Potch Gazette - July 2025 Edition

Johané
Jul 25
15 min read

In this edition

29 Kock Street: Alleged Illegal Guesthouse
Love Potch and JB Marks Municipality Unite
Ikageng Cricket Hub Reborn
Urgent intervention needed at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital
StroomCares: Celebrating Mandela Day 2025
Ons maandelikse gebeurteniskalender hou jou op hoogte van alles wat gebeur
PAWS Haven: A fresh start for animal welfare under new management
Gimmies skitter op sportveld en verhoog
Volkies: Wilson Sport borg tekkies en word verteenwoordig by Karkloof Youth Festival
Saints Christian School: 0/13 krieketspan wen vier van hul ses wedstryde
Hoërskool Wesvalia: Krieket en Atletiek wat Inspirasie Gee
Klerksdorp Hoërskool: Rugby en Netbal Sterre
Internasionale Glorie: Klerksdorp School of Gymnastics
Gimmies se Andrea Steynberg verteenwoordig S-A in Nigerië
A Closer Look at the 2025 Ford Ranger 2.0 Single Turbo XLT – Smart Value in a Rugged Package

29 Kock Street: Alleged Illegal Guesthouse Operation in Potchefstroom

Despite lacking proper registration, a guesthouse at 29 Kock Street continues to operate openly; listed on Booking.com and promoted across various online platforms. This article investigates the ongoing contravention and its implications for the Potchefstroom community.

We were made aware of this facility, advertised as Potch Guest House, by Ward 15 Councillor, Madra de Bruin, after they had contacted the JB Marks Municipality and sent a formal letter on the 24th of November 2024 already, but had received no response whatsoever. Having heard nothing still, we reached out to Councillor Swarts regarding this matter. The Communications Department replied to our query about this serious issue, where they informed us that: “The owner has been served with two notices to remedy illegal land use. The first notice was [issued] on the 11th of December 2024.” When asked whether any action had been taken by the owner, we received no response to this day.

The letter, composed and compiled by various members of the community alongside Councillor de Bruin, was handed over to the JB Marks Municipality on the 24th of November 2024. This letter was addressed to the office of the Speaker, the office of the Municipal Manager, and the office of the Executive Mayor.

This letter states that the guesthouse has been operating as such without any formal application, approval, or input from the ward committee - as required by law. Before registering and operating as any company and/or business, there are certain boxes that need to be checked across the board. The participating ward members requested proof of zoning compliance, evidence of approved applications, sewerage capacity study, and a traffic impact study in the letter to Mr. Melamu, to no avail.

The guesthouse is situated on the corner of Kock and Smit Street, and due to there being no traffic impact study, there is nearly a collision every day, as The High School for Girls Potchefstroom is right across the street as well.

We headed over to Booking.com to take a look at this establishment and we were shocked for two reasons:

How did this establishment manage to register on this platform?
How is this guesthouse still operating?

There are certain requirements needed before an individual can register an establishment on Booking.com, the first being legal compliance. It clearly states that “the accommodation must be registered with relevant tax authorities and comply with all permits, licenses, and other governmental authorizations”.

So how did this guesthouse manage to either evade these requirements or falsify the documents? In a country where fraud is at the order of the day, it’s not hard to imagine how the owners managed these ‘loopholes’.

The reviews of Potch Guest House are not great either. Although there were some guests who praised the establishment, the majority had very bad experiences and didn’t shy away from sharing their experiences and warning other potential guests.

Some guests even went so far as to suggest that they be closed down. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been opened in the first place. The owners and/or management team are very passive aggressive when it comes to replying to these reviews, even though Booking.com prides itself on “100% real reviews”.

A picture is worth a thousand words, yet we were left speechless after reading only a few reviews and taking a look at the photos that real guests posted and shared on this booking platform.

It seems that the guesthouse is still operating, despite the horrendous reviews and cries from the community. Apart from all the legalities, the building is also an eyesore,

"The property's exterior has deteriorated substantially, negatively impacting the neighbourhood's aesthetic and property values."

This is an ongoing story, as Councillor Madra keeps on following up with Councillor Swarts and relevant parties, but is left with nothing but radio silence.

We hope to update you with some positive feedback from the JB Marks Municipality with regards to Potch Guest House and its alleged illegal operations in the near future.

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Love Potch and JB Marks Municipality Unite to Transform Local Open Area into Vibrant Green Space

“There is a proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child, and in many cases, a park in town is almost like a child that we [as residents] adopt - and it certainly takes a village to raise a ‘child’ like this.”

October 2024 saw the launch of Love Potch, an initiative stemming from the larger Love Cities movement. Under the leadership of local resident, Arno van den Berg, the yellow shirts are becoming a beacon of hope and positivity for Potchefstroom. Their latest project saw them take hands with the JB Marks Municipality to transform an open area into a ‘green space’ within the community. As with any big project, there are certain measurements that need to be in place before any action can be taken, and there will always be individuals who dare ask the question ‘Is this even legal?’ We reached out to Arno to raise the concerns of local residents about this new initiative.

The Love Potch Village

“We are in direct contact with the local municipality, the ward councillor, environmental organisations, and specialists in the field of Environmental Conservation to effectively manage (clean) and maintain the proposed park.” He further mentioned that this forms part of a broader movement within our town to rejuvenate and maintain our public area’s green spaces. These ‘green spaces’ that Arno keeps referring to are places where families, children and individuals can enjoy and explore the great outdoors. It is also one of the key objectives that create the basis of Love Cities.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

Cleaning up a space and utilising it for the benefit of the community seems like a great idea, but it leaves the question - can any individual pick up a spade and start digging (not so much in the sense of the word)?

“We are in full compliance of all necessary approvals to operate in the open areas in Potchefstroom and are in process to obtain formal approval from the JB Marks Municipality to manage, maintain and oversee different cleaning and clearing activities in and around town.” The process of gaining approval for a project of this magnitude is a tedious one, but it is worth it in the long run.

All the necessary permissions for the clean-up of this specific area have been obtained, and the Love Potch team is excited to invite community members to become involved in taking ‘ownership’ of these green spaces. Active projects are run throughout all of the local parks to ensure that communities become involved in these and other initiatives launched by Love Potch. The JB Marks Municipality and its respective, relevant departments are involved in these projects, and have been a great partner to the Love Potch team. To hear about the cohesiveness between an organisation and the local municipality is truly inspiring.

Environmental & Sustainability Considerations

A concerned resident reached out to us about this planned clean-up and transformation of the open area in Van Der Hoffpark, and one of the main concerns was the impact that the partial removal of the reeds would have on the bird and insect life. We raised this concern with Love Potch, to which they responded:

“We draw from best practice models within our Love Cities network of partners, and work closely with environmental management specialists and organisations to ensure environmental sustainability, longevity and long-term environmental oversight and management.” As Arno mentioned later on, as with any project there are Environmental Impact Studies that need to be done before gaining approval. Furthermore, it should be noted that not all of the reeds will be removed, so the natural habitat of animals and organisms alike will not be completely destroyed.

Community Involvement & Social Impact

Another concern from the specific individual was the impact that this park would have on residents and the value of their property in the area, especially those who live in close proximity to the park.

“One of the core principles of Love Cities, and Love Potch as a local partner, is active citizenship. We endeavor to include residents and citizens of different communities regarding any and all projects that might affect them. The goal is to create a society where individuals and organisations are involved in their local environments. Different community consultation sessions take place, events are held for public participation and feedback is actively encouraged to reach a united outcome-based goal.”

“It is well researched and supported that green area upliftment and rejuvenation initiatives in communities have a tremendous advantageous effect on many different aspects including but are not limited to: environmental benefits, biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation, storm water management, social and health benefits, economic development of the surrounding areas, property value increase, safety improvements and community engagement to name a few.”

Operational & Project Management

“Love Potch draws from best practice models as well as tried and tested approaches within our national network of partners to ensure project longevity and management. Long-term goals are always considered when implementing short-term activities.”

Residents can rest assured that there will not be bulldozers showing up to scrape the land and start building a mountain bike track over a weekend. The aim is to clean up the park and possibly lay out a small hiking trail for now. Yes, the bike track might come, but only at a much later stage. As the saying goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’.

Long-Term Sustainability and Financial Viability

Finally, looking at the bigger picture, we asked what the sustainability of this project looks like - not only for Love Potch as an organisation, but also for the town and its residents. The aim of this project isn’t to accumulate funds. Finances are not the focus of Love Cities - if a project happens to generate some income, it’s a win, but otherwise, it’s most definitely not the goal as to why they do what they do.

“Given the non-profit nature of Love Potch, finances generated through the organisation and donations will be directed towards project sustainability and channelled towards long-term project efficiency.”

They are in it for the long run. “Working alongside the local municipality and professionals in the field enables Love Potch to actively drive long-term sustainability with short-term projects forming part of a bigger picture movement of holistic community development.” Fortunately, there is a strong relationship between the JB Marks Municipality and Love Potch, and it is this relationship that will grow with each project taken on together with one goal in mind - to change the narrative of our vibrant town.

Call to Action

The message is simple: Become involved in these projects and initiatives. We simply cannot sit back and wait for something to happen or somebody else to do something. If we, as residents, want to see Potchefstroom as the thriving city it once was, it is our responsibility to take action to transform and leave this a much better place - not only for ourselves, but for the generations to come.

If you have any questions or queries, want to volunteer during these projects, or you would like to make a contribution of any sort, feel free to contact Arno van den Berg at: hello@lovepotch.org.za or on 076 571 8480

Ikageng Cricket Hub Reborn: A Mandela Day Gift of Hope and Sport

In the true spirit of Mandela Day, the Ikageng community was gifted a revitalized space of opportunity and inspiration. North West Cricket, in proud partnership with MEG Security, officially handed over a fully refurbished Ikageng Cricket Hub to the children and families of the area, a gesture deeply rooted in the values of service, unity, and empowerment that Nelson Mandela championed.

The facility now stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring young cricketers. Having undergone thorough cleaning, much-needed repairs, and a vibrant new coat of paint, the Hub is now ready to welcome the next generation of cricket stars.

This heartwarming initiative would not have been possible without the incredible generosity and collaboration of dedicated partners. MEG Security played a central role in the transformation, and their commitment was echoed by the invaluable support of:

Eastvaal Renault Potchefstroom
Sunbake
Chicken Licken
JB Marks Local Municipality

Special recognition goes to Hester Cronje Parsons and the Dragons Junior Cricket Academy, whose tireless dedication to grassroots cricket development continues to inspire.

The handover event was filled with joy, gratitude, and pride, as community members, children, and cricket lovers gathered to witness this milestone. It was a celebration of collective effort and a reaffirmation of what can be achieved when people come together for a greater cause.

To everyone who contributed, attended, and shared in the spirit of the day , thank you. Your presence made this day truly unforgettable.

As Nelson Mandela once said: "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does." The Ikageng Cricket Hub now stands as living proof of that belief.

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Urgent intervention sought as Witrand Psychiatric Hospital struggles with mounting infrastructure failures

Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in Potchefstroom is in a state of crisis due to severe infrastructure and operational failures, according to a 7 July oversight report by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Key issues include:

Severe laundry backlog: Only two industrial washing machines and three dryers remain operational. Dirty linen is transported up to 150 km away, creating hygiene risks and supply shortages in wards.

Boiler failure: Industrial boilers have been out of service for three years, leaving wards without heating and the kitchen without steam, forcing reliance on gas burners and geysers.

Security concerns: No CCTV surveillance in food-prep and delivery areas increases the risk of theft, potentially depriving vulnerable patients of meals.

Budget limitations: The hospital’s own budget cannot cover the costs for essential equipment replacements. The DA has called on the North West Health Department to urgently intervene and fund these critical upgrades.

The facility serves over 450 mental-health and intellectually disabled patients. The DA warns that continued delays violate the Patient Rights Charter and Disability Rights Charter.

Additionally, the hospital is under investigation following a patient’s death and allegations of neglect. Unions are urging a broader inquiry, citing systemic issues like chronic understaffing and decaying infrastructure.

For now, Witrand patients endure unwashed bedding and freezing conditions as the province faces increasing pressure to act swiftly.

Community Support

StroomCares: Celebrating Mandela Day 2025 in JB Marks: Acts of Service and Stories of Hope

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” – Nelson Mandela

As the world paused to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela on 18 July 2025, the JB Marks Local Municipality came together in a powerful show of community-driven compassion, development, and unity. From painting classrooms to feeding the vulnerable and bringing joy to young children, this year’s theme echoed in every ward: "67 Minutes of Impact, A Lifetime of Change."

The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, led by MMC Cllr. P. Mtshali, hosted a vibrant celebration at Tshing Community Library with the little ones from New Life Day Care Centre in Ventersdorp.

Children were treated to interactive storytelling, dramatic puppet shows, sing-along action songs, and playful book reading sessions. This initiative was more than just fun, it was a step toward nurturing a love for learning in a community that understands the value of early childhood development.

Guided by MMC Cllr. Mantwa Matilda Kasale, the Department of Community Services honoured Mandela’s spirit with humility, spending 67 minutes serving hot soup and bread to waste pickers at the Potchefstroom Landfill Site.

At Fikadibeng Primary School in Klipdrift, Executive Mayor Cllr. Gaba Thithiba ka Qhele and North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Sempe Elizabeth Mokua, joined hands in a powerful show of leadership by preparing a vegetable garden, painting classrooms, hallways, and ablution facilities, and beautifying the school environment.

Mandela Day in JB Marks wasn't just a calendar event, it was a living embodiment of Madiba’s legacy. Leaders, departments, councillors, and residents all took hands to build, feed, serve, clean, paint, and uplift. Whether through song or soup, storytelling or shovels, each act was a stitch in the fabric of a stronger, kinder community.

Welcome to PAWS Haven: A fresh start for animal welfare under new management

We are proud to share that PAWS has officially been renamed PAWS Haven - a name that reflects a new beginning.

Under new management/committee (without compensation), we are committed to moving forward with transparency, accountability and the animals at heart. PAWS Haven’s mission is to bring renewed energy, integrity and vision.

We are committed to building a place of safety, trust and true compassion for every local animal that needs our care and to support our community.

Our local vet, well known Dr Gerber, who has many years experience in his field, has been appointed to be at the services of our community.

Thank you for believing in second chances for us and for them.

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Sport & Kultuur

Potchefstroom Gimnasium

Timari Jonker is gekies vir die Suid-Afrikaanse o/17-hokkiespan – ’n merkwaardige prestasie vir hierdie graad 11-leerder.

Sewe Gimmie-rugbymanne het die Luiperds verteenwoordig by provinsiale wedstryde, terwyl mnr. JR Jackson deel was van die Grant Khomo-span.

Vier dansers van die Gimmie Dansakademie is gekies om SA te verteenwoordig by die Mediterranean Legends-kompetisie in Spanje.

Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom

’n Nuwe vennootskap met Wilson Sport bring vars energie. Die eerstespan dogters het elkeen ’n splinternuwe paar Wilson-tekkies ontvang vir die Irene Seymore Netbaltoernooi.

Tydens die Karkloof Youth Festival het Migael Jansen 9de in Sub-junior mans geëindig en 23ste algeheel uit 75 ryers, terwyl Lian Louw 3de in Jeug mans en 2de algeheel behaal het.

Saint Christian School

Die o/13-span het vier van hul ses wedstryde gewen tydens die Volkies Potch Toernooi. Mofenyi Olaniran het met ’n ongelooflike 118 lopies in een wedstryd en ’n onoorwonne 94 in die laaste wedstryd die skare beïndruk.

’n Dag vol kos, speletjies en kreatiwiteit het entrepreneurskap onder die leerlinge versterk en gemeenskapsgees bevorder.

Hoërskool Wesvalia

0/15B Krieketspan het met selfvertroue die Montana Kriekettoernooi aangepak en reeds goeie resultate getoon.

Vier dogter-atlete het nasionale ranglyste betree: Carli Visser, Lolani Jansen van Vuuren, Luché van der Berg en Denike Jordaan.

Klerksdorp Hoërskool

Jarred van Staden het ’n merkwaardige drie gedruk en ’n plek in die Gazelle-span verwerf – ’n bewys van sy harde werk en vasberadenheid.

Ava Tannous en Kate-Lynn Fourie (o/16) het hul merk gemaak deur onder die top 10 op die nasionale 100m-hekkiesranglys te eindig. Ava beklee die 5de plek en Kate-Lynn die 7de.

Internasionale Glorie: Klerksdorp School of Gymnastics

By die 40ste GGC Internasionale Gimnastiekkompetisie in Malta het Klerksdorp se gimnaste met goud teruggekeer: Sanya Visser, Naomi De Klerk, Carmin Schulenburg en Ria Schulenburg is vier van die gimnaste wat uitstekend gevaar het en Klerksdorp se naam hoog gehou het.

Hierdie uitmuntende prestasies is die resultaat van afrigters Yana en Artyom se toewyding en kundigheid.

Skool Stories

Gimmies se Andrea Steynberg verteenwoordig S-A in Nigerië

Gimmies is ongelooflik trots op hul steratleet, Andrea Steynberg, wat tans Suid-Afrika verteenwoordig in Nigerië. Andrea het in die 1500 m aan die begin van die toernooi ’n merkwaardige prestasie gelewer met ’n persoonlike beste tyd van 4:21.1.

Hierdie prestasie is nie net ’n bewys van haar talent en harde werk nie, maar ook van die afrigting, dissipline en ondersteuning wat sy ontvang van haar skoolgemeenskap.

Andrea se prestasie dien as ’n inspirasie vir haar medeleerders en ander jong atlete om groot drome te hê en hul eie grense te verskuif. Gimmies glo dat sukses soos dié nie toevallig gebeur nie, maar die resultaat is van deursettingsvermoë en onwrikbare toewyding.

Kar Stories

A Closer Look at the 2025 Ford Ranger 2.0 Single Turbo XLT – Smart Value in a Rugged Package

The 2025 Ford Ranger 2.0 Single Turbo XLT 6-Speed Auto Double Cab is currently on promotion at Daly Ford Potchefstroom, offering a strong blend of utility and comfort at R622,000. This XLT model includes Upgrade Pack 6, which features leather seats, black sport trim, advanced safety tech (like Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Keep Assist), 17” all-terrain wheels, and underbody protection. It delivers 125 kW and 405 Nm torque via a 6-speed automatic and includes a 6-year/90,000 km service plan.

More affordable variants include:

XLT without Upgrade Pack at R579,900
Ranger XL 2.0D Auto at R558,000

All models support a 3,500 kg towing capacity and 800mm wading depth. Standard features across the XLT range include the SYNC® 4A infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration, dual-zone climate control, and FordPass Connect.

Demo models available at special pricing include:

Ranger XLT Bi-Turbo 4x4 Auto (154 kW, 10-speed)
Ranger Tremor (off-road enhancements)
Ranger XL Auto (budget-friendly utility)

The Ranger XLT offers excellent value in the lifestyle bakkie segment, balancing price, features, and capability — without the premium tag of a Wildtrak or Raptor.

Call Daly Ford: 018-299-8000

WhatsApp: 079-806-6759

Email: emil.pitout@teamdaly.co.za

Events Calendar

The Go-To Guy has an extensive events calendar that you can find a variety of events in and around Potchefstroom, in fact it is now one of the most comprehensive calendars in our region, you can visit the calendar at the following link: Events Calendar

Young Entrepreneurs Market Day Set to Spark Business Spirit in Potchefstroom

Date: Saturday, 2 August 2025

Time: 10:00 - 13:00

Venue: Fresh Pick

Address: 48 Wilgen Street

On 2 August 2025, Fresh Pick will host its first-ever Young Entrepreneurs Market Day. The event is tailored for aspiring business minds aged 9 to 18.

Expect anything from homemade treats to hand-crafted wonders, as participants set up stalls with their own creations and innovations. Whether it’s knitted wristbands, baked goods, or homemade slime, the young sellers will get a real taste of the hustle. Visitors can also indulge in waffles, hot cocoa, and the charming chaos that only kids running businesses can provide.

Cathy Viljoen kuier by Oase van Hoop AGS in Baillie Park

Datum: Sondag 17 Augustus 2025

Tyd: 09:30 VM

Plek: AGS Oase van Hoop, Baillie Park,

Adres: 20 Wynne Straat

Toegang: Gratis

Dis amper tyd om die kerkbanke te vul en die hartsnare reg te trek, want Cathy Viljoen, een van Suid-Afrika se bekendste gospelstemme, tree op by AGS Oase van Hoop in Baillie Park.

Cathy Viljoen is al vir byna vyftig jaar deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse gospel toneel. Sy is nie net ’n sanger nie, sy noem dit self haar “sang bediening.” Dis nie vir die applous nie, sê sy, maar om mense te bereik en te bemoedig. Haar stem en lirieke het al baie mense se trane gevat en in hoop verander.