Geography Grade 10 Questions and Answers PDF Term 1: Facts in South Africa
1. Physical Geography
1.1 Topography
Q: What is the highest mountain in South Africa?
A: Mafadi Peak (3,450 m)
Q: Name the mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of South Africa.
A: Drakensberg Mountains
Q: What is the name of the large plateau that covers much of the interior of South Africa?
A: Highveld
1.2 Climate
Q: What is the predominant climate type in South Africa?
A: Temperate
Q: Which part of South Africa receives the highest rainfall?
A: Eastern coastal region
Q: What is the name of the dry region in the northwest of South Africa?
A: Kalahari Desert
1.3 Drainage
Q: What is the largest river in South Africa?
A: Orange River
Q: Name the river that forms the border between South Africa and Mozambique.
A: Limpopo River
Q: What is the name of the large lake in the northeast of South Africa?
A: Lake Chrissie
1.4 Vegetation
Q: What is the dominant vegetation type in the Highveld?
A: Grassland
Q: Name the vegetation type that is found in the coastal regions of South Africa.
A: Fynbos
Q: What is the name of the vegetation type that is found in the Kalahari Desert?
A: Succulent Karoo
2. Human Geography
2.1 Population
Q: What is the population of South Africa?
A: Approximately 60 million (2023 estimate)
Q: What is the most populous province in South Africa?
A: Gauteng
Q: What is the official language of South Africa?
A: Eleven official languages, including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa
2.2 Economy
Q: What is the main industry in South Africa?
A: Mining
Q: Name the major agricultural products of South Africa.
A: Maize, wheat, grapes, citrus fruits
Q: What is the currency of South Africa?
A: South African Rand (ZAR)
2.3 Government
Q: What type of government does South Africa have?
A: Constitutional democracy
Q: Who is the current President of South Africa?
A: Cyril Ramaphosa
Q: What is the name of the South African parliament?
A: National Assembly
2.4 Culture
Q: What is the traditional dance of the Zulu people?
A: Ingoma
Q: Name the famous South African musician who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
A: Nelson Mandela
Q: What is the name of the traditional South African dish made from maize meal?
A: Pap
3. Environmental Issues
3.1 Water Resources
Q: What is the main source of water for South Africa?
A: Rainfall
Q: Name the major dams in South Africa.
A: Vaal Dam, Theewaterskloof Dam, Gariep Dam
Q: What is the main challenge facing South Africa’s water resources?
A: Water scarcity
3.2 Air Pollution
Q: What is the main source of air pollution in South Africa?
A: Coal-fired power plants
Q: Name the major cities in South Africa that have high levels of air pollution.
A: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town
Q: What are the health effects of air pollution?
A: Respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, cancer
3.3 Waste Management
Q: What is the main type of waste generated in South Africa?
A: Municipal solid waste
Q: Name the major landfills in South Africa.
A: Holfontein Landfill, Ennerdale Landfill, Buffelsdraai Landfill
Q: What are the challenges facing South Africa’s waste management system?
A: Illegal dumping, lack of recycling, insufficient infrastructure
4. Case Studies
4.1 The Vaal River System
Q: What is the importance of the Vaal River System?
A: Provides water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use
Q: Name the major dams in the Vaal River System.
A: Vaal Dam, Sterkfontein Dam, Grootdraai Dam
Q: What are the challenges facing the Vaal River System?
A: Water scarcity, pollution, sedimentation
4.2 The Kruger National Park
Q: What is the largest national park in South Africa?
A: Kruger National Park
Q: Name the major wildlife species found in the Kruger National Park.
A: Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes
Q: What are the challenges facing the Kruger National Park?
A: Poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
5. Conclusion
South Africa is a diverse and fascinating country with a rich history and culture. Its physical geography, human geography, and environmental issues are complex and interconnected. Understanding these aspects is essential for comprehending the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa today.