Factsheets
Sedibeng District Municipality
Sedibeng Municipality is the southernmost region of Gauteng, comprising the Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal Local municipalities.
- The Vaal River and Vaal Dam region to the south provides much of Gauteng with water – and is one of Gauteng’s playgrounds
- Sedibeng covers the area formerly known as the Vaal Triangle, which includes the towns of Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Meyerton, Heidelberg and Nigel, as well as the historic townships of Evaton, Sebokeng, Boipatong, Bophelong, Sharpeville, and Ratanda, which have a rich political history and heritage
- Population : 805 436 (2009)
- N1, N3, and R59 highways intersect within the district, making it highly accessible
- The area is 4185km2 and the district extends along a 120km axis from east to west
- Sedibeng is home to several areas of irreplaceable and highly significant biodiversity, including grasslands and wetlands
- Sedibeng has extensive river frontage and wetland resources, while the dam averages a capacity of 4 570ha.
People and economy
Sedibeng District Municipality. Photo courtesy wikimedia.org
- Both mining and agriculture are considered primary economic sectors, while electricity, manufacturing and construction are secondary sectors
- Sedibeng is a major contributor to South Africa’s iron and steel industry; iron is mined and steel fabricated. Iscor in the major player and Indian multinational Tata is focusing on new production in the region
- Vast coal reserves in Emfuleni near Vereeninging are mined and subsidiary mining activities also take place
- Sasol, 10km away across the provincial border, is a major employer of Sedibeng residents
- The tourism industry is significant, both in terms of revenue generation and of employment
- The government sector is a major contributor in terms of developing parts of the region.
Attractions at a glance
- Vanderbijlpark is located along the northern bank of the Vaal River, adjacent to Emfuleni Park, a well-used recreation facility. The river hosts schools rowing regattas, while other activities include rafting, waterskiing and dinner cruises on the river – hosted by several operators
- Heidelberg’s Victorian roots are still in evidence and many buildings dating back to the period between 1890 and 1910 have been preserved. The Heidelberg Transport Museum features a fine collection of everything roadworthy, including penny-farthing bicycles, Model T Fords and Formula One race cars
- The Sharpeville Memorial was opened on 21 March 2002 by Nelson Mandela to honour those who lost their lives in the Sharpeville Massacre on 21 March 1960. The police station, where the protesters gathered 50 years earlier, is now a community centre that is being transformed into a museum as part of the township’s developing “Human Rights Precinct”, which features a memorial garden and new exhibition centre
- Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve in Midvaal covers an area of 11 595ha. The Suikerbosrand mountain range varies between 1 545m and 1 917m, and undulating valleys and high grass plateaux make for a diverse outdoor experience. An overnight hiking route with rustic accommodation is the best way to explore the reserve’s geography and biodiversity, and the Diepkloof Farm Museum on the property is worth a visit
- The Marievale Bird Sanctuary near Nigel is one of Gauteng’s best birding spots. It is home to about 65 different waterbird species and more than 3 500 birds, both local and migrant species. The 10km2 sanctuary forms the southern half of Blesbokspruit’s Ramsar (wetlands preservation) site
- The Alice Glockner Nature Reserve in Lesedi protects the vulnerable Heidelberg copper butterfly. The 168ha reserve is renowned for its grasslands diversity
- There are several conservancies in the region, designed to protect pockets of unique environment. They include Henley-on-Klip Conservancy, Thorntree Conservancy, Apple Orchards Conservancy, Klipriviersuikerschrans Nature Reserve, Tswelopele Conservancy, Welverdiend Conservancy and Klipkraal Conservancy
- Tourists looking for accommodation are spoilt for choice in Sedibeng. There are fine hotels along the river, and rural B&Bs, farmstays and lodges dot the countryside. Tel: + 27 (0) 16 450 3300 for more info.