Die beslaggewing van dorpsontwikkeling en bestuur in Vanderbijlpark gedurende 1943-1952

Abstract

The great demand for steel production which had developed in South Africa during the ante-bellum period was one of the motivating factors for the decision to expand the existing lscor facilities. The possibility for expansion of the lscor Works in Pretoria was, however, limited. Consequently. a search for a new site elsewhere was undertaken. It was decided that a plate mill plant. the first unit of an integrated steel factory, would be erected. The site that was selected. was situated approximately ten miles to the West of Vereeniging. After meticulous planning, the construction of the plate mill plant, henceforth known as Vanderbijlpark Works, commenced in July 1952. In spite of many initial problems that were encountered, the first steel was rolled on the evening of 21 November 1943. Together with the establishment of the lscor plant, the town of Vanderbijlpark arose. Vanderbijlpark, the brainchild of dr. H.J. van der Bijl, was unique, because the layout of each residential and industrial area was pre-planned in detail prior to its development. Vesco. which fulfilled the role of town planner. was founded on 28 December 1944. The land which lscor did not utilise for its steel factory, was sold to Vesco. The latter tried to accommodate every requirement of its residents in the planning of the town. Owing to the long time that had e lapsed during the development and planning of the town layout. the first town areas were only proclaimed on 25 August 1948. Commercial and industrial development also increased rapidly. Initially. Vanderbijlpark fell under the jurisdiction of the Peri-Urban Areas Health Board. On 24 December 1946, a nominated Health Committee for Vanderbijlpark, consisting of six members. was formed. Before the founding of the Health Committee, Vesco took upon itself the responsibility of the creation of an infrastructure, together with managerial functions (and other related functions) in Vanderbijlpark. Gradually, the Health Committee took over these functions. Owing to a shortage of personnel in the Health Committee, Vesco agreed to perform tasks, such as the supply and maintenance of essential services, for the Health Committee. Employees of Vesco, lscor and Vecor were members of the Health Committee. Mr. Cecil Oldridge was the manager or Vesco and also the chairman of the Health Committee who ensured that there was good co-operation and communication between said committee and Vesco. Some residents asked for an elected management body, but the Health Committee. lscor and the Executive Council of the Provincial Council dit not comply with the request. Because of the extension of the town and the increase in function s and responsibilities, the Health Committee was increased to six nominated and three elected members in November 1950. It soon became obvious that the elected and nominated members of the Health Committee had many disagreements and differences of opinion . The nominated members were accused of being loyal mainly to Vesco while the loyalty of the elected members was vested in the Health Committee. Once again individuals and institutions requested the institution of a fully elected management body. The result was that on 25 January 1952 the Administrator of Transvaal informed the residents that Vanderbijlpark would be elevated to the rank of a municipality with an elected town council. On 19 October 1952 the first town council members were elected. Vanderbijlpark had attained autonomy and full municipal status.