Thousands witness Munitoria implosion

Pretoria residents thronged to the Union Buildings on Sunday to witness the implosion of the City of Tshwane’s old headquarters, the Munitoria.

The 44-year-old building in the city centre tumbled down at midday in a thunderous blast, followed by large billows of smoke and dust.

The building, which had been wrapped in a blast curtain, was demolished to pave the way for a new municipal headquarters, named Tshwane House.

The structure had been damaged by fire on different occasions.

Residents and tourists parked their cars on the streets as they rushed to capture the destruction. Thousands gathered at the Union Buildings lawns owing to its elevation.

Most streets in the city had been cordoned off and many police officers were patrolling the area near the Munitoria.

Tshwane House will be built in partnership with a business consortium.

The consortium includes Standard Bank, Nedbank, Group 5 and an assortment of smaller partners.