About Vaal

The Vaal Triangle got its name from the triangular-shaped area formed by Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and Sasolburg – together they form a substantial urban complex in South Africa.

It was known as the Industrial hub of South Africa in the latter half of the twentieth century. More recently, particularly in the tourism industry, the use of the term Vaal has become common. The Vaal comprises the many towns and resorts which are situated in the vicinity of the Vaal River and the Vaal Dam.

Meyerton, just north of Vereeniging, is also generally included in the complex, and residents of Sharpeville, Boipatong, Bophelong, the greater Sebokeng area (including Evaton, Orange Farm, etc), Heidelberg, Zamdela, and Potchefstroom also consider themselves part of the Vaal Triangle.

The area straddles the Vaal River and is still a major industrial region, which is home to former Iron and Steel Corporation Iscor, now ArcelorMittal South Africa and Sasol, the steel and oil-from-coal processing facilities.

Nearby is the Vaal Dam, from which the massive PWV megalopolis (Pretoria, Witwatersrand and Vaal Triangle) draws its water.

The Vaal Dam is well-patronised by people from Johannesburg over the weekends and during holidays, as it provides extensive water recreation facilities some 70 km south of the city.