Sedibeng - Southern Gauteng

The Southern Gauteng region of Gauteng encompasses the towns Meyerton, Heidelberg, the steel producing towns of Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark, and all their surrounding areas. All of the aforementioned towns, each of which used to be a separate municipality, have been incorporated into one new Southern Gauteng Municipality. The Vaal River is the province's main water source and water sports playground and dominates the region. The Loch Vaal reservoir, built in 1922, is a water system that provides Southern Gauteng over a billion litres daily.

Rural Southern Gauteng is dominated by the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve situated just to the West of Heidelberg. Suikerbosrand is an area of unspoilt highveld that covers some13000 hectares. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and includes 65 kilometres of roads. There are more than 80 kilometres of hiking trails that are all well marked and the visitors centre includes an auditorium where there are regular talks and seminars.

Heidelberg is a town situated some 40 kilometres from Johannesburg and it was established in 1865. The town was placed at the crossroads of the two wagon trails, one between Pretoria and Bloemfontein and the other between Potchefstroom and Durban. There is a Victorian manor in Heidelburg that was built in 1906 and still has the original wallpaper in most of its rooms. Of great interest to the visitor to Southern Gauteng is the Heidelburg Motor Museum housed in the old station building. The museum collection includes many vintage and veteran motor cars as well as all kinds of cycles and even includes Formula One racing cars.

Unlike many of the towns of the Witwatersrand the Southern Gauteng town of Vanderbijlpark does not owe its development on the discovery and production of gold, but rather on the expansion of the iron and steel industry in South Africa. The town is located alongside the N1 highway from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein and the Cape and this places many Free State towns within easy reach. The town is also situated on the banks of the Vaal River and hosts many a rowing regatta and other weekend water sports.

Vereeniging is another town in Southern Gauteng that does not owe its origin to the discovery of gold. It has its origins in the discovery of coal in the area in 1878. With some of the largest coal deposits in South Africa the town has become one of the country's largest producers of electricity. Also on the banks of the Vaal River, Vereeniging is also close to the Vaal Dam which has become a very popular sailing venue for Gauteng. Close to the town at Redan is the site of the Redan Rock Engravings, where there are hundreds of paintings and drawings on the sandstone cliffs. Both Stone Age and Iron Age implements have also been found in the area. At the Leeukuil Palaeontological Site are fossils of Glossoptoris, a plant species over 300 million years old.

Visitors should not come to the Southern Gauteng region without taking in the Vaal Meander. This was started some 20 years ago with the idea of promoting Artists and Crafters of the Southern Gauteng region. At several establishments in and around Walkerville you can find many examples of arts and crafts. There are handcrafted ceramics, stoneware and pottery, stained glass and cottage furniture, paintings, silverware, linen, soaps and candles, aromatic oils and esoteric goods, hand made writing paper and cloth.

Southern Gauteng is a treasure trove of places of interest, of all types of arts and crafts, of gift shops and collectibles. And if that doesn't please you, there is always the casino in Vanderbijlpark.

Sedibeng, located in the southern part of Gauteng, South Africa, offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors.

Here are ten things to see or do in this region:

1. Vaal River: Enjoy various water activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports on the Vaal River. There are also picnic spots along the riverbanks.

2. Emerald Resort & Casino: Located in Vanderbijlpark, this resort offers a casino, water park, animal world, and various dining options.

3. Sharpeville Memorial: Visit the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, which commemorates the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre that occurred in 1960.

4. Stonehaven on Vaal: A popular riverside venue offering boat cruises, dining, and events. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Vaal River.

5. Sylviavale Heritage Museum: Explore the history and heritage of the region at this museum in Vanderbijlpark, which showcases various artifacts and exhibits.

6. Riviera on Vaal Country Club: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at this scenic course located on the banks of the Vaal River.

7. Vaal Dam: A popular spot for water sports, fishing, and picnicking. It's one of the largest dams in South Africa and provides a serene environment for relaxation.

8. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve: A bit further north but worth the visit, this nature reserve offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and a chance to see various wildlife species.

9. Maccauvlei Golf Club: Another excellent golf course in the region, known for its beautiful fairways and challenging holes.

10. Aquapark at Emerald Resort: For family fun, the Aquadome at Emerald Resort offers an indoor water park with slides, pools, and various water activities.

These attractions provide a mix of historical, cultural, and recreational experiences that highlight the diversity and charm of the Sedibeng region.