Union Buildings
The Union Buildings situated on Meintjies Kop, Pretoria are the official seat of the South African government. They contain the offices of the President of South Africa.
They will be best remembered as the place where South Africa's first democratically-elected president, Nelson Mandela, was inaugurated in May 1994.
These beatiful buildings, built from light sandstone, were designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker in the English monumental style and are 275 m long. They have a half-round shape, with the two wings at the sides representing the Afrikaans and English parts of the population.
The cornerstone of the Union Buildings was laid in November 1910, shortly after the Union of South Africa - for which the buildings are named - was formed.
Taking 1265 workers over three years to build, the structure was completed in 1913 at a total cost of £1 310 640 for the building and £350 000 for the site.
Also notable are the beautiful gardens surrounding the buildings (planted exclusively with indigenous plants) as well as the 9000 seat amphitheatre.
Referenced By
List of Presidents of South Africa | President of South Africa | Pretoria | Pretoria, South Africa
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