Government Building sights in Africa
-
A
Union Buildings
These sweeping sandstone buildings are the headquarters of government and home to the presidential offices. They sit in an elevated position, surveying beautiful terraced gardens planted with indigenous trees and the city beyond. The gardens are often used for public celebrations and Mandela’s inauguration took place here back in 1994. Statues of a few former prime ministers inhabit the grounds, including an impressive General Louis Botha on horseback. There’s also a WWI memorial here, and a memorial to the South African police. The buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, are about a 2km walk from the city centre; alternatively, catch just about any bus heading east on…
reviewed
-
B
Tintenpalast
The road east from Alte Feste leads to the Tintenpalast, now the parliament building, which was designed by Gottlieb Redecker and built in 1913 as the administrative headquarters for German South-West Africa. The name means 'Ink Palace', in honour of all the ink spent on the typically excessive government paperwork it generated. It has also served as the nerve centre for all subsequent governments, including the present one.
The building is remarkable mainly for its construction from indigenous materials. The surrounding gardens were laid out in the 1930s, and include an olive grove and a bowling green. In front, have a look at Namibia's first post-independence monument,…
reviewed
-
C
Houses of Parliament
Visiting South Africa’s parliament can make for a diverting tour, especially if you’re interested in the country’s modern history. Opened in 1885, the hallowed halls have seen some pretty momentous events; this is where British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan made his ‘Wind of Change’ speech in 1960, and where President Hendrik Verwoerd, architect of apartheid, was stabbed to death in 1966.
Enthusiastic tour guides will fill you in on the mechanisms and political make-up of their new democracy. If parliament is sitting, fix your tour for the afternoon so you can see the politicians in action. Call ahead and present your passport to gain entry.
reviewed
-
D
Turnhalle
Built by Otto Busch in 1909, the Turnhalle was originally the practice hall for the Windhoek Gymnastic Club. In 1975 it was modernised and turned into a conference hall, and on 1 September of that year, it was the venue for the first Constitutional Conference on Independence for South West Africa, which subsequently - and more conveniently - came to be called the Turnhalle Conference. During the 1980s it hosted several political summits and debates on the way to Namibian independence.
It's now the site of meetings of the National Council.
reviewed
-
Altes Amtsgericht
Swakopmund brims with numerous historic examples of traditional German architecture. Designed by Otto Ertl, the gabled Altes Amtsgericht building was constructed in 1908 as a private school. However, when the funds ran out, the government took over the project and requisitioned it as a magistrates' court.
In the 1960s it functioned as a school dormitory, and now houses municipal offices. Just so no-one can doubt its identity, the words 'Altes Amtsgericht' (German for 'Old Magistrates' Court') are painted across the front.
reviewed
-
E
Parliament
The Parliament was originally built as a hotel in 1895, but was soon commandeered for army barracks. It has undergone several renovations since and is now used by the senate and legislative assembly. It's not normally open to the public, but requests to sit in the gallery during the fiery political debates can be arranged by ringing the Chief Information Officer (700181). You may also be lucky enough to join a free weekly tour.
reviewed
-
F
Fondation Houphouët-Boigny
Houphouët-Boigny's massive palace, where he is now buried, can be seen only from beyond its 5km perimeter wall. Sacred crocodiles live in the lake on its southern side and the keeper tosses them some meat around 17:00. The Fondation Houphouët-Boigny, on the south side of town, was built as the headquarters of the largesse-distributing association established by the former president.
reviewed
-
G
Kaiserliche Realschule
Kaiserliche Realschule, Windhoek's first German primary school, opened in 1909 with 74 students, but over the next few years enrolment increased and the building had to be enlarged. The curious turret with wooden slats, which was part of the original building, was designed to provide ventilation. The building later housed Windhoek's first German high school, and after WWII, served as an English middle school.
reviewed
-
H
Old Magistrates' Court
Although the Old Magistrates' Court was constructed in 1898 as quarters for Carl Ludwig, the state architect, it was never occupied, and was eventually drafted into service as the magistrates' court. The veranda on the south side provided a shady sitting area for people waiting for their cases to be called. The building now houses the Namibia Conservatorium.
reviewed
-
I
Buganda Parliament
Kampala has always been the heartland of the Buganda kingdom, and within the capital are a number of its impressive administrative centres and royal buildings. Most of these are located in and around Mengo. Buganda Parliament is located at the end of a ceremonial driveway leading from the Kabaka's Palace.
It is not open to the public.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Temple of Hathor
Although built at the very end of the Pharaonic period, the Temple of Hathor at her cult site of Dendara is one of the iconic Egyptian buildings, mostly because it remains virtually intact, with a great stone roof and columns, dark chambers, underground crypts and twisting stairways all carved with hieroglyphs.
reviewed
-
J
Buganda Court of Justice
Kampala has always been the heartland of the Buganda kingdom, and within the capital are a number of its impressive administrative centres and royal buildings. Most of these are located in and around Mengo. The Buganda Court of Justice is now the location for Uganda's National Court.
It is not open to the public.
reviewed
-
K
Forodhani Hotel Training Institute Building
Just up from the old Kilimanjaro Hotel (now the Kilimanjaro Kempinski) is the old Forodhani Hotel Training Institute building. It currently houses the Appeals Court, but enjoyed its heyday during the British era as the Dar es Salaam Club, when Evelyn Waugh would stop in on occasion for a drink.
reviewed
-
L
Victoria Hall & Gardens
Diagonally opposite Mnazi Mmoja hospital is the imposing Victoria Hall & Gardens , which housed the legislative council during the British era. The hall is not open to the public, but you can walk in the small surrounding gardens. Opposite is the State House, also closed to the public.
reviewed
-
M
Parliament House
If you fancy a look at how democracy works in Kenya, it's possible to obtain a permit for a seat in the public gallery at Parliament House - just remember, applause is strictly forbidden! If parliament is out of session, you can tour the buildings by arrangement with the sergeant-at-arms.
reviewed
-
Parliament Building
For a political view, head to the Parliament Building , which moved from Zomba in the mid-1990s to the palace of former president Banda on the outskirts of Lilongwe. At least this obscenely grandiose monstrosity is being used now - during Banda's rule he stayed here only one night.
reviewed
-
N
Town House
The Town House dates back to 1933. This primarily Italian Renaissance-style structure houses the mayoral, city council and town clerk's offices. The centrepiece of the gardens is a colourful floral clock and fountain. Free visits are available by calling the official number.
reviewed
-
O
Hôtel de Ville
Central Dakar has a few impressive colonial buildings. There's the Gouvernance and the Chambre de Commerce, both on Place de l'Indépendance. The stately Hôtel de Ville sits right behind, and a short walk north takes you to the elegant building of the train station.
reviewed
-
P
Karimjee Hall
Now closed to the public, this stately white building was the former house of parliament before the legislature was relocated to Dodoma, and is where Julius Nyerere was sworn in as president. Today it is used for parliamentary committee meetings and political functions.
reviewed
-
Sierra Leone Parliament Building
Sierra Leone's Parliament Building sits atop Tower Hill, close to downtown. If MPs are in session the police might take you in for a look. Next to the entrance is the foundation of the Martello Tower, built in 1805 to defend Freetown against Temne attacks.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
Police Station
A few blocks south along the waterfront is the picturesque Police Station, originally an Ottoman diwan (council chamber) and later the town hall. Photos aren't permitted, and it's not open to the public.
reviewed
-
R
Assemblée Nationale
The road has since been renamed Av Léopold Senghor, although most locals still refer to it by its old name. The Assemblée Nationale, with its modern glass façade, is easy to reach from here.
reviewed
-
S
Chambre de Commerce
There's the Gouvernance and the Chambre de Commerce on either side of Place de l'Indépendance, a remarkable space itself because it is huge, wide, lined by grand buildings and symmetrically laid out.
reviewed
-
T
Government House
Government House is a beautiful French colonial structure dating from 1738, although it was added to later. Outside it stands a typically solemn statue of Queen Victoria in full 'we are not amused' mode.
reviewed
-
Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas
Calle Heredad flanks the municipal gardens on the southern side of Plaza Constitución, dominated by the neoclassical Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas building, completed in 1908.
reviewed