Community Updates from Local WhatsApp Groups
- Karen Scheepers
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Potchefstroom Weekly Service Delivery & Safety Update 25 September to 8 October 2025
From broken cables to blocked drains, jack-knifed trucks to low water pressure, Potchefstroom’s community WhatsApp groups were once again a vital lifeline of real-time updates. Over the past two weeks, residents and councillors shared dozens of alerts, reports, and safety warnings. This roundup highlights key disruptions, safety concerns, and notices that shaped daily life across town.
🚧 Infrastructure Disruptions & Power Outages
Over the past two weeks, several neighbourhoods in Potchefstroom have faced intermittent power outages, largely attributed to ongoing cable faults, infrastructure repair delays, and cable theft. Residents in Beyers Naudé, Kampstraat, Klerkstraat, Bloemstraat, and Molenstraat experienced extended outages, with many reporting service disruptions in the early hours of the morning.
Local councillors, including Cllr Klopper and Cllr Madra de Bruin, were in contact with JB Marks electricity teams and continuously relayed updates regarding cable joints, faulty substations, and restoration estimates. In some areas, teams worked through the night to restore services.
Unfortunately, cable theft remains a persistent problem, with residents expressing frustration and suggesting community-led deterrents such as greasing poles or collaborating with local security.
🚨 URGENT SAFETY ALERT: Burned Railway Station
A critical safety notice was issued urging residents, especially students, not to enter the burned-down Potchefstroom railway station. Despite the attraction for photo opportunities, the site remains highly dangerous due to exposed live electrical lines. Tragically, another fatal incident occurred recently.
Investigations are ongoing, and pressure is being placed on Transnet to secure the area. Until then, residents are strongly advised to stay away for their own safety.
💦 Water Disruptions & Infrastructure Faults
Multiple reports emerged about low water pressure and sewage overflows, especially in the Nieuwe and Beyers Naudé areas. The issues appear tied to blockages at key manholes and possible leaks near critical zones like the hospital and railway lines.
JB Marks technical teams were reported to be working on temporary clamping of broken pipes, while longer-term repairs are still being scheduled. Water supply was expected to return in phases late at night after stopgap measures were implemented.
🐶 Community Updates & Lost Pets
Local groups helped reunite a dog that arrived at Laerskool Baillie Park with its possible owner after community members quickly identified where it might belong. Such responsiveness highlights the power of these platforms for small but meaningful neighbourly action.
🛑 Trimpark & Event Management Concerns
The planned Trimpark event on 4 October drew concern after it was revealed that some councillors were neither informed nor consulted. The event includes extended hours of operation (until 06:00 the next morning), raising noise and security concerns from neighbouring wards. Communication breakdowns between JB Marks Municipality and ward representatives were noted.
⚠️ Road Closures, Traffic Collisions & Marches
Several alerts affected traffic and public mobility:
R54 Vereeniging–Potch Road was temporarily closed for a forensic investigation following a head-on collision with fatalities.
A jack-knifed truck near Mooirivier Mall caused additional delays.
Notices about marches and protests on campus were shared in advance, helping residents and businesses plan accordingly.
🏘 Ward Communication & Group Structure
Councillor Klopper reminded residents in Ward 7 to use the correct sub-group chats for reporting issues. These platforms are actively monitored by ward representatives to ensure streamlined support and issue resolution.
🧠 Resident Engagement & Sector Meetings
Ward 22 councillor Zander Janse van Rensburg extended an invitation to local restaurant and club owners to attend a planning meeting aimed at aligning economic growth with community concerns.
📲 Continue using your ward’s official communication channels to report service interruptions, emergencies, or safety threats. These platforms help councillors and departments respond swiftly and track community feedback.
#️⃣ 🧾🚨⚙️💬
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