“Vaalpark Square, day four.” This is how Gert Janse van Rensburg starts his videos on social media. It remains day four, but every day something different happens. Gert is known for his unique projects in the Vaal Triangle. He recently bought the church building and grounds on the corner of Opperman and Prinsberg Street in Vaalpark. In the trees, there are colourful lights that immediately attract attention in the evening. “It’s for the Festive Season,” explains Gert.

“Closer to Christmas day we are also planning to have a Santa Claus for about three nights to hand out gifts to children.”

Gert prefers to spend his time outside and enjoys his new office – a cement bench under one of the trees. He is excited about his plans for the development. “Vaalpark Square will be situated here with a variety of shops. Even a drive-through water shop will form part of the shopping complex – this will be a first in South Africa,” he says. Gert is also planning to have, among other things, a boardroom that can be used by any organisation or business, free of charge, for meetings.  He explains that an app will be used for bookings in advance. “This way people can have their meetings here. It’s my way of giving back to the community.”

Before the construction commences, Gert and his team are busy fixing potholes in the road around the area, painting the street corners, and maintaining the lawns. “We anticipate planting trees and flowers on the middle man and cleaning it up neatly. We want to follow the example of Uncle Fanie (de Jongh) in Vanderbijl. He sets a good example for the town.”

With all this, Gert has one goal in mind – to make Vaalpark great again.

“The people of Vaalpark are special. Throughout the week my people fixed potholes and painted the street corners and people just stopped and handed out water and soft drinks. One resident even gave the workers hot dogs. It’s nice,” Gert smiles.

If everything goes according to plan, Vaalpark Square will open by the end of 2025.