Vaal Project  /  History

Sebokeng
History

Established in 1965, Sebokeng (meaning "gathering place" in Sesotho) was built as a residential area for Black South Africans working in the industrial "Vaal Triangle."

Est. 1965 Vaal Triangle, Gauteng Sesotho: "Gathering Place"
A Timeline

Key Milestones

1965

Township Foundation

The township was founded with the initial construction of 18,772 houses to house industrial laborers working in nearby Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.

1983

Healthcare Infrastructure

Sebokeng Hospital officially opened on February 1, 1983, to serve the rapidly growing population of the region.

1984

Rent Boycotts

In September 1984, Sebokeng became a flashpoint for national unrest as residents boycotted rent and service tariffs, leading to clashes that catalyzed national civil unrest.

1990

Sebokeng Shooting

On March 26, 1990, police opened fire on anti-apartheid protesters, an event that led to the landmark Goldstone Commission inquiry into public violence.

1991

Vigil Massacre

Gunmen attacked a night vigil for community leader Christopher Nangalembe on January 12, killing 39 people and nearly derailing negotiations to end apartheid.

2007

Economic Growth

The opening of Thabong Mall in 2007 marked a significant post-1994 commercial development for the township.

Landmarks

Heritage Sites

01 Nangalembe Park

Nangalembe Memorial

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02 Thabong Mall

Thabong Mall

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03 Moshoeshoe Road

Moshoeshoe Road

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