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OERu

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North-West University, our host for the OERu 2015 meetings, has three campuses: Potchefstroom, Mafikeng and the Vaal Triangle Campus in North West Province, South Africa. The OERu meetings will be hosted at the University conference centre in Vanderbijlpark close to the Vaal Triangle Campus.

Vanderbijlpark

Vaal river running through Vanderbijlpark

Vanderbijlpark is an industrial city situated on the Highveld of South Africa on the banks of the Vaal River, the largest tributary of the Orange River, South Africa's longest river. Vanderbijlpark is approximately an hour's drive from the OR Tambo International Airport. The organisers have recommend two accommodation options.

Weather in October is moderate with an average low of 14°C and average high of 27°C.

Quest conference centre

The OERu meetings will be hosted at the Quest Conference Centre operated in association with North-West University. The conference centre is located on Curie Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark (see map). Transport from the the recommended accommodation to the conference centre will be organised by North-West University.

Transport from the airport

Airbus taxing at OR Tambo International Airport

Vanderbijlpark is approximately an hour's drive from OR Tambo Aiport close to Johannesburg. There is no regular public transit service between OR Tambo Airport and Vanderbijlpark. Delegates can choose to make use of pre-arranged transport for arrivals on Tuesday 6 October 2015 or hire a car. Participants planning to stay on to attend the ICDE world conference may prefer to hire a car for sightseeing over the weekend on route to Sun City, or return to OR Tambo Airport to arrange transfers for the ICDE conference. We recommend that participants who are not familiar with driving in South Africa avoid driving after dark on unfamiliar routes. Please see read our safety tips.

Arranged transport for arrivals at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday 6 October 2015

North-West University will assist in arranging transport for delegates arriving at OR Tambo International Airport on 6 October 2015. Please send an email requesting transport with flight details and arrival times. This will cost R150.00 (approximately $13) and can be paid in local currency during the meeting. This service is only available for arrivals on Tuesday 6 October 2015.

Return to OR Tambo International Airport on Friday 9 October 2015

North-West University will assist with arranging bookings for return transport to OR Tambo International Airport on the afternoon of Friday 9 October 2015. Similar costs will apply and this can be paid in local currency during the meetings. The OERu Council of CEOs meeting will adjourn by 2.30pm. Please send an email to arrange transport to and from the airport. Delegates staying on in South Africa can arrange care hire at the airport. Visit the tourist attractions page for options to consider.

Car rental

Participants should make their own arrangements for car rental. We recommend that you hire a GPS for a nominal cost to assist with navigation. There are two main routes 1) Via the Sybrand Van Niekerk Freeway (R24) and then R59 or 2) the N12 and N1. Some routes have toll gates, however the major car rental companies equip their vehicles with the e-tags used for the E-Toll system in Guateng.

Accommodation options

There are two recommended accommodation options within driving distance from the conference venue. The University will arrange transport between the two listed hotels and the meeting venue in Vanderbijlpark. Participants staying at alternate venues, will need to arrange their own in-city transport.

1. Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal, Vereening. The University has negotiated a conference rate of R1510.00 (about $127) per day for a single room with breakfast included. When making bookings for the conference rate you must reference NWU: Luzzelle van Rensburg. You will need to be a representative from an OERu partner institution to qualify for the conference rate.
2. Emerald Resort and Casino on Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark. The resort has a range of accommodation options. Please consult the hotel website for rates.

Budget accommodation option

A small number of budget rooms can be booked at the Quest Conference centre which is within walking distance from the meeting venue. Please note that Dinner must be pre-arranged at the conference centre. A small number of chain restaurants (for example, Spur steakhouse, Ocean Basket, Panarottis Pizza) are located approximately 3kms from the conference venue. Please note that there is no public transport system with only a restricted number of metered taxi providers.