The capital city is thrilled to host the Tshwane Open. For the City of Tshwane it about “more than just golf”.

The Tshwane Open is an international event that draws global attention to Tshwane and the City uses this platform to showcase the many attributes Tshwane as a tourism destination of choice.

While the Tshwane Open is a great fit to promote lifestyle tourism, there is so much more to this wonderful city.

“Not only does this premier sporting event attract golfing fans, but it also exposes the world to the many facilities, attractions and cultural riches the city has to offer our visitors,” says the City of Tshwane’s strategic executive director for communication, marketing and events, Nomasonto Ndlovu.

The city of Tshwane blends a rich local culture and character with world class technology - all on the backdrop of natural splendour and architectural diversity. This green city has large tracts of land set aside for the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat.

The histories of all of the city’s people are reflected in its museums, architecture and monuments.

Sport, arts and culture, research and development, industry, learning and the business of running the nation are all captured in the daily lives of the Tshwane’s 2.5 million residents.

And it is well placed to promote business tourism, hosting a number of international conventions and conferences throughout the year.

Tshwane, has a long standing relationship with jazz music. Locals and visitors can listen to live jazz performances while enjoying a traditional African meal at many shebeens (pubs) in the city’s townships.

Atteridgeville, with more than 50 jazz clubs and nine established jazz bands, has earned itself the reputation of being the jazz capital of South Africa and the name "Soul City", while Mamelodi ("mother of melodies") lives up to its name. Its residents have given South Africa the original and unique style of music called Molombo jazz, originating from mbaqanga, traditional Pedi and Ndebele drumming, Zionist Baptist gospel music and the African jazz guitar. Mamelodi is home to world renowned musicians like Vusi Mahlasela, Don Laka, Dr Phillip Tabane and Malombo.

Beyond the townships and the music are the wide-open spaces where visitors can view African wildlife in their natural habitat.

Visitors can see the Big 5 up close a half-hour’s drive from the city centre, in the Dinokeng Game Reserve.

Within a stone’s throw of Tshwane’s city centre you will also find the Rietvlei, Faerie Glen, Wonderboom and Groenkloof nature reserves. These are all teeming with wildlife and indigenous vegetation and in Rietvlei you can even view game as large as rhinoceros.

The city also has a rich and varied cultural mix. Here you can find some quite space for reflection and contemplation at the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple in Bronkhorstspruit, the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere and the only one in Africa.

A visit to the temple is an aesthetic treat. The large scale of the front gates, the buildings and the steps to the temple are impressive. The elaborate architecture and large statues of Buddha are reminiscent of those seen in temples overseas and, as such, are unexpected in the farmlands of Bronkhorstspruit. On celebration days, like Buddha’s birthday, the grounds are festively decorated.