Potch lets help: Food Drive to Support Stilfontein Matlosana Animal Shelter
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Face of Potchefstroom North West 2026 organization has officially launched a community-driven food drive to support the Stilfontein Matlosana Animal Shelter. This initiative, scheduled for 21 March 2026, calls upon local residents to contribute dog and cat food to aid the shelter’s ongoing mission of providing for animals in need.
The event will be spearheaded by the young finalists of the 2026 competition, who are using their platform to champion the shelter’s cause. Known as "the little shelter with the BIG heart," the Stilfontein Matlosana Animal Shelter operates as a registered Public Benefit Organization (PBO) that relies exclusively on private funding and donations to sustain its operations.
Organizers have established three primary collection points across Potchefstroom to ensure the community has ample opportunity to participate:
Collection Schedule: 21 March 2026
Time | Location |
10:00 | Pick n Pay, Van Der Hoff |
11:00 | Checkers, Mooirivier Junction |
12:00 | OK Emslies |
The shelter faces significant resource constraints, and with the philosophy that "every animal deserves to go to sleep with a full stomach," the food drive aims to alleviate the mounting pressure on their supplies. Residents are encouraged to meet the finalists at these locations to drop off their contributions.
Pageantry Meets Purpose: Finalists Announced for Face of Potchefstroom 2026
As the Face of Potchefstroom North West 2026 competition progresses, the organization has officially transitioned its contestants from semi-finalists to finalists. In a move that emphasizes community building and personal dedication, each contestant’s finalist sash is being prepared by hand, symbolizing the organization's commitment to the values they preach.
Among those advancing is Elizna Pretorius, who has officially qualified as a Pageantry Finalist. She joins a diverse group of individuals across several categories, including Runway Modelling and Pageantry, all of whom will represent the organization in the upcoming Final Crowning Event on 11 April 2026.
Official 2026 Finalists
The following individuals have been confirmed as finalists and will be participating in various community projects leading up to the gala:
Pageantry Finalists: Elizna Pretorius, Karabelo Ramorena, Mardi van Wyk, Lauren van der Linde, Kylie Janse van Rensburg, Olwethu Khumbula, Samukelo Mbelu, Mienke Swart, Onthatile Maslu, Kaylan van Wyk, Keora Kgampe, Amelia Joshua, Ursula Madibedi, Mila de Bruyn, Zia Muller, Golethabo Ntsoelengoe.
Modelling Finalists: Lilla-Ann Adams, Louise Kruger, Palesa Seoka, Agnes Mafereka, Neo Mathopa, Ebert Jonker, Motso Nkafu, Brené Swanepoel, Mienke Swart, Onthatile Kgaswane, Doyeong Beak, Isago Molokoane, Bohang Molekane, Emilia Labuschagne.
Public Choice Voting: Choosing Life for Shelter Animals
In conjunction with the finalist announcements, voting for the Public Choice 2026 award is now officially open. This segment of the competition serves a dual purpose: identifying a crowd favorite and raising vital funds for the Matlosana – Stilfontein Animal Shelter – where we choose life.
Each finalist has been assigned a unique voting code (e.g., FOPNW01 for Elizna Pretorius). The public can cast their votes through a paid system, with all proceeds directly benefiting the official charity. This fundraising model ensures that the journey of each contestant is intrinsically linked to the welfare of the animals at the Stilfontein shelter.
The organization hopes that these finalists will wear their sashes with pride, reflecting the hard work and community spirit required to reach this stage of the competition. Members of the public interested in supporting both the contestants and the animal shelter are encouraged to participate in the upcoming food drive and the voting process.
All image credits: Face of Potchefstroom/North West
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