Union Buildings & Nelson Mandela Statue
The Union Buildings in Tshwane (Pretoria) are the official seat of the South African government and the administrative capital of the country. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, they stand on Meintjieskop Hill overlooking the city , a magnificent example of Renaissance revival architecture and one of South Africa's most iconic landmarks.
On the manicured sandstone terraces in front of the North Wing stands the 9-metre bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, sculpted by André Roodt and unveiled in 2013 to mark the centenary of the building. This statue has become one of the most visited sites in Pretoria, drawing visitors from around the world who come to honour the legacy of South Africa's first democratically elected president.
The Union Buildings are surrounded by the Meintjieskop amphitheatre gardens , terraced, manicured grounds with sweeping views over Pretoria, indigenous plants, and peaceful lawns that are open to the public daily. The building itself is used for state functions, presidential inaugurations, and official receptions.
Nelson Mandela lay in state here in 2013. Visitors can walk the public gardens freely and photograph the Mandela statue. The interior of the Union Buildings is not open to general visitors but can be seen up close from the garden terraces. The site is approximately 5 km from Pretoria CBD and easily reached by car or Rea Vaya BRT.