Gardens and Grounds
The building is surrounded by beautifully terraced gardens of indigenous plants. Various monuments adorn the expansive lawns, including the Delville Wood War Memorial and a statue of the country's first president, general Louis Botha.
The lawn in front of the Union Buildings are often the location for public gatherings, whether they be protest or celebration, such as the presidential inauguration.
Notable are the terraced gardens, planted exclusively with indigenous plants, surrounding the buildings as well as the 9,000 seat amphitheatre.
Within the grounds are various monuments, statues and memorials. Starting at the bottom of the gardens, a large statue of general Louis Botha (first prime minister of the Union of South Africa) on horseback dominates the lawn.
About half way up the terraces, the Delville Wood War Memorial is a tribute to South African troops who died during the First World War as well as a plaque in memory of those that died during the Korean War.
Two levels above that is a statue of prime minister J.B.M. Hertzog.
The South African Police Memorial is located at the top right of the gardens.
The South African National Film, Video and Sound Archives is also located in the grounds of the Union Buildings, adjacent to the Police Memorial.
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