SAAF Airforce Memorial

This memorial situated atop Bays Hill adjcent the Zwartkop airforce base comemorates the airmen who died in various wars in which the country participated. The tiangular shapes resemble delta wings on aircraft. The inner building has various plagues and a small chappel.

Looking South over Pretoria

This view from Meintjies Kop on which the Union Buildings are situated looks South over Arcadia and Sunnyside. In the distance hill tops one can see the Telkom Communications tower on the left with Unisa in the middle. The Voortrekker monument stands perched on the hill top to the right. Johannesnurg, the largest city in South Africa is about 55 kilometers (35 miles) distant from this spot.

The Union Buildings gardens are in the foreground. The state presidents offices are in these buildings which are behind the position this shot was taken.

Out of Town

During a recent trip to Paris I visited the Louvre, the largest art museum in the world. I was quite fascinated by these giant paintings. And there were many of them. They were quite awe inspiring. Besides their size it was quite amazing at the amount of detail featured in the paintings.

Soccer Fever

Soccer enthusiam has hit town. With the conferation cup in progress in some of the new stadiums around the country, the excitement is building for the staging of the FIFA soccer world cup next year. These giant murals depict Chief Tshwane with a football. With less than a year to go before kick off, the finishing to the stadiums is taking place. And the country is preparing to host the event.

African Elephants

This small group of Afrcian Elephants mind there own business and graze in the African bushveld. In spite of their size, it's quite amazing how camouflaged they can be. Often one comes across a herd quite suddenly amongst the trees. It is only when there is some movement that you suddenly become aware of their presence. The broken tree in the foreground is a result of their action. Their powerfull trunks and tusks can snap branches and trees like match sticks. They do this to get to the fresh wood and bark which they chew.

During the winter months the grass is dry and the trees are devoid of leaves. The Elephants and Giraffe must reach the upper parts of the trees to get fresh green leaves. This shot was taken at a game park north of Pretoria near an area called Warmbaths. A distinctive feature of the African Elephant is their large ears which helps them keep cool.

Egyptian Goose

This Fellow did'nt mind my presence provided I did not come too close. This shot was taken in the Austen Roberts bird sanctuary. It is a closed park not far from the city center. Provision has been made for the public to view the bird life from a hide that overlooks a small lake. One can enjoy the quiet and solitude away from the city bustle and enjoy the sounds of the birds.

Little Church

This little church is sandwiched between tall office buildings and the Centurion lake close to the mall. It only seats about 10 people and has been a feature since the mall was built. The area surounding the church has transformed many time but this little building has been left intact with only it's immediate environs being improved.

Churches always seem to hold a fascination particularly with the architecture and the way they are constructed. There are many churches in Pretoria that have survived through the history of the city.

Winter in Pretoria

Magnolia Dell is a small quaint park in Muckleneuk which is not far from Loftus Versfeld, the rugby stadium. These willows, now devoid of their leaves, line the stream that passes a neat reataurant. This place of solitude enables one to relax. From time to various markets, like Art in the Park, are staged here. In the summer, the flowers bloom to yield a rich variety of magnificent colour.

FIFA Conferation Cup

Pretoria is ready for the Confederation Cup which starts on the 14th June 2009. Sixteen flags welcome players and spectators en route to Loftus Versveld stadium. Pretoria is one of the host cities for the tournament in which eight countries will participate. The countries are: United States, Iraq, South Africa (hosts), Brazil, Egypt, New Zealand, Italy and Spain. This tournament will be a precursor and show South Africa's readiness to host the FIFA soccer world cup in 2010.

Centurion Lake

A scene looking across the centurion lake and the amphiteatre. Centurion shopping mall is one of the many complexes that have been constructed in the rapidly growing area.