Vaal News

BOPHELONG ENTREPRENEUR THABISO MTHABELA WINS JUNIOR BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
By Vaal News
BOPHELONG – Local entrepreneur Thabiso Mthabela has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to business after receiving the Junior Businessman of the Year Award at the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce Awards, held at Pont de Val on 25 July 2026.
Born and raised in Bophelong, Mthabela described the award as an honour and said it motivates him to continue striving for excellence.
"I feel honoured, recognised and appreciated. Awards are important for every individual doing a great job here in the Vaal. Being nominated alone motivates you to keep going and aim higher, so winning the award makes one a whole different person," he said.
Mthabela's entrepreneurial journey began after graduating with an Information Technology Diploma . Unable to secure employment, he chose to create opportunities instead.
"What drives me is purpose. I graduated with an IT Diploma from Vaal University of Technology and couldn't find a job, so I decided to create jobs instead of waiting for one," he explained.
Starting with no funding four years ago, Mthabela launched a Gas LPG business that has since expanded to two branches serving different communities. He later entered the food industry, gaining experience as a pie shop manager before establishing Dolly's Pies and investing in a bicycle business.
Reflecting on his success, Mthabela said resilience has been the key to overcoming adversity.
"I don't just run two businesses that support each other—gas powers the pies, and my IT background helps me build systems for both. I've survived two business break-ins in consecutive months and a house robbery involving five armed men. They took money, but they couldn't take my mindset. I'm still standing, and I'm still employing 10 people," he said.
For Mthabela, his proudest achievement is the positive impact his businesses have made in the community by creating employment
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VAAL NEWS | SPORTS

VAAL NEWS IS WATCHING THE WORLD STAGE

19 July 2026

As the football world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup Final today, all eyes will be on Spain's teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, as he prepares to face Argentina in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of his career.

At just 19 years old, Yamal has already established himself as one of football's brightest stars. Wearing the iconic Spain No. 19 jersey, the young winger has dazzled fans throughout the tournament with his pace, creativity and fearless attacking football.

Today's showdown against Argentina is more than just a final—it's an opportunity for Yamal to help write another chapter in Spanish football history against one of the world's strongest national teams.

Here at VAAL NEWS, we don't only cover local stories—we also keep an eye on major events shaping the world. From the streets of the Vaal to the biggest sporting stages on the planet, we see everything happening.

Kick-off: 19 July 2026
Match: Spain vs Argentina – FIFA World Cup Final
Player in Focus: Lamine Yamal
Age: 19
Jersey Number: 19

Stay with VAAL NEWS for more updates as the world's biggest football match unfolds.

NEWBORN BABY ALLEGEDLY FOUND ABANDONED IN SASOLBURG
SASOLBURG – A newborn baby was allegedly found abandoned in an open field in Sasolburg on Tuesday, sparking shock and concern among residents.
According to information circulating on social media, the infant was discovered wrapped in clothing and lying in the grass. Community members reportedly alerted emergency services after making the heartbreaking discovery.
The baby's condition and whether the child survived have not yet been officially confirmed. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and work to identify those responsible.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
VAAL NEWS will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Note: This report is based on true events and yet the authorities have been informed and still waiting independently to be verified by authorities.

🚨 VAAL NEWS | BREAKING NEWS 🚨

PASSENGER ESCAPES AFTER ALLEGED TRUCK HIJACKING ON N1 NEAR SEBOKENG

SEBOKENG – A passenger travelling from Welkom narrowly escaped after a truck was allegedly hijacked by eight armed men on the N1 highway shortly after Vaal Plaza near Sebokeng on Saturday.

According to the survivor, one of the suspects was armed with a firearm, although no shots were fired during the incident.

The passenger said the attackers appeared determined to kill.

“They came with a mission to shoot and kill. One of them got out while the others were still inside because a vehicle behind them couldn't get past. While that suspect was busy attacking the driver, I grabbed my bag and escaped,” the survivor told VAAL NEWS.

The passenger ran to nearby homes in Sebokeng, where residents assisted by providing a place of safety.

The motive for the hijacking remains under investigation. Police have not yet released further details regarding the incident or confirmed any arrests.

VAAL NEWS will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

📢 Update to Our Readers

To bring you even closer to the stories that matter, we will now be sharing videos and photos alongside our news coverage whenever available.

Our goal is to provide more accurate, transparent, and engaging reporting by showing events as they happen. Stay connected for regular updates, exclusive footage, and images from the stories we cover.

Thank you for your continued support and for trusting us as your source for local news.

VAAL NEWS | DEVELOPING STORY

Rumours Circulate About Possible Petrol Station Development at Bophelong Entrance where there was traffic lights now Stop sign
Residents of Bophelong are discussing rumours that a petrol station may be built on the former dumping site next to the football ground, near the traffic-light intersection leading into the township.
At this stage, VAAL NEWS has not been able to verify the information with the developer or the municipality, and no official announcement has been confirmed.
If the project does go ahead, many residents believe it could create employment opportunities during construction and once the station opens. Others are calling for transparency and want local communities to be kept informed if development plans are approved.
VAAL NEWS will continue following this story and provide updates once official information becomes available. There is precedent for development rumours in Bophelong not becoming reality, so it's worth waiting for confirmation before treating this as a confirmed project.

RAND WATER UNDERTAKES WATER PURIFICATION PROJECT IN BOPHELONG

BOPHELONG, VANDERBIJLPARK – A major water infrastructure project is underway in Bophelong, where Rand Water is reportedly constructing purification facilities and water-retention structures aimed at improving water quality and strengthening the local water supply system.

Residents have observed construction activity in parts of the township, with workers and heavy machinery involved in the development. According to information shared within the community, the project forms part of efforts to enhance water purification processes and ensure reliable access to clean water.

Community members have welcomed the development, saying improved water infrastructure could benefit residents for years to come by supporting cleaner water and a more stable supply.

The project is also expected to contribute to broader efforts to modernise water services infrastructure in the region as demand for clean water continues to grow.

Residents are hopeful that the development will not only improve service delivery but also create opportunities for local participation and employment where possible.

Further details regarding the project's scope, timeline, and expected completion date are anticipated as construction progresses.

VAAL NEWS will continue to monitor the project and provide updates to the community.

RESIDENTS UPSET AS EXT 9 PAVEMENT PROJECT PROCEEDS WITHOUT LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

BOPHELONG, VANDERBIJLPARK – Frustration is growing among residents of Bophelong Extension 9 after a pavement construction tender was reportedly awarded and work commenced without the employment of local community members.

According to several residents, they were hopeful that the project would create temporary job opportunities for unemployed youth and skilled workers living in the area. However, community members claim that most of the workers currently on site are not from Extension 9, leaving many locals feeling excluded from a development taking place in their own neighborhood.

"We welcomed the project because we thought it would bring jobs closer to home, but many of us have not been given a chance," said one resident who requested anonymity.

Residents have called on the relevant authorities and contractors to engage with the community and provide clarity on the recruitment process used for the project. Some community members are now demanding that local labour be prioritised for any remaining work opportunities.

The pavement project is expected to improve pedestrian safety and infrastructure in the area, but concerns over local economic participation continue to overshadow the development.

Community leaders are encouraging peaceful dialogue between residents, contractors, and municipal officials to address the concerns and ensure transparency moving forward.

Vaal News will continue to monitor developments on this story.

ACTING TRAINING 2026 second round
JOHANNESBURG THEATRE- Vaal don't let the opportunity pass-by let's get ready on the 27th june 2026 Joburg theater show up dressed comfortably no dress no skirts take your chances

Reported by Michael

LOCAL HERO SAVES CHILD FROM FLOODED DRAIN IN BOPHELONG

BOPHELONG, VANDERBIJLPARK — Residents of Bophelong are praising a local man after he risked his life to save a young child from a flooded storm drain following heavy rains on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident occurred near Extension 15 when 8-year-old Thabo Mokoena accidentally slipped into a fast-moving drainage channel while walking home from school. Witnesses say the child was quickly swept several meters downstream as terrified residents watched helplessly.

Without hesitation, 34-year-old Kabelo Ndlovu jumped into the rushing water and fought against the strong current to reach the struggling boy. After several tense minutes, Kabelo managed to pull Thabo to safety.

'I didn't think about the danger,' Kabelo told community members. 'I just saw a child who needed help.'

Paramedics examined both individuals at the scene and confirmed that neither suffered serious injuries.

The rescue has touched the hearts of many residents. Community leaders gathered later that evening to thank Kabelo for his bravery and selflessness. Neighbors described him as a humble man who is always willing to help others.

Thabo's mother, fighting back tears, said, 'Kabelo gave my son a second chance at life. Our family will never forget what he did.'

In a township often challenged by hardship, the act of courage has become a powerful reminder that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.

Residents are now organizing a community appreciation event to honor the local hero whose actions united Bophelong and inspired hope throughout the township.

Reported by Michael