Union Buildings — Attraction in Tshwane Ward 92

The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African Government and also houses the offices of the President of South Africa.

The large gardens of the Buildings are nestled between Government Avenue, Vermeulen Street East, Church Street, the R104 and Blackwood Street. The buildings occupy the highest point of Pretoria and it is a national heritage site for South Africa. This is the site for presidential inaugurations.

The Buildings are one of the centres of political life in South Africa; "The Buildings" and "Arcadia" have become metonyms for the South African government. It has become an iconic landmark of Pretoria and South Africa in general, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and an emblem of democracy.

There are lots of well manicured gardens with lots of indigenous plants in the square which makes it the perfect place for writers to write, lovers to pledge their undying love, friends to have picnics and share good laughter & memories, families to have reunions & bonding time and for strangers to meet & become friends. The atmosphere is serene here, nature caresees you with all its beauty and splendour. Apart from the fact that it is the seat of power, people are free to come in for public gathering, celebrations, protests and sight seeing where you can have a feel of the South African heritage.

Various monuments, statues and memorials adorn the well manicured lawns, including Delville Wood War Memorials, the statue of Madiba, the statue of the country's first prime minister Gen. Louis Botha, the wall of fame, etc.

Admission into the Union buildings is FREE! I had a wonderful time touring the buildings and taking pictures with the people that built the country and made it the South Africa it is today, they are the true and real super heroes. In addition, you can buy lots of South African arts and crafts at affordable price remember to price, bargain and negotiate. The view at night is amazing, you can stand and see the beauty of Pretoria across the sunset, what a lovely sight to behold!

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph​ over it ~ Nelson Mandela

Dont forget to follow @tourwithswagger and @gbogbo_swagger!

Take that...

The Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, are the official seat of the South African government and the offices of the President of South Africa. Designed by British architect Sir Herbert Baker, the iconic sandstone complex was completed in 1913 and serves as a symbol of the country’s democracy and governance.

Key Features of the Union Buildings: Architectural Marvel: Built in a neo-classical style with Cape Dutch influences, the buildings are 285 meters long and set in a semicircle, representing unity. Historical Significance: The site has witnessed many key events, including Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as South Africa’s first democratic president in 1994. Gardens & Monuments: Surrounded by terraced gardens, the Union Buildings feature important statues, including a 9-meter bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, symbolizing reconciliation and peace. Scenic Views: Located on Meintjieskop Hill, the buildings offer panoramic views of Pretoria’s cityscape. Public Access: While the buildings themselves are not open to the public, the gardens and surrounding areas are a popular spot for visitors, locals, and...

This icon must be visited and seen to be appreciated. The lovely manicured lawns are a real sight to behold. The colours of the flowers, plants and shrubs are exotic and add a festive atmosphere to the air. This magnificent building, the awesome Mandela Statue and atmosphere are all part of SA culture. However, it is not acceptable for our Government to ignore the plight of the San. By ignoring them completely, they have allowed the San to camp on the Union buildings grounds. While being sympathetic to their cause, it is not acceptable that our children are exposed to huge dagga plantations and open use of the weed. It is passing a message that it is acceptable to smoke the weed for recreational purposes and impressionable young minds then, without know the consequences, nor the limits thereof tend to abuse such. The State should negotiate with the San King and make compromises so that everyone lives in dignity and so that young children can be safely brought to enjoy this piece of history...