Pretoria, the city of monuments

In the month of October, Pretoria turns violet when its masses of jacaranda trees come into bloom. Situated in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, north of Johannesburg, Pretoria has a compelling warm climate. It is also regarded as an icon representing South Africa’s Rainbow Nation, with the Union Buildings, Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument within eye-shot of each other. All three inform the visitor about the mixed cultures in the country.

The Voortrekker Monument was built in 1937 to commemorate the pioneer history of South Africa, and the Afrikaner Voortrekkers who departed north from the Cape Colony in the late 1800s. Built from granite stone on a hillside overlooking Pretoria, the monument was declared a National Heritage Site in South Africa in 2011.  It is one of the top 10 most visited cultural historical attractions in the country. The monument’s signature feature is the Cenotaph, the building’s central dome. Every year on December 16, the anniversary of the Battle of Blood River, a ray of sunshine shines through the dome and highlights the words “Ons vir jou, Suid Afrika” (“We for thee, South Africa”), at noon. Entrance is R40 pp.

A short car ride from the Voortrekker Monument is Freedom Park. In 2011 South African President Jacob Zuma, officially opened this road in an effort to join Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument. Freedom Park was built in 2007 to commemorate the multi-faceted heritage that is unique to South Africa. On display are various contemporary monuments dedicated to the country’s history, from pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid, and post-apartheid perspectives.  It’s well worth visiting the S’khumbuto section where the 697m Wall of Names is inscribed with the names of those who died during South Africa’s conflicts.  Entrance is R45 for adults and R25 for children, and guided tours start at 9am, 12pm and 3pm.

The Union Buildings is the home of the South African government and the office of the President of South Africa. On May 10, 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated here as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.  The Union Buildings is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements by the famous Sir Herbet Baker, and was completed in 1913. Access to the buildings is prohibited but the indigenous garden at the front of the buildings is open to the public.

Looking for something different? Pretoria will not disappoint. The city is the proud host of the largest zoo in South Africa, with a number of rare and endangered species. The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, or the Pretoria Zoo, charges R60 for adults and R40 children (2-15years). There are also night tours and overnight camping but booking is essential.

One of the City of Tshwane’s premier shopping malls, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre has more than 300 stores that offer a variety of South African and international brands. There are 37 restaurants that can meet any budget or food craving. 

• Tweet