Tshwane – Destination with a difference

Host city of the World Choir Games 2018 is a visitor attraction

World Choir Games 2018

Welcome to Tshwane, a panoramic city that offers its visitors many beautiful vistas that will enrich their stay at any time of the year.

Set against Meintjieskop, the Union Buildings, as seat of government and site of presidential inaugurations, is Tshwane's most iconic landmark. The cityscape from this majestic architectural sandstone building is indisputably one of the best in the world.

The spectacular gardens over which the buildings preside are an extensive park that is open to the public. The Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1910, is a monument to past generations of policy makers and the home of new ones. It was the scene of the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela in April 1994 as head of the Government of National Unity, undoubtedly the most memorable event in South African history.

Tshwane is named after a local chief of the same name. Tshwane is the traditional African name for this area which, according to legend, was used by the early African inhabitants who lived near the local Apies River under the chieftainship of chief Tshwane. Chief Mushi, the father of chief Tshwane, had moved from Zululand and settled in the area before the arrival of the Voortrekker, the Afrikaners who had trekked from the Cape Province during the 1830's. Another explanation for the Tshwane is that black migrant workers derived it from the word Tshwane, which means “we are the same because we live together.

Tshwane has established itself as a world-renowned meeting place of diplomats, government officials, business people and academia. The blend of architectural diversity, world-class technology and infrastructure and natural splendour treats the visitor to views of a modern African city rising from its colourful past.

Driving through the streets, visitors are treated to arts and culture icons such as the State Theatre in the inner city and research and development buildings such as the CSIR in Brummeria. The Unisa Muckleneuk Campus is one of several academic institutions scattered throughout the city and a welcome sight when entering the city from the south.

The character of this beautiful city is captured in a myriad of sceneries interwoven with the natural splendour of the fauna and flora in Dinokeng, the exquisite cultural expressions in the art and traditions of the people of Tshwane, the aromas of internationally distinguished cuisine blended with African flavours such as a tshisa nyama, braaivleis and pap, bobotie and chutney, boerewors and phutu with chakalaka (a vegetable relish), and oxtail potjie. Not to mention samoosas, magwinya or vetkoek, isidudu (pumpkin pap) and mashonzha (mopane worm) and, for the sweet tooth, melktert, koeksisters and malva pudding.

The 10th World Choir Games will be held from July 4 - 14, 2018. More information at www.wcg2018.com

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