Jobs in Vanderbijlpark

Around 60 percent of Vanderbijlpark residents are employed in steel and other metalwork factories, while the remainder work for government, a variety of private companies, within the retail industry, and/or in the service sector (i.e where businesses offer intanglible services such as entertainment, insurance, and banking, rather than tangible goods).

A significant challenge for Vanderbijlpark investors in commercial property is the extremely high land taxes in the region (making this kind of business endeavour, a game predominantly for the very wealthy), together with the extent to which they are generally required to take the matter of infrastructure maintenance into their own hands.

In July 2024, Business Day, Daily Maverick, and other top South African media sites reported on the decision taken by ArcelorMittal CEO Kobus Verster not to mothball the company’s long-steel operations in the Vaal Triangle – due to the success of various of its short-term initiatives, Transnet’s improved performance, the non-renewal of a scap export ban, and duties on imports that have sought to protect our local manufaturers.

For those employed here in the steelworks sector, and specifically at this, South Africa’s primary steel producer, close to 3 500 jobs at ArcelorMittal and as many as 80 000 jobs in the entire sector’s value chain were saved as a result.

While the average person working in the town earns around R199k each year, significantly more (say, R764k per annum and then some) can be earned in highly skilled technical and financial roles.

Further, Payscale reveals that a few of the most popular or sought-after jobs in Vanderbijlpark are those of an office administrator, an administrative assistant, a financial accountant, an engineering technician, an operations manager, and a human resources (HR) manager, while many residents in the town work for the likes of ArcelorMittal, Mediclinic, the Dickinson Group, the Vaal University of Technology, the Altron Group, the Department of Education, Jonsson, the North West University, Rand Water, and the South African Police Services (SAPS).

A glance at the Executive Placements jobs portal also sees medical jobs being advertised, such as that of a regional sales manager in the medical/pharmaceutical industry; marketing jobs, such as social media consultant roles; jobs related to the property industry, such as business development executives; and administrative jobs, such as that of a senior receptionist in the fitness industry.

Over and above the tertiary-level educational institutions mentioned as employers in the section above (together with Boston City Campus, CTU Training Solutions, NDS Training Academy, Pearson Institute of Higher Education, and Sedibeng College, among others), the Schools4SA website provides a comprehensive list of the area’s 28 government schools (20 primary and eight secondary facilities).

It is also home to five excellent private schools, i.e. the El Shaddai School, the Emmanuel Christian School, the Vaal Primary School, the Santa Maria Junior School, Curro Vanderbiljpark, and the Watershed Christian School, for those parents able to afford the typically pricey fees.

According to the Gauteng Tourism Authority website, Gauteng.net, as well as SA-Venues, a great deal of Vanderbijlpark’s charm comes from the approximately 500 000 trees that shade its streets; as well as the many lookalike workers cottages that were built by ISCOR between 1947 and 1964.

Pam Golding Properties advises that Vanderbijlpark is seeing a great deal of young buyers in the 30- to 39-year age group, as a result of a combination of factors that include: value for money, great amenities for young families and sociable couples, and a more laid-back ambience than what can be experienced in many of Gauteng’s busier centres.

“According to Lightstone statistics,” says Vaal Triangle area specialist Deidre Nel, “the median price of freehold homes in the region ranges from R950 000 to R1.195 million”, while those with more discretionary income can opt for large riverfront erven that range from about R3 million up to R6 million, or more.

Tripadvisor lists a selection of top Vanderbijlpark attractions, which include the Aquadome at Emerald Resort, the Sylviavale Heritage Museum (an “absolute gem to visit. Was amazed at what was on display – museum pieces are to die for and the old cars, bikes, bicycles and tractors – Wow!”), the De Garve Brewery (“you can taste the love in the beer”), and the Compu-Kart Raceway on Vaal.

While most of these venues may appear self-explanatory, the Aquadome provides a pretty incredible day out, with one reviewer describing it as “An indoor water wonderland. Non-stop fun, whatever the weather! Muster the courage for a slip down the water slides, or explore the shipwreck with friends. The less adventurous can relax (and laze in the sun), while taking a dip in the warm waters of the venue’s six heated pools… They have fully trained lifeguards who are on duty 24/7, so it’s not just fun – it’s perfectly safe too!”

There’s also a riverside venue called Liquid Lounge – which, as a family-run business of 15 years, could just provide the perfect way to experience a festive booze cruise for friends, or a romantic evening with your loved one, on the Vaal.

Additional must-dos include a trip to the Emerald Casino Resort, a regular game of golf at the Emfuleni Golf Course, taking in a major rugby match at Isaac Steyl Rugby Stadium or the horse racing at the Vaal Horse Race Course, and/or a wine tasting at Pont de Vaal wine estate.

For those who can’t sit still in their leisure time, and love to walk, jog, run, or cycle with others of a similar persuasion, you are invited to join the Nedbank Running Club Vanderbjlpark, which was founded back in January 2002.

Open to athletes and wannabe athletes at all levels (and across road running, cross country, cycling and multi sport pursuits), this club provides an easily accessible platform to practice a healthy lifestyle from its premises at Kollege Park Primary School.

Summers are long, warm, and mostly clear, while winters are short, cold, dry, and predominantly clear – similar to the rest of the Vaal Triangle. Weather Spark advises that when it comes to outside activities, your best bet in Vanderbijlpark is the period from late August until late April, with a slight break perhaps in the wettest month of December, when around 0.04mm falls on an average of 15.3 of the month’s 31 days. Year-round the temperature ranges between 0.5°C and 27°C, with few days being under -2.78°C or over 31°C.

Although SafariNow advises that there are a total of 14 malls in relative proximity to Vanderbijlpark, your likely choice is sure to be the Vaal Mall in the heart of the town – with its 150 stores and resaurants, and convenient trading hours of 9am to 7pm on week days, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Public Holidays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Check out the What’s On section of the mall’s website, so that you and your family don’t miss out on any cool events, movies, or competitions being held at the mall.

Among the people who are household names in South Africa, and have their roots in the town, are former South African cricket team coach Ray Jennings; Namibian supermodel Behati Prinsloo (who lived in Vanderbijlpark as a child before her family’s relocation to Namibia); 7de Laan actress Diaan Lawrenson (she played the part of Paula in the popular local soapie); and captain of the 1995 IRB World Cup-winning Sprinbok rugby team, Fancois Pienaar.

Although the Vaal Triangle boasts numerous restaurant chains, and you’ll certainly not go hungry on an evening out when it comes to portion size, there are also a select few incredible fine dining options – which you won’t want to bypass if judging (or indulging in) culinary mastery is a much-favoured pastime.

Your options in the area include Stonehaven on Vaal, the Horse and River Pub, Black Forest Grill, The Iron Restaurant, Villa Verde, High Stakes, Turn ’n Tender Steakhouse, and Farm ’n Sea Grillhouse. Chat to the chef, specify exactly what your tastebuds desire, and give your honest feedback afterwards. This will result in the foodie quality that you demand, in your neighbourhood of choice.