Pretoria is a progressive city whose charm lies in its harmonious blend of African roots and European traditions. It is a city where history meets 21st century style and development, where vibrant township scenes complement modern shopping centres.

 

Pretoria is an important industrial centre, with heavy industries including iron and steel casting as well as automobile, railroad and machinery manufacture.

The city has the second largest number of embassies in the world after Washington, D.C. It serves as the executive (administrative) capital city of the country.

 

Pretoria falls under the City of Tshwane metropolitan area and lies in Gauteng province. It incorporates 13 former local authorities: Pretoria, Centurion, Akasia and Soshanguve, Mabopane, Atteridgeville, Ga-Rankuwa, Winterveld, Hammanskraal, Temba, Pienaarsrivier, Crocodile River and Mamelodi.

The City of Tshwane metro area covers 3 200 km2 and is home to about 2.2 million people.

 

Event experience

The City of Tshwane plays host to numerous local, national and international sporting events. The most recent and memorable sporting events include the:

• 1995 Rugby World Cup

• 1996 African Cup of Nations

• 1999 All Africa Games

• 2003 Cricket World Cup

• World Tug of War championships

• World Junior Chess championships

• International Karate championships.