Inside Vosloo Park’s collapse along the Vaal River

Vosloo Park in Vereeniging was once a popular family destination along the Vaal River — a place for fishing, braais, cycling and recreation. Today, residents describe it as a park in severe decline, marked by pollution, vandalism, illegal dumping and deteriorating infrastructure. Local nature conservationist Mike Maxwell says the Klip River is heavily polluted, trees are being destroyed, and sections of the park have become unsafe due to illegal activity and lack of maintenance. This report explores how one of the Vaal’s once-loved public spaces has changed — and whether it can still be restored.