Potch Gazette - May 2025 Edition

The Go-To Guy Quintin
Jun 3
11 min read

In this Edition

The Go-To Guy Team Explores SA’s Biggest Agri Show
Vordering by Vyfhoek Reservoir / Progress Report Vyfhoek Reservoir
Unused Solar Geysers Gather Dust in Lusaka Hall Amidst Calls for Accountability
Introducing StroomCares: Potchefstroom’s Community Fundraising Hub
Community Rallies Behind PAWS Potchefstroom with Donations and Support
Gimmies se Dogters Laat die Doele Reën teen Volkies
Potch Dorp Gears Up for Home Clash Against Impala
Bright Umbrellas and Big Imaginations in Grade 1
Ford Pro™ Convertor Program: Launch and Impact in South Africa

The Go-To Guy Team Explores SA’s Biggest Agri Show

Each year, the small town of Bothaville in the Free State transforms into the epicentre of South Africa’s agricultural innovation and networking hub, the NAMPO Harvest Day. This premier event, hosted by Grain SA, attracts over 80,000 visitors annually, showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technology, local craftsmanship, and global farming trends. NAMPO 2025 was no different, and this time, The Go-To Guy team took to the grounds to bring their audience a glimpse of what’s hot and happening on the plaas.

This year’s show was particularly momentous with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, making an appearance on opening day, the same day The Go-To Guy team visited. Although they missed catching footage of the President, the energy of the event was undeniable

NAMPO’s Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

NAMPO is more than an agricultural show, it’s a pulse check on the nation’s food security, innovation, and resilience. It provides a space where global trends meet local talent, where policymakers walk alongside small-scale farmers, and where technology, tradition, and transformation converge.

From Tractors to Tap4Impact: A Tour of Ingenuity

Handcrafted Heritage – Made by Mosaic

In Hopefield Hall, The Go-To Guy crew discovered Made by Mosaic, a Potchefstroom-based business showcasing their 100% locally made leather products. Stylish, functional, and imbued with purpose, these handcrafted items highlighted the fusion of rural craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.

Powerful Machinery – John Deere 9RX 830

At the John Deere exhibition, the massive 9RX 830 tractor turned heads. Engineered for modern farming demands, this machine represents power, precision, and performance. Its commanding presence and advanced technology signal where agriculture is heading, smarter and stronger.

Livestock Solutions – ALGAR’s Trusted Gear

Veteran supplier ALGAR impressed with their high-quality livestock handling equipment. The brand is known among farmers for solutions that prioritize both animal welfare and farmer ease, a testament to practical innovation in the sector.

Dream Rigs – 4x4 Mega World

Off-road enthusiasts found their haven at 4x4 Mega World, where standard bakkies are transformed into rugged adventure machines. From custom bumpers to heavy-duty roof racks, this stall offered everything to turn a pickup into a legend.

Farm-Safe Future – SpotBot by Agri-Alert

At the Agri-Alert hall, the team discovered SpotBot, a smart farm security solution. With real-time monitoring and rapid alerts, SpotBot ensures farmers can protect their property whether they’re out in the field or back in town.

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Unused Solar Geysers Gather Dust in Lusaka Hall Amidst Calls for Accountability

At an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meeting on 8 May 2025 at Lusaka Hall in the JB Marks Municipality, residents from Wards 4, 16, and 19 were shocked to discover hundreds of boxed solar water-heating systems occupying the entire hall space, forcing attendees to sit outside in the cold. These geysers, originally intended for installation in low-income households under a national programme, have instead gathered dust for years

This revelation has prompted a renewed call by the Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus for urgent municipal accountability, including a full audit, installation progress report, and immediate action to deliver the long-delayed benefits to the intended recipients.

Delays, Storage, and Fruitless Expenditure

In the case of JB Marks, several hundred solar water-heating units remain unused inside Lusaka Hall. Photographs from the scene show dusty cylindrical tanks, collapsed cardboard boxes marked “Glass Vacuum Tube,” and steel frames piled haphazardly, pointing to years of neglect.

The situation has implications beyond inconvenience: exposure to dust, weather, or theft could render many units unusable, undermining their original purpose. Permanent security guards have been stationed at the hall since at least 2018 to protect the equipment, an added cost to the municipality. Nationally, storage costs for unused geysers have exceeded R300 million.

DA’s Push for Action and Transparency

In response to the ongoing inaction, the DA caucus in JB Marks has called on the Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager to urgently investigate the matter and present a detailed report to the municipal council.

Their requests include:

An audit to verify the current stock and condition of all stored units;
A report detailing how many geysers were installed, where, and by whom;
A transparent installation schedule prioritizing indigent elderly households;
Disciplinary or contractual action against those responsible for implementation delays;
Engagement with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to release any remaining funds and support training for local installers.

The DA Councilor also informed this publication that they had, in 2019, provide a list of beneficiaries and job candidates for the installation phase. They further stated that ward councillors in Ikageng agreed the programme should begin by serving the elderly. A detailed list of qualifying homes was submitted to municipal authorities that same year, but the process has remained stalled since.

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Community Support

Introducing StroomCares: Potchefstroom’s Community Fundraising Hub

Potchefstroom now has a dedicated platform, StroomCares, hosted on The Go-To Guy Potchefstroom website, designed to support local fundraising initiatives. This space highlights verified fundraisers, inspirational community stories, and provides a simple way for locals to contribute.

Featured Initiative 1: Project Play, Learn, Prosper

The Olive Tree School, Potchefstroom’s specialised school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is currently featured. Inspired by the journey of Olivia’s family, whose life was reshaped by her ASD diagnosis, the school embodies values of opportunity, love, inspiration, value, and enjoyment—reflected in the acronym "OLIVE."

Facing a lack of suitable educational facilities, Olivia’s parents established The Olive Tree School, a safe and nurturing environment tailored specifically for children with ASD.

Project Goals

The school’s latest initiative, Project Play, Learn, Prosper, aims to create a specially designed playground to encourage sensory development, social interaction, and joyful play. The playground plans include:

Jungle Gym
Sensory Pathway
Vegetable Garden
In-Ground Trampolines
Upgraded Sandpit
Swings and Refreshing of Pathways

Community Support

The project requires community financial support to achieve its goals, significantly improving the lives and learning environment of Olive Tree’s students.

To support or learn more, you can view the complete article and details of the project at the following link: StroomCares Olive Tree Project

Community Rallies Behind PAWS Potchefstroom with Donations and Support

April 2025 saw a wave of generosity from the Potchefstroom community, all in aid of the animals at PAWS (Potch Animal Welfare Society). From food and blankets to technical support and a surprise kitty tent, every bit of help counted. And while it might’ve felt like a small gesture to some, the folks at PAWS want everyone to know: it meant everything.

Cosy Cats and Culinary Comforts

Francois Fouché made a feline-friendly delivery that caused quite a stir, not among the humans, but among the cats. He dropped off a pet tent that had one curious kitty claiming it before it was even zipped up. Alongside the tent came a generous stash of cat food, ensuring full tummies for days to come. PAWS extended their heartfelt thanks, noting that the kittens will be both safe and snug thanks to Francois’ thoughtful donation.

Potch Gas Fires Up Daily Pet Meals

Without gas, there’s no warm food, and cold pellets aren’t much of a gourmet treat. Thankfully, Potch Gas Technical & Appliances stepped up, making sure the PAWS kitchen kept cooking. Thanks to their consistent supply of gas, warm meals for the dogs were sorted. The team at PAWS gave a big shoutout to the business, saying, “Ons waardeer julle opreg!” (We truly appreciate you!)

Till Slips Turned into Tuna

Sometimes small actions, like dropping your till slip in a box, lead to big results. Thanks to Pick n Pay Van der Hoff Park’s slip donation initiative, PAWS was able to stock up on cat food for their fabulous felines. A full trolley of 1.75kg bags made its way into the shelter, and every packet was a win for whiskers.

PAWS Powered Back Online by Einstein Electrical

It wasn’t all food and fluff. Behind the scenes, PAWS faced a serious issue when their electricity went out. With fridges full of meat and sick animals in need of care, this wasn’t just an inconvenience,it was a crisis. Enter Ivan Leach from Einstein Electrical, who jumped in, fixed the issue, and got the lights (and fridges) back on. No fanfare, just good work done well. PAWS summed it up best: “Dankie vir jou onbaatsugtige hulpverlening!” (Thank you for your selfless assistance!)

“To everyone who donated food, blankets, treats, or time: thank you. Whether it was captured in a photo or not, your kindness is felt every day in every full bowl and every warm tail wag. ‘No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.’ – Aesop.”

Dankie aan al ons donateurs! Whether it was a tent, some chow, or just a bit of electricity, PAWS Potchefstroom is stronger (and fluffier) thanks to you.

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Sport Stories

Potchefstroom Gimnasium

Gimmies se Dogters Laat die Doele Reën teen Volkies

Vanaf die eerste fluitjie het dit duidelik geword: Gimmies het nie gekom om rond te speel nie. Hul passes was akkuraat, die verdediging rotsvas, en aanvalle het vinnig oor die vlerke gevloei.Volkies het skaars kans gehad om asem te skep, en die doele het vinnig begin ophoop.

Saints Christian School

On Saturday, 17 May, history was made as the Saints Christian School’s u/17 netball team clinched their first-ever gold at the SACSSA Senior Netball Tournament. The final whistle brought not just the end of a tough game, but also tears of joy, loud cheers, and proud celebrations.

Laerskool Mooirivier

Mooirivier skaakspanne het vandag deelgeneem aan die Super 12-kompetisie wat by Sol-Tech aangebied is. Dit was ’n dag van konsentrasie, deurdagte strategieë en skuiwe wat met groot sorg uitgevoer is. Die kompetisie was sterk, maar ons Tokkies het hul man (en vrou) gestaan!

Bright Umbrellas and Big Imaginations in Grade 1

There was colour, creativity, and a whole lot of excitement in the Grade 1 classrooms at Redwood Schools this week, as the little ones got stuck into a seasonal art activity, building their very own cardboard umbrellas!

🎨 Learning Through Play

The activity gave our learners a hands-on way to explore shapes, colours, and patterns, while also tapping into their imagination. Each umbrella looked different: some bright and bold, others with soft tones and playful designs. And yes, a few had raindrops, sunshine and even lightning bolts drawn on them!

Art might seem like just fun, but it’s also a chance to build fine motor skills, practice focus, and learn how to follow instructions, all while being creative.

Rainy-Day Joy (Even Without the Rain)

While the weather outside didn’t bring real rain, inside the classroom it was umbrellas galore, and the laughter, storytelling and pride in their work made it clear that this activity was a hit. The learners were eager to show off their creations to teachers, friends and parents alike.

Why It Matters

At Redwood College, we believe in learning through doing, and this umbrella project is a great example. It wasn’t just about cutting and gluing; it was about confidence, expression and fun.And let’s be honest… who wouldn’t smile at a row of colourful umbrellas made by six-year-olds?Well done to our teachers for guiding such a joyful project, and to our Grade 1 learners for putting their hearts into it!

Ford Pro™ Convertor Program: Launch and Impact in South Africa

Ford South Africa has introduced the Ford Pro™ Convertor Program as a game-changing initiative to support high-quality vehicle conversions for commercial needs. Launched at the 2025 NAMPO Harvest Day agricultural show in Bothaville, this program empowers approved local converters to modify Ford vehicles (such as the Ranger bakkie, Everest SUV, and Transit van) for specialized uses, all without compromising Ford’s standards or warranty coverage.

A New Chapter in Customized Vehicle Conversions

The Ford Pro Convertor Program marks a new chapter in Ford South Africa’s commercial vehicle services, formalizing how specialty conversions are done. At its core, the program recognizes and accredits premium conversion partners across the country, each having undergone thorough assessment by Ford to ensure their build quality and installation methods meet Ford’s strict standards ford.co.za. In practice, Ford selects and empowers these Ford-approved convertors to carry out modifications on select models, currently focusing on the Ranger pickup (bakkie), Everest, and Transit lines, to fulfill a broad spectrum of industrial and commercial needs.

Diverse Conversion Applications for South African Needs

A major driver for the Ford Pro Convertor Program is the diverse range of vehicle applications needed in South Africa’s economy. Standard off-the-showroom vehicles often require modifications to serve in specialized roles across industries like agriculture, mining, construction, security, and healthcare. Ford’s new program directly targets this demand by supporting a wide variety of conversion types, all built on Ford’s robust vehicle platforms.

Ensuring Compliance, Quality and Warranty Preservation

Because vehicle conversions often involve significant alterations, compliance and quality control are at the heart of Ford’s program. All modifications under the Ford Pro Convertor banner undergo meticulous approval and auditing processes by Ford engineers. This oversight covers everything from the structural integrity of added components to the safety of electrical installations, making sure that the converted vehicle still meets Ford’s design specifications and South African road regulations.

Impact and Outlook

Early indications suggest the Ford Pro Convertor Program will have a positive impact on both customers and the local automotive industry. For business and fleet customers, it offers newfound peace of mind, they can now obtain tailor-made vehicles (be it a mine-ready pickup, a fully equipped ambulance, or a bullet-resistant SUV) knowing that the work is endorsed and audited by the vehicle’s manufacturer. This reduces the risk traditionally associated with aftermarket modifications and likely improves safety outcomes, since vehicles maintain their integrity and compliance. The ability to order these conversions through the familiar Ford dealer network also makes the process more accessible

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

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Inskrywings sluit: 11 Junie 2025

Wenners word aangekondig: 12 Junie 2025

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