John Steenhuisen visits Potchefstroom: Calls for urgent action to rescue North West

On Thursday, 4 September, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen visited Potchefstroom as part of his oversight tour of municipalities in the North West province. His visit was part of the DA’s broader campaign to expose government service delivery failures and to present its six-point economic growth plan for rescuing the province.

Photo (Potch Gazette): John Steenhuisen addresses the crowd

Engagement with farmers at Lekwena Wildlife Estate

Steenhuisen’s day began with an address to farmers at Lekwena Wildlife Estate, where he outlined the DA’s six-point blueprint for economic growth. The plan focuses on repairing infrastructure, lowering the cost of living, ensuring reliable energy and water, creating jobs, attracting investment, and fixing broken municipalities. Farmers raised concerns about unreliable services, deteriorating roads, and water security, highlighting the impact on food security and regional economic stability.

Photo (Potch Gazette): Farmers speak out

Oversight at Potchefstroom train station and communal pool

The DA leader then conducted oversight visits to the Potchefstroom train station and the town’s communal swimming pool. At the station, Steenhuisen pointed to the burnt-out, derelict buildings and collapsing infrastructure as a symbol of the state’s neglect of railway services.

At the municipal swimming pool, Steenhuisen highlighted how neglected public facilities undermine community life, especially for young people. The once-thriving recreational space is yet another reminder of the JB Marks Municipality’s service delivery failures.

Photo (Democratic Alliance Facebook): The empty swimming pool

Photo (Democratic Alliance Facebook): John Steenhuisen at the Potchefstroom Train Station

Sewage flowing into the Mooirivier

Perhaps the most shocking stop of the day was in residential areas where Steenhuisen witnessed raw sewage not only lying stagnant but flowing directly into the Mooirivier. Residents voiced frustrations about health risks, intolerable living conditions, and the municipality’s lack of accountability.

Photo (Democratic Alliance Facebook): An image that is not new to Potchefstroom residents

Blueprint for change in North West

Steenhuisen tied these oversight visits back to the DA’s six-point economic rescue plan. He stressed that burnt train stations, crumbling roads, broken wastewater plants, and sewage leaks are all symptoms of failing governance.

Photo (Potch Gazette): John Steenhuisen addressing the public at Lekwena Wildlife Estate

Conclusion

John Steenhuisen’s visit to Potchefstroom brought national attention to the daily realities faced by residents and farmers under failing municipal management. His message was clear: without urgent intervention and a new approach to governance, North West risks further decline. Through its six-point plan, the DA aims to offer a credible and practical alternative to restore dignity, prosperity, and opportunity in the province.

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4 September in photos