Pretoria: The Jacaranda City of South Africa

• HelloHaai
  [haa-ee]
• GoodbyeTotsiens
  [toh-tseens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [us-seh-bleef]
• Thank youDankie
  [dahn-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryJammer
  [yahm-mer]
• How are you?Hoe gaan dit?
  [hoo gahn deet]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [khood. en yai]
• Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht y ai-ngels]
• I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [ayk feh-stahn nee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil die spyskaart sien, asseblief
  [ayk vil dee spay-skahrt seen, us-seh-bleef]
• I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [ayk ayt nee flays nee]
• Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [geh-sund-hate]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [ayk vil us-seh-bleef be-tahl]

• Help!Hulp!
  [huhlp]
• Go away!Gaan weg!
  [kahn vehg]
• Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [bel dee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [bel un dawk-tehr]
• I'm lostEk is verlore
  [ayk is fehr-loh-ruh]
• I'm illEk is siek
  [ayk is seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ek wil koop...
  [ayk vil kohp]
• I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [ayk kai-k net]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [hoo-vayl kohs deet]
• That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [deet is tay dure]
• Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [kahn yai dee prees fehr-lahg]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [hoo laht is deet]
• It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [deet is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahlf teeyn]
• MorningOggend
  [oh-ghent]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mi-dahg]
• EveningAand
  [ahnt]
• YesterdayGister
  [ghis-tehr]
• TodayVandag
  [fahn-dahg]
• TomorrowMôre
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• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
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• 3Drie
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• 4Vier
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• 5Vyf
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• 6Ses
  [sehs]
• 7Sewe
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• 8Agt
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• 9Nege
  [neh-ghuh]
• 10Tien
  [teeyn]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is un/dee]
• What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vaht is dee ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn yai may vays (ohp dee kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ehr is dee foel-gende (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [un kah-uh-chi (nah)]

Pretoria, named after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, was founded in 1855. It quickly became the administrative capital of the South African Republic (ZAR). The city's establishment marked the Voortrekkers' quest for autonomy and their effort to create a new homeland in the interior of South Africa.

Pretoria played a pivotal role in the First Boer War (1880-1881), which was fought between the British Empire and the Boer settlers. The war ended with the Pretoria Convention, which granted self-governance to the South African Republic under nominal British oversight. This moment solidified Pretoria's position as a significant political center.

Completed in 1913, the Union Buildings are an iconic symbol of Pretoria and South Africa. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, they serve as the official seat of the South African government and the office of the President. The buildings are a testament to South Africa's transition from a colonial past to a unified nation.

During the apartheid era, Pretoria was the administrative heart of the regime. Key government offices and institutions that enforced apartheid policies were located here. The city's Union Buildings became a focal point of both the enforcement of apartheid and the protests against it, including significant events such as the Women's March in 1956.

On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This historic event marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy and reconciliation in South Africa. The inauguration was attended by dignitaries from around the world and symbolized a significant moment in global history.

Pretoria is a melting pot of cultural diversity, reflecting South Africa's rich heritage. The city is home to various cultural landmarks, including the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, and the Pretoria Art Museum. Each of these sites offers a glimpse into the multifaceted history and culture of the region, celebrating both its indigenous and colonial past.

Pretoria is known as an educational hub, housing some of the country's most prestigious institutions, including the University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology. These institutions contribute significantly to the city's vibrant academic and research community, making it a center of learning and innovation in South Africa.

Pretoria is served by two major airports: OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport. Both airports are located in Johannesburg, about 45-60 minutes by car from Pretoria. From the airport, you can take a taxi, use ride-sharing services, or rent a car to reach Pretoria. Alternatively, the Gautrain, a rapid transit railway, connects OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria via Sandton and Hatfield stations.

Pretoria has a variety of transportation options. The Gautrain offers quick and efficient travel within the city and to Johannesburg. Public buses operated by Tshwane Bus Services cover many routes, and minibuses are a popular and inexpensive option. However, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are more reliable for tourists. Renting a car is advisable if you plan to explore areas outside the city center.

The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Pretoria, especially Visa and MasterCard. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and tips. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but exercise caution and use machines located in secure areas like shopping malls.

While Pretoria is generally safe for tourists, certain areas have higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. Avoid neighborhoods like Sunnyside and certain parts of the Central Business District (CBD) after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid showing signs of wealth. Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Use taxis or ride-sharing services late at night instead of walking.

In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance or 10177 for medical emergencies. Pretoria has several hospitals and clinics, including the Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying expensive gadgets in public. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites. Remove your hat and keep your phone silent. Public Transport: Do keep your belongings close and be cautious of pickpockets. Don’t travel alone late at night. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, and it's polite to use titles like Mr., Mrs., or Dr. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like biltong and bobotie. Don’t leave a tip less than 10% in restaurants.

To experience Pretoria like a local, visit the Hazel Food Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and local delicacies. Spend an afternoon at the National Zoological Gardens or take a stroll through the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Engage with locals at the many cafes and restaurants in areas like Hatfield and Brooklyn. Understanding a few phrases in Afrikaans or local languages like Tswana can also enhance your experience.