Pretoria
Gauteng's two major cities are just 50 km apart, but could hardly be more different. Pretoria, or ePitoli as it is known in the townships, was unfortunately, for a period of time, the embodiment of staunch apartheid traditionalisms. But this sad time in the city's history has long since passed and Pretoria is now more of a bustling cosmopolitan city than the grave politically notorious place it once was. Virtually all that remains of this dull period in the city's history is the graceful governmental buildings that now dot the city. The Union Buildings with their immense and beautifully landscaped gardens are definitely worth a visit.
Pretoria is also known as 'Jacardanda City' with the local radio station being given the name 'Radio Jacaranda'. Why the emphasis on these beautiful purple blossoms? Each year the city literally changes color as millions of delicate little blossoms first coat the branches of trees and then fall to the streets and avenues that they line creating an incredibly beautiful scene. The entire city is filled with these beautiful trees that transform the face of the city for a few months each year.
Being the Administrative Capital of the country, Pretoria has also developed a substantial diplomatic community - most of which live in Arcadia and Hatfield, east of the city center. The current community of this busy metropolis is a good mixture of Afrikaans and English, Sotho and Ndebele speaking South Africans. There is also a very lively student and art scene supported by the large Pretoria University campus. Pretoria is has been dubbed by some as the Gay and Lesbian capital of the country and supports a thriving homosexual community.
If you are visiting Pretoria, you will find the grid layout of the streets quite easy to navigate. Some popular attractions have been Church Square at the city center, the Museum Mall which is a conglomeration of museums and historical buildings, the Zoological Gardens which are one of the best in the country, the Voortrekker Monument as well the Hartbeesport Dam. Just east of the city you will find Mamelodi township but you should only attempt to see it if you have a registered guide to assist you. Hatfield and Brooklyn provide some of the best venues if you are looking for a little evening entertainment. Pretoria is relatively close to the Johannesburg airport and is generally considered to be safer and more beautiful than its neighbor. Make sure that you visit this pretty city while in the country.
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