South Africa is filled with abbreviations and acronyms that can be confusing for first-time visitors. This quick reference guide covers 101 of the most commonly used South African abbreviations and acronymns you’re likely to encounter during your travels in South Africa.
Key Takeaways
- Airport codes like JNB (Johannesburg), George (GRJ) and CPT (Cape Town) will help you navigate your itinerary.
- Know local currency ZAR (South African Rand) exchange rates and carry some cash for tipping and smaller purchases.
- Understand abbreviations for public transport like Gautrain, Metrorail, Uber, and e-hailing.
- Learn some abbreviations for major attractions like KNP (Kruger National Park) and V&A Waterfront.
Airport Codes of South Africa ✈️
- JNB – O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
- CPT – Cape Town International Airport
- DUR – King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
- PLZ – Port Elizabeth Airport
- GRR – East London Airport
- KIM – Kimberley Airport
- ULI – Ulundi Airport
- HDS – Hoedspruit Airport
- NTY – Pilanesberg Airport
- MQP – Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
- BFN – Bram Fischer International Airport (Bloemfontein)
- GRJ – George Airport
- UPT – Polokwane International Airport
- NEL – Nelspruit Airport
- UTN – Upington Airport
- ELS – East London Airport
- MGH – Margate Airport
- MBD – Mmabatho Airport / Mafikeng International Airport
- NLP – Nelspruit Airport
- PHW – Phalaborwa Airport
- PTG – Pietersburg Airport
- PZB – Pietermaritzburg Airport
- RCB – Richards Bay Airport
- ULD – Ulundi Airport
- UTT – Umtata Airport
- WVB – Walvis Bay Airport
Road Transport Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa 🚗
- e-Toll – Electronic Toll Roads
- N1, N2 etc – National Roads
- R101, R102 etc – Regional Roads (R stands for Regional)
- R – Short for Rand currency
- Uber – Rideshare/taxi service
- Gautrain – High speed transit train
Public Transportation Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa
- Gautrain – High speed railway
- Metrorail – Commuter rail
- MyCiti – Cape Town bus system
- Putco – Bus company
- WATA – Johannesburg bus company
- Minibus taxis – Shared minivans
Entertainment/Attractions Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa 🎡
- KNP – Kruger National Park
- V&A – Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (Cape Town)
- Sun City – Entertainment complex and casino
- Gold Reef City – Theme park in Johannesburg
- uShaka Marine World – Ocean theme park (Durban)
- Robben Island – Historic island prison site
- Table Mountain – Famous natural landmark (Cape Town)
- SanParks – National Parks conservation authority
General Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa 🗺️
- SAA – South African Airways
- SAPS – South African Police Service
- VAT – Value Added Tax
- ID – Identification Document
- ZAR – South African Rand (currency) 💵
- CPF – Central Provident Fund
- SIM – Subscriber Identity Module (cell service)
- Load shedding – Scheduled power outages ⚡
- Eskom – Electrical public utility
TV/Media Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa
- DStv – Satellite TV service
- SABC – South African Broadcasting Corporation
- MNET – TV channel
Political Parties Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa
- ANC – African National Congress
- DA – Democratic Alliance
- EFF – Economic Freedom Fighters
Shopping Centers
- V&A Waterfront (CPT)
- Sandton City (JNB)
- Mall of Africa (JNB)
- Menlyn Park (PTA)
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping (DBN)
- Canal Walk (CPT)
Provinces Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa 🌄
- EC – Eastern Cape
- FS – Free State
- GT – Gauteng
- KZN – KwaZulu-Natal
- LP – Limpopo
- MP – Mpumalanga
- NC – Northern Cape
- NW – North West
- WC – Western Cape
Cities and Towns Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa 🏙️
- JNB – Johannesburg
- CPT – Cape Town
- DBN – Durban
- PTA – Pretoria
- PE – Port Elizabeth
- BFN – Bloemfontein
- PMB – Pietermaritzburg
- RUST – Rustenburg
- PZB – Pietersburg
- JHB – Johannesburg
- Durbs – Durban
Cellular Networks of South Africa 📱
- Vodacom
- MTN
- Cell C
- Telkom Mobile
- Virgin Mobile
Banks Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa 🏦
- ABSA
- Capitec
- FNB
- Nedbank
- Standard Bank
- Bidvest Bank
- Sasfin Bank
Church Abbreviations and Acronymns of South Africa ⛪
- DRC – Dutch Reformed Church
- AFM – Apostolic Faith Mission
- RCC – Roman Catholic Church
- AMEC – African Methodist Episcopal Church
- ZCC – Zion Christian Church
