Articles

 

August 2026

 

 

Welcome to the First Edition of Vredefort Info!

 

Discover the latest local news, upcoming events, community stories, local businesses, attractions, and everything happening in and around Vredefort.

 

Your community, your stories!

                   

VREDEFORT

Destined to rise as a Model Town

 

A town with a rich heritage & a bold vision

Nestled within the Vredefort Dome, a World Heritage Site, the town of Vredefort holds immense historical and spiritual significance. Its name, meaning "Fort of Peace," reflects

its longstanding identity as a place of refuge, restoration, and faith.

 

At its heart stands a magnificent church, a beacon of spiritual heritage & unity, reinforcing the deep Christian foundations that

have defined this community for generations.

 

Today, this legacy continues through the Vredefort Hartshuis, which serves as an Isaiah 58 safe haven for the destitute.

More than just a shelter, it stands as a living testament to the town’s commitment to care, renewal, and transformation. With a high percentage of believers, Vredefort offers fertile ground for a movement that could inspire the entire nation.

The Cornerstone Movement:

A Call to Spiritual Renewal

Vredefort holds great potential to become a model town for the nation

with the vision for a Kingdom community. Founded in December 2023, the Cornerstone Movement unites men and women across nations and races in

pursuit of deeper spiritual engagement beyond traditional church settings.

A vision for Vredefort:

A City of Peace and Righteousness

hrough open discussions, shared testimonies, and mutual support, it fosters relationships and unity, aiming to restore not only Vredefort but all of South Africa.

The vision for Vredefort is clear and inspiring:

  • A spiritual capital of South Africa – Inspired by its name, heritage, and mobility of the Christian community, Vredefort is called to be the spiritual capital of South Africa, much like a modern New Jerusalem.
  • A Christian pilgrimage destination – With initiatives like the Good Friday Vredefort Kruistog, the town could become a centre of faith-driven tourism.
  • A fortress of peace – Living up to its name, Vredefort aims to embody reconciliation and unity, serving as a model for towns across South Africa.

Inspired by leaders such as Dr. Arno van Niekerk (Time to Rise) and Dr. Stephan Pretorius (Touching Africa), this vision is guided by biblical principles.

As Ezekiel 37 speaks of restoring God's people, and Ezekiel 48:35 declares, "The name of the city will be: ‘The Lord is there’," the question arises: Could a town today embody this promise? The answer

is a resounding yes.

Turning Vision into Reality

Practical Steps

Transformation requires action. To achieve this vision, the following practical steps must be taken: Fostering peace, reconciliation, and spiritual growth through inclusive community programs. Strengthening local businesses and community leadership to create a thriving economic foundation. Addressing unemployment through sustainable initiatives that uplift and empower residents.

The Role of Touching Africa 

A key driver behind this transformation is Touching Africa, an organization dedicated to community restoration based on sound operating principles with strategic leadership: Dr. Stephan Pretorius, CEO of AGES and Chairman of Touching Africa, is playing a pivotal role in positioning Vredefort as a significant World Heritage Site. Du Toit Malan, an expert in economic and community development, is expanding the vision across the Vredefort Dome, ensuring both spiritual and socio-economic impact. Cornerstone is the key player along with Touching Africa  and Ngwathe Community Participation Initiative NCPI, working in co-operation.

A Call to Action:

Join the Movement

Vredefort is at a turning point, poised to become a model town that inspires the entire nation. By aligning with eco-tourism initiatives, strengthening its local economy, and establishing itself as a centre for peace and reconciliation, it has the potential to transform lives far beyond its borders. This is a call to believers, leaders, and visionaries: Join the movement. Be part of the restoration. Stand with Vredefort as it steps into its divine calling—not just as a town, but as a light for South Africa and beyond. 

 

CONTACT DETAILS:

Johann Bloem:   083 626 3837

 

 

Cornerstone

 

God does not only save us—He transforms us. Peter teaches that every believer must grow spiritually by leaving sin behind and building their life on Jesus Christ.

 

Peter tells us to put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander (vv. 1–3). A healthy Christian life begins with a clean heart and a deep hunger for God's Word.

Jesus is the Living Stone and the Cornerstone (vv. 4–7). A building is only as strong as its foundation. Likewise, our lives are secure only when they are built on Christ. Those who trust Him will never be put to shame.

 

Examine your heart, desire God's Word daily, and make Jesus the foundation of every area of your life. When Christ is your Cornerstone, you will stand firm no matter what storms come.

 

“See, I lay a chosen and precious cornerstone... the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." — 1 Peter 2:6

 

By Prophetess Vkhaile