Dr Nelson Mandela called it a “people’s shrine”, while Thabo Mbeki referred to it as an “island of peace”. Since its doors opened in 2007, Freedom Park has indeed emerged as a place that captures the heart and soul of South Africa and one of the nation’s foremost heritage tourism attractions.

Situated on the picturesque Salvokop, the 52-hectar site currently features five individual function venues. With its award-winning architecture, breath-taking views of Pretoria and unsurpassed atmosphere, Freedom Park offers the ideal venue for all corporate events.

Freedom Park was conceptualised so we remember our history and what we went through as a nation.

Freedom Park is spectacularly beautiful, it offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view of our city and beyond, visitors are guaranteed to stand in awe at the contrasting view, offering the opposites of our world. Freedom Park grasps at the heartstrings and transports visitors from the everyday monotony to a mystical landscape where all dreams are possible.

Freedom Park is also fast becoming a perfect venue for every type of event. Perched atop a hill in one of the most breath-taking scenery stretching out below- Lauded for its effortless beauty, Freedom Park is the perfect hidden venue, to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the serenity and peace of the surrounding nature. Amidst the enchanting architecture, Freedom Park helps create unforgettable memories.

Its significance cannot be underestimated. Besides the beauty of Freedom Park it is committed to reconciliation and nation building amongst the entire South African population. We want to instil a sense of national pride in this icon of humanity and freedom. More importantly, we want to create awareness amongst the different communities that a site exists where those that died fighting for freedom and liberation in this country are being honoured.

The various different venues cater to all tastes and needs. The Amphitheatre is the ideal spot for an outdoor concert or national celebration, while the Uitspanplek provides a serene environment for a picnic. Planning a formal banquet or an award ceremony? Treat your guests to an experience they will not soon forget in the majestic Gallery of Leaders. For smaller meetings or corporate retreats, Freedom Park offers Moshate, a high-level hospitality suite that calls to mind the design of the various kingdoms in the South African landscape. The Sanctuary offers a serene environment. Ideal for faith-based gatherings and award ceremonies, this venue completes Freedom Park’s offering.

For more information, visit freedompark.co.za, email tours@freedompark.co.za, or call +27 (0)12 336 4020.

Passion and service excellence are the front and centre of hospitality says Mark Williams, the new general Manager at The Grillroom & Sushi Bar.

“The customer facing service of the restaurant needs to equally match the amazing food coming out of our pristine kitchen – our peerless backend” says Williams who trained at the Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland and obtained a BA Honours in Hospitality and Events Management.

The well-groomed restauranteur’s friendly nature and professionalism reflect his thirteen years’ experience as a manager at leading restaurants in South Africa’s economic hubs of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town.

He understands the importance of providing consistent quality dining experiences.

“The stakes are high in this industry, now more than ever, and the customer demands real value for money. Providing consistent high quality dining experiences is a non-negotiable,” says Williams.

The Grillroom & Sushi Bar’s head chef Jamie Sutherland says Williams brings an energetic vibe and elegance to the restaurant. “Williams is an effective communicator with intimate knowledge on operating both the front and back of house seamlessly and profitably which he shares selflessly with the team.’’

For more information, visit thegrillroomandsushibar.co.za, email admin@thegrillroomandsushibar.co.za, or call +27 (0)12 030 0013.

Whether you aim to be self-employed, an entrepreneur, be head of your own company or work for a non-profit organisation – Generic Management gives you the tools for success and it’s a great introduction to the realities of business.

Understanding management principals enables you to understand how people behave in organisations, and in leadership roles. 

At Capital Hotel School, we want our online Generic Management Programme to be a learning pathway for individuals seeking to develop and better their skills in various sectors and industries.

‘Multiskilled’ employees are sought after, especially now that versatility has become a workplace virtue.

Wherever your career might take you, professional development is essential at any level, and furthering one’s studies is paramount in advancing your career. Therefore, we are offering hard-working and dedicated individuals the opportunity to upskill themselves with a nationally accredited one-year programme.

This online programme is suited for:

• School Leavers
• Senior and Junior Management
• Entrepreneurs
• Small Business Owners
• Retrenched Employees

For more information, visit capitalhotelschool.co.za, email info@capitalhotelschool.co.za, or call +27 (0)12 430 5539.

A project by Tommaso Fiscaletti and Nic Grobler

“Hemelliggaam (Afrikaans for heavenly body) or The Attempt To Be Here Now” is a visual archive, composed of photographs, video, installations, text and sounds, that constantly moves between the reality of significant scientific sites and the imaginative fragments of old Afrikaans science fiction novels, with particular reference to one of the most existential and emblematic writers, Jan Rabie (with his books Swart Ster oor die Karoo (Black Star over the
Karoo) 1957, Die Groen Planeet (The Green Planet) 1961, and Die Hemelblom (The Heaven Flower) 1971).

“To look down, is to look up.” A selection from the “Hemelliggaam” archive is initiated by work from the Tswaing Crater and mining areas in Johannesburg. “The Hole” exhibition is a sitespecific installation at the Pretoria Art Museum.

Something archaic radiates from the local community in connection with their science and technology needs. This project explores this concept by looking at forms of awareness that are already active and cultivating more awareness through conversations, participation and reflection.

“Hemelliggaam or The Attempt To Be Here Now” follows a deeply existential line where the human beings (both the old and contemporary), through their own perception of the universe, are strongly connected with nature and the way it reveals itself.

Tommaso Fiscaletti was born in Cattolica in 1981. He grew up in Pesaro. He currently lives between Cape Town and Milan. He began working in a photographic studio in 2001 and travelled through North Africa and Eastern Europe, which allowed him to complete a number of reportage photographic projects.

Nic Grobler was born in Pretoria in 1979 and currently lives in Cape Town. Nic is a designer, animator and visual artist. His studies at the University of Pretoria in Information Design led him into the broadcast design field. His commercial work covers a broad range of artistic disciplines and he has contributed to award-winning local and international projects.

“There are legends, nobody will go there at night. It’s called the hills of the spirits.” (Tom Learmont, Science-fiction writer – In reference to the Tswaing Crater)

For more information, visit tshwane.gov.za, email art.museum@tshwane.gov.za, or call +27 (0)12 358 6750.

An end to TERS headaches?
17 March 2021, Tourism Update

Salary survey shows first shoots of turnaround
8 March 2021, Tourism Update

US, UK and Germany still the strongest source markets for Africa
5 March 2021, Tourism Update

COVID liability: What to do when COVID-19 strikes your hotel or guesthouse
1 March 2021, Tourism Update

Voortrekker Monument newsletter
March 2021