The CODESA Walkway at Emperors Palace
A walk through not so ancient history is preserved and presented in The CODESA Walkway. Whether local or international guests, conference delegates or Emperors Palace guests, many have experienced the walk through South African history.
Located only a few feet away from the conferencing venues, this awe-inspiring walkway provides a look into one of South Africa’s most significant times. The CODESA (Convention for a Democratic South Africa) talks held at the World Trade Centre, now Emperors Palace, eventually led to a democratic South Africa.
In December 1991, political parties gathered at the World Trade Centre to commence negotiations for a political settlement in South Africa. This was to be the venue for formal talks for the next two years. The CODESA negotiations took place from 1990 until 1993 between the governing National Party (NP), the African National Congress (ANC), and several other political organisations. The negotiations resulted in South Africa’s first multi-racial election which was won by the ANC.
The CODESA Walkway is proudly housed in the heart of the South Wing in the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace, in what was the original area of the World Trade Centre where the negotiations took place.
Reviews
First, look down when you walk in: the interior walkways are paved with authentic Smart Stone Huguenot Cobbles, engineered specifically to replicate the tactile feeling of walking on real, ancient Roman highways. It is an incredible piece of immersive design that has stood the test of time since its inception.
Second, as someone sensitive to travel fatigue, the engineering here is spectacular. Despite being right next to major runways, the structural acoustics completely eliminate aviation noise. Furthermore, if you explore the convention wing, the rooms are named chronologically after Roman Emperors (Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius), featuring a highly advanced smart-lighting system that subtly shifts tone to help international travelers fight jet lag.
The multi-tiered security checks at the gates provide immense peace of mind, making it a safe, self-contained empire. From the manicured garden paths to the world-class service, it is a flawless, deeply thought-out destination. Don't just stop by for a quick game—take a moment to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship of the Palace of Dreams!
Hidden Details Most Guests Don't Know The Secret History of the Floors:
When the resort opened in September 2000, it was named Caesars Gauteng. The internal casino paths use custom Huguenot Cobble and Shepstone Pavers designed by SmartStone to precisely mimic the durability and texture of ancient Roman stone highways.
The "Imperial Court" Conference Subtext:
The major conference rooms in the South Wing are purposefully named after successive Roman emperors—Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius, Florian, and Romanus. They feature a hidden central smart-lighting grid that automatically shifts color warmth to match the biological clock of travelers suffering from jet lag.
The Multilayered Security Ring: Casual visitors often miss how tightly the security net is woven. Because of its position right next to O.R. Tambo International Airport, the property utilizes an advanced, continuous perimeter sweep and bag-screening protocol that keeps it significantly safer than standard commercial venues.
The Sound-Insulated Aviation Oasis: Despite being directly in the flight path of Africa's busiest airport, the structural glass and architectural roofing are uniquely engineered to absorb low-frequency jet engine vibrations, meaning you can sit in the gardens or sleep in the hotels in absolute peace
Where to find us
EMPERORS PALACE, THE PALACE OF DREAMS IS OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS A YEAR