Pretoria is also referred to as Tshwane and is the executive (administrative) capital of South Africa together with Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). There are approximately one million people living in Pretoria, making it one of the largest cities in South Africa (overall the 5th largest metropolitan area with around 2.5 million inhabitants). Originally named Pretoria Philadelphia (means brotherly love in Greek), the official name of the city has been a subject of controversy for many years after continuous efforts to be changed to Tshwane which is already the area of the Metropolitan Municipality.
Pretoria is a colourful and vibrant city offering many tourist attractions such as The Voortrekker Monument, Church Square, the National Zoo and the magnificent Union Buildings located in the centre of the city (host of the inauguration of Nelson Mandela ceremony in 1994). The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and is home of the South African Biodiversity Institute. Most tourists coming to Pretoria choose to stay out of the city, getting a unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside and wildlife that is the soul of South Africa. Natural reserves, hiking trails and breathtaking views is what Pretoria and the African continent is all about really.
A total of 6 World Cup 2010 football matches are hosted in Pretoria, all in the 50,000 seats stadium of Loftus Versfeld. The South African team will face Uruguay on June 16 2010 on probably the most important game for the city of Tshwane.
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