About Vanderbijlpark

Vanderbijlpark was purpose-built in the 1940s by industrialist Hendrik van der Bijl and the Iscor steel corporation as a planned company town on the banks of the Vaal River, and its wide, orderly streets still reflect that mid-century design. It grew up around what is now ArcelorMittal South Africa's Vaal steelworks, one of the largest steel plants on the continent, making the town a cornerstone of the Vaal Triangle's heavy industry alongside neighbouring Sasolburg and Vereeniging. The Vaal River itself is central to local life, with the Emfuleni River Park and nearby resorts drawing residents for boating, picnics and riverside events. North-West University's Vaal campus adds a strong student presence that shapes much of the town's nightlife and event calendar.

Vanderbijlpark kicks off the coming weeks with a double dose of celebration: RAGFEST 2026 and the Vaal Kota Festival both take over the town on the same weekend. Families can cool off earlier with Splash & Glow at Aquadome, a glow-in-the-dark pool party for kids. Runners should mark their calendars for the Rand Water Vaal River City Marathon 2026, one of the region's biggest road races, while gaming and pop-culture fans have Purple-Con 2026 to look forward to at the NWU Vaal Campus. From festivals to fitness to fandom, Vanderbijlpark has a varied lineup ahead.