Akasia

Akasia, Pretoria

In the northern part of the Gauteng city of Pretoria is a complex of suburbs called Akasia. This has been built on holdings once dedicated to agriculture and is surrounded by vast tracks of land that remain semi-rural.

The Orchard was the first suburb in Akasia and dates back to 1904. Originally developed as a township, the Dutch Reformed Church was its centre, with the neighbourhood expanding steadily around it. During the 1960's, Pretoria saw a growth spurt as a result of industrial growth, and Akasia gradually followed the trend as more people flooded into what is today known as Tshwane. When the Roslyn Industrial Complex was built in the following decade, Akasia surged, becoming a key area for the workers and their families.

Many of the rural agricultural holdings were turned into lovely residential spots and the neighbourhood was scattered with trees and verdant areas. After The Orchards, new neighbourhoods were developed. These included Amandasig, Chantelle, Flourana, and Theresapark. Today, there are tens of thousands of inhabitants living here, and the facilities and amenities to cater to these ones. Indeed, the entire area of Akasia has become less of a sleepy industrial town and more of a buzzing city.

The Wonder Park Shopping Centre is a hub of activity for the residents as well as for visitors who want to catch up on some well-deserved retail therapy. There are also two top-notch golf courses in Akasia. These are the Hillside Golf Course (Nina Park) and the Thonbrook Golf Estate (Theresapark). Those wanting to go out on the town at night can pay a visit to the News Café in Karen Park, or the Gaabo Motho Party Lodge in Amandasig.