From world-class Pretoria showgrounds to a dilapidated mess

Loading player...
The City of Tshwane had grand plans to turn the old Pretoria showgrounds into a commercial mixed-use precinct. However, nothing has come of these plans. The Pretoria Show Grounds, which changed its name to the Tshwane Events Centre, was a world-class facility which hosted numerous events. In 2004, for example, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) decided to use its premises as its nerve centre before, during and after the April general elections. However, it has been so neglected and vandalised over the last few years that the IEC had to find a new elections results centre for last year’s elections. Phemelo speaks to MMC Corporate and Shared Services City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
16 Apr 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

No breath, no drive: Santaco moves to stop drunk taxi drivers

Imagine taxis that simply won’t start if the driver has been drinking. That’s the plan from Santaco, which is rolling out breathalyser devices across its fleet to crack down on drunk driving. Drivers will have to pass a breath test before setting off and retest along the way. With the…
15 Jan 4PM 16 min

Whistleblowers at risk: ActionSA pushes for tougher protection laws

Blowing the whistle on corruption in South Africa can cost you your life and ActionSA says that has to change. The party has unveiled a new “Fallen Whistleblowers’ Bill” aimed at strengthening protection for those who expose corruption and even rewarding them for doing so. This comes after the murder…
15 Jan 4PM 7 min

Two weeks in the dark: DA takes Tshwane power woes to NERSA

After residents and businesses in East Lynne were left without electricity for two weeks, the DA says enough is enough. The party is preparing a formal complaint to energy regulator NERSA, accusing the City of Tshwane of failing to meet its licence conditions to provide a reliable power supply. DA…
15 Jan 4PM 13 min

Music Feature: Building artists, not just hits

What does it really take for artists to thrive? In this week’s music feature, musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal dives into the idea of building a creative ecosystem that truly supports artistic growth. With music from Adele, Raye, Jessie J and more, the conversation explores creativity, sustainability and what the…
15 Jan 4PM 19 min