By Stephan Lehman
Since its modest beginnings in the early 1900s, Edenvale has grown from a small village into a bustling town which has become a hub of activity.
Edenvale’s history dates back as far as 1903 when the Edenvale General Hospital was opened.
The town was only declared a municipality in 1942 when it obtained council status.
In order to learn more about Edenvale’s history, the NEWS sat down with former mayor Hennie (Hendrik) van der Walt.
The former SAA 747 pilot said he moved to Edenvale in 1967 from Potchefstroom and first became mayor in 1977.
He explained that Edenvale has changed quite a bit compared to when he first arrived.
“The area was open and underdeveloped. There were areas of open veld and trees. Now the town is developed,” said Hennie.
“At the age of 34, I was the youngest mayor elected to Edenvale. I still remember former mayor Molly Vincent telling me that if I buggered it up she would kill me,” said a smiling Hennie.
Although Hennie describes the role of mayor as being a ceremonial one, he explained that during his two terms as mayor, in 1977 and 1988, he played an instrumental role in developing the town and helping it to grow.
Some of the projects in which Hennie played a role as mayor, include:
• The redevelopment of Van Riebeeck Avenue which was just a tar road with no pavement lining it in the 1970s. Hennie had to go door to door to all the businesses alongside the road before the redevelopment could take place.
• The much-needed reconstruction of the Edenvale Library in the 1980s.
• Building the Edenvale Community Centre located at the corner of Van Riebeeck Avenue and Second Street.
Before the community centre was built, the town made use of the hall at the Edenvale Sports Grounds for all community events.
Hennie said before the new community centre could be built, a deal had to be made with the Edenvale Bowling Club.
“They sold us the land but the town council had to build new premises for the club. They built it up the hill, where it is situated now,” said Hennie.
Once the Edenvale council had the land they sold a part of it, namely where the Van Riebeeck Mall is now situated, and built the community centre where it is situated today.
When asked what the community’s response to the redevelopment was, Hennie just laughed.
“Edenvale residents are funny people. If you tax them they scream like hell but once you’ve built things, they protect them,” said Hennie.
Hennie said the only sore point for him about Edenvale was Horwood’s Farm.
“The town renovated the homestead and fixed it up. Soon after, a restaurant started using it but, once the restaurant moved out, squatters moved in. The whole thing has become a mess.”
Despite this Hennie thanked all the community members for their assistance and for taking care of the homestead.
When he looks at the development which has taken place in Edenvale, Hennie wonders if Edenvale residents are still interested in their heritage.
“Everyone lives in their little compartments behind high walls.”
He said the once cohesive spirit found in Edenvale has disappeared.
“Back in the day when there was a market or a community event, everyone would go to it. Now you are lucky if you see your neighbour,” said Hennie.
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