About Pretoria

Pretoria is South Africa's administrative capital and the seat of the executive branch of government, its Union Buildings overlooking the city from Meintjieskop with sweeping gardens that host presidential inaugurations. Founded in 1855 and named for Boer leader Andries Pretorius, the city is also called Tshwane, the name of the wider metropolitan municipality that now encompasses it. Each October its streets and gardens turn purple with jacaranda blossom, a spectacle so associated with the city that Pretoria is nicknamed the Jacaranda City. It is home to the University of Pretoria and a cluster of research and government institutions, giving it a quieter, more institutional character than neighbouring Johannesburg, roughly 50 kilometres to the south.

Pretoria's arts calendar stays busy this season, anchored by Kaleidoscope running at the South African State Theatre and the multi-day Tshwane Youth Arts Festival showcasing the city's next generation of performers. Music lovers can catch the Neo-Soul Avengers Tour making its way through the city, while comedy fans have ANKLE MARC - Marc Lottering Comedy Show In Aid of the Carmen Stevens Foundation for a night supporting a good cause. Choral and orchestral audiences shouldn't miss the 2nd Unisa African Music Festival - Gala Evening, a celebration of African musical traditions at UNISA's Great Hall. Between theatre, festivals, concerts and comedy, there's a steady flow of things to do around Pretoria in the weeks ahead.