As the capital city, Pretoria offers a political perspective on South Africa’s heritage — along with some fun crafts and art.
Union Buildings
The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa. Finished in 1913, the Buildings are considered by many to be a South African architectural masterpiece. It is over 275m long and boast a semi-circular shape, with the two wings at the sides. This serves to represent the union of a formerly divided people. Especially notable are the terraced gardens surrounding the Union buildings which were planted exclusively with indigenous plants; as well as the 9 000 seat amphitheatre. Within the grounds are various monuments and statues. Bring a picnic with you to enjoy on the sprawling lawns.
- Address: Corner of Church and Leyds Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria/Tshwane.
Voortrekker Monument
The imposing granite structure stands sentinel over Pretoria/Tshwane, and commemorates the ‘Voortrekkers’ or ‘Pioneers’ – Afrikaners who left the Cape in the first half of the nineteenth century to make a new home for themselves in the interior. The Hall of Heroes contains the largest marble frieze in the world, and depicts scenes from the ‘Great Trek’. Depending on your point-of-view, the Voortrekker Monument is either an awkward apartheid relic, or a stirring memorial to the Afrikaans people’s resilience and hard work. In either case, it is essential to understanding South Africa’s history.
- Address: Eeufees Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria/Tshwane.
- Tel: +27 12 326 6770
- Website
Freedom Park
To get a rounded perspective of South Africa’s divided and contested history, we recommend that you visit Freedom Park after the Voortrekker Monument. Freedom Park, with its Garden of Remembrance, is located on a 52-hectare site on Salvokop Hill at the entrance into Pretoria/Tshwane. The Park is designed to reflect and commemorate South Africa’s struggle for a non-racial democratic society. The uphill climbs and winding roads serve a symbolic purpose: they represent the arduous road that South Africans had to travel to reach their destination of humanity and freedom. Golf carts are available for the disabled and elderly.
Address: Koch Street, Salvokop, Pretoria/Tshwane.
- Tel: +27 12 336 4000
- Website
Irene Craft Market
Top up on quality souvenirs at this popular fortnightly craft market every second Saturday. It makes for a great family outing, too, with plenty of entertainment for any kids. The craft market is set up in the shady gardens of Smuts House, the home of prominent and controversial South African twentieth century statesman, military leader and philosopher, Jan Smuts.
- Address: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, Irene.
- Tel: +27 12 667 1659
- Website
Pretoria/Tshwane Art Museum
South Africa’s first public art collection was started in 1872, and is now housed at the Pretoria/Tshwane Art Museum. It contains a representative sample of South African art, including urban and rural art, as well as traditional art and new media. It opens 10.00am –5.00pm from Tuesdays to Sundays.
- Address: Corner Schoeman and Wessels Streets, Arcadia Park, Arcadia, Pretoria/Tshwane.
- Tel: +27 12 344 1807/8
- Website