
Average
rosefeather
Jan 03 19
717 plays
8.
  Rhodes - Colossus of Southern Africa   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
For good or for ill, Cecil Rhodes left an indelible mark on Southern Africa.
Average, 10 Qns, arcane62, Nov 14 07
Average
arcane62
329 plays
9.
  Oliver Reginald Tambo    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In Memoriam: 1917-1993 "As you instructed, we will bring peace to our tormented land. As you directed, we will [free] the oppressed and [liberate] the oppressor. As you prayed, we will respond to the cries of the wretched of the earth." - N. Mandela
Tough, 10 Qns, jesus_geek, Nov 10 05
Tough
jesus_geek
272 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Jacob Zuma on HIV and AIDS: JZ knew beforehand that the rape complainant was HIV positive. How did he protect himself from the virus?

From Quiz "Jacob Zuma - 100 pc JZ"




Related Topics
  South Africa Cricket [Sports] (9 quizzes)

  South Africa Rugby [Sports] (4 quizzes)

  Mixed South Africa [General] (10 quizzes)

  South Africa History [History] (15 quizzes)

  South Africa [Geography] (24 quizzes)

  South African Foods [Hobbies] (7 quizzes)

  South Africans: Famous & Historical [People] (10 quizzes)


South African Government Trivia Questions

1. What is the reason that Cecil Rhodes left England for South Africa in 1870?

From Quiz
Rhodes - Colossus of Southern Africa

Answer: Ill health

Cecil John Rhodes was born in Bishop's Stortford in 1853 and suffered from ill-health all of his life. He was sent to South Africa, when a teenager, as it was thought the better climate would benefit his fragile health.

2. A - ANC, the largest political party in South Africa. What does ANC stand for?

From Quiz A - Z of ZA: Politics

Answer: African National Congress

The ANC won the majority of the vote in 1994, 1999 and 2004. It was founded in 1912, was banned in 1960, and unbanned in 1990. Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki have been the presidents of the country, as leaders of the ANC.

3. What race was Walter Sisulu's father?

From Quiz Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu

Answer: White

Many people do not know this. His father was Victor Dickenson, a civil servant.

4. To what tribe did Mr. Tambo belong?

From Quiz Oliver Reginald Tambo

Answer: Mpondo

Although much of the ANC's top brass was Xhosa, Mr. Tambo was born in Mpondoland.

5. In which country was Nelson Mandela born?

From Quiz Nelson Mandela

Answer: South Africa

Nelson Mandela was born in the small village of Qunu on South Africa's eastern cape in 1918. His father was a respected official in Qunu but later on he lost everything when he failed to complete the orders of a white magistrate.

6. What is the definition of apartheid?

From Quiz Apartheid and South Africa

Answer: A system or practice that separates people according to race or color

The word "apartheid" was derived from an Afrikaans word meaning "apartness". It was practiced in South Africa between the end of the 1940s and 1992, when it was officially abolished.

7. Jacob Zuma on Traditional Music: As JZ knows, there is nothing like a catchy song to unite your followers. So what is the title of his favourite song, which is sung by him and his supporters at rallies?

From Quiz Jacob Zuma - 100 pc JZ

Answer: Bring me my Machine Gun (Umshini Wami)

"Bring me my Machine Gun" is a song popularized by Umkhonto weSizwe's (MK) members during the apartheid years. MK was the armed wing of the ANC. JZ says that the song is about solidarity and remembering the struggles. His opponents say that calling for machine guns has no relevance in a democratic country, other than to cause violence. "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" is the national anthem of South Africa.

8. Cecil Rhodes returned to England in 1873 to study at university. Which one did he attend?

From Quiz Rhodes - Colossus of Southern Africa

Answer: Oxford University

Rhodes graduated in 1881 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He only spent two terms at Oxford in 1873 before ill-health forced his return to South Africa. His studies were postponed and from 1874 onwards Rhodes travelled back and forth between England and South Africa, studying for short periods at Oxford until he graduated some eight years later. It was whilst he was at Oxford that he attended John Ruskin's inaugural lecture, which turned his thoughts towards British Imperialism. Rhodes had earlier argued for Irish Home Rule.

9. B - Black Consciousness Movement. Which leader of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa was killed in police custody in 1977?

From Quiz A - Z of ZA: Politics

Answer: Steve Biko

Steve Biko helped found the South African Students' Organisation in 1968, which evolved into the Black Consciousness Movement. He played a role in organizing the Soweto Riots in 1976. The other names are made up.

10. Correctly pair Mr. Sisulu's tribal affiliation and the region where he was raised.

From Quiz Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu

Answer: Xhosa-- Transkei

While much of the ANC's leadership was Xhosa, Chief Lutuli was Zulu.

11. In 1940, Mr. Tambo was expelled from Fort Hare University. Why?

From Quiz Oliver Reginald Tambo

Answer: He was in a strike against the student government.

He was expelled along with Nelson Mandela and others.

12. Jacob Zuma on Marriage and Family: JZ says "I love all my wives and children and I'm proud of them". When he was married on 5 January 2008 how many wives/children did that make?

From Quiz Jacob Zuma - 100 pc JZ

Answer: 2 wives, 1 ex-wife, 1 late wife, 2 fiancées, 18 children

JZ is a committed polygamist. His first wife, Sizakele Khumalo, (no children), lives at his home-stead. Wife number two, cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, (4 children), divorced him in 1998. Wife number three, Kate Zuma, (5 children), committed suicide in 2000. Wife number four, Nompumelelo MaNtuli, (2 children), is his "city-wife". He has paid lobolo for two fiancées, one of which is the mother of two of his children. The balance of his children were born to girlfriends. He is rumored to have more children, but this has not been confirmed.

13. Cecil Rhodes made his fortune in the diamond mines of Kimberley, South Africa. What is the name of the company he set up in 1880 with his business partner Charles Rudd, to mine and market this commodity?

From Quiz Rhodes - Colossus of Southern Africa

Answer: De Beers Mining Company

De Beers today controls approximately 60% of the world diamond market. The company was named after the De Beer brothers who originally owned the farm that the diamonds were found on. They were elated to receive £6300, for the rather unproductive farm, having bought it from the Government 11 years earlier for £50.

14. C - Which political party, in 1922, used the slogan "Workers of the world, unite and fight for a white South Africa!"

From Quiz A - Z of ZA: Politics

Answer: Communist Party

The Communist Party of South Africa was founded in 1921, and was supported mainly by white miners. In 1924, they re-organised and "Africanised" the party. They have since built up a substantial black following, and are known as the South African Communist Party. The Communist party does not stand for election, although some of their members are in parliament due to dual membership with the ANC.

15. What level of education did Walter Sisulu attain?

From Quiz Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu

Answer: Standard 4 (6th grade)

"Whenever I cast my mind back I am struck by Xhamela's qualities. He had little formal education - he left school after standard four." - Nelson Mandela

16. What was Mr. Tambo's wife's name?

From Quiz Oliver Reginald Tambo

Answer: Adelaide

They were married in December 1956 during a recess from the Treason Trial.

17. Which President of South Africa ordered Nelson Mandela's release from prison?

From Quiz Nelson Mandela

Answer: F.W. De Klerk

F.W. De Klerk freed Nelson Mandela on February 11, 1990. Nelson Mandela and F.W. De Klerk set up the first multi-racial governement and later organized the first multiracial elections in South Africa.

18. Jacob Zuma on Women and Rape: In December 2005, JZ was charged with rape. He was found not guilty. What was his defense?

From Quiz Jacob Zuma - 100 pc JZ

Answer: Her style of dress showed she wanted sex, and as a Zulu man he had to satisfy her

Quotes from Zuma's trial: "She normally came to me wearing pants, but on that day she had on a skirt and she was sitting in a way that was not usual. Under normal circumstances, if a woman is dressed in a skirt, she will sit properly with her legs together. But she [the rape complainant] crossed her legs and wouldn't even mind if the skirt was raised very much," and "I was taught that leaving a woman in that state [sexually aroused] was the worst thing a [Zulu] man can do. She could even have you arrested and charged with rape." These statements angered many women's rights groups. During the trial, JZ's supporters would rally in front of the court, calling for the death of the complainant. Quotes from http://www.southafrica.to/people/Quotes/JacobZuma/JacobZuma.htm

19. Cecil Rhodes entered politics and in 1880 was elected to the Cape House of Assembly. Which office did he hold from 1890 to 1896?

From Quiz Rhodes - Colossus of Southern Africa

Answer: Prime Minister

Rhodes represented Barkly West from 1880 until his death in 1902. Rhodes envisaged a union of South African states, united under the British flag. To this end he set about uniting the English and the Boers. One way he did this was to restrict African access to education and to owning property in 1892. In 1894 he set up a new system of "native administration".

20. Where did Mr. Sisulu first obtain employment?

From Quiz Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu

Answer: In a dairy

He left for Johannesburg at age 15 after the death of his uncle in order to support his family. For more information on the various jobs he held, go to: http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/history/people/sisulu/biography.html

21. Where was Nelson Mandela held prisoner between 1964 and 1982?

From Quiz Nelson Mandela

Answer: Robben Island

In 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town, where he remained until his release in February 1990. In total, he was imprisoned for 27 years and 8 months.

22. Jacob Zuma on HIV and AIDS: JZ knew beforehand that the rape complainant was HIV positive. How did he protect himself from the virus?

From Quiz Jacob Zuma - 100 pc JZ

Answer: He had a shower after sex

Yes - he took a shower, claiming that it would minimize the risk of getting HIV. The irony is that in his election speech, he called for AIDS to be treated as a national emergency. He was also the head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on AIDS, before his dismissal from his post as deputy president.

23. E - Education, one of the biggest challenges in South Africa. Is schooling free (paid for by the government)?

From Quiz A - Z of ZA: Politics

Answer: Only at fee-free schools, in identified poverty-stricken areas

Officially, no child can be refused entry into a school, or results at the end of the year, due to non-payment, however this is not often adhered to. Some schools will allow discounts for poorer pupils. School fees for government schools vary from a few hundred rand for poorer areas to over R 10 000.00 for upper income areas.

24. What position did Mr. Sisulu hold at the conception of the ANC's Youth League?

From Quiz Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu

Answer: treasurer

He founded the Youth League in 1944 along with Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Peter Mda, Anton Lembede, and many others.

25. With whom did Mr. Tambo share his Soweto law office?

From Quiz Oliver Reginald Tambo

Answer: Nelson Mandela

It was the only law firm available where both of the lawyers were African, and almost always it was nearly impossible for them to get to their offices.

26. What year was Nelson Mandela born?

From Quiz Nelson Mandela

Answer: 1918

Nelson Mandela lived with his family until 1927, when his father died.

27. Cecil Rhodes' imperialistic visions meant that he annexed land in the African interior from the Matabele and Mashona tribes. This land was renamed Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia. Which two modern day countries occupy these lands today?

From Quiz Rhodes - Colossus of Southern Africa

Answer: Zimbabwe and Zambia

Rhodes set up the British South Africa Company which in 1889 received the Royal Charter which, amongst other things, enabled it to keep its own police force. With one eye on his imperialistic dreams and the other on business interests, using cunning and trickery he persuaded Lobengula, King of the Matabele to cede the British South Africa Company the sole rights to mine in his lands. Rhodesia, known today as Zimbabwe, began to be colonised by white settlers and Rhodes using the terms in the Royal Charter, quelled any unrest by the Africans and pushed on to establish Northern Rhodesia, known today as Zambia. He dreamt of a railway that ran from Cape Town to Cairo with a swathe of British controlled land either side.

28. F - What F is the segregationist political party that aims to protect the rights of Afrikaners?

From Quiz A - Z of ZA: Politics

Answer: Freedom Front Plus

The Freedom Front Plus is a merger between the Conservative Party, the Afrikaner Eenheids Beweging and the Freedom Front. In the 2004 general election, it won four seats on the National Assembly.

29. Mr. Sisulu got married in 1944. Who did he marry?

From Quiz Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu

Answer: Albertina Thetiwa

Adelaide Tshukudu Tambo was Oliver Tambo's wife. Albertina Sisulu was widely known as an ANC activist while Walter was on Robben Island.

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Last Updated Oct 26 2024 5:48 AM
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