Potch Weekly Pulse: Championships, Community Spirit, Potch Shines Across All Fronts
- Karen Scheepers
- May 9
- 4 min read
Potchefstroom started May with momentum. From the launch of national sporting events and the power of community-led support, to local government updates and cultural highlights, this week showed Potch at its most dynamic. Whether it’s world-class athletics, inclusive public meetings, or a quiet moment of shared reading, this town is stepping up and standing together.
News Talk
📬 Highlights from the Potch Gazette – April 2025 Edition
This week, April's issue of the Potch Gazette was send out, featured stories of hope, heritage, and hands-on help. It included updates on the ongoing sewage resolution in Ward 7, featured voices from the Silent Book Club movement, and paid tribute to everyday community champions reshaping their corners of Potch.
National Ladies Pool Championship Makes Historic Debut in Potchefstroom
For the first time ever, the National Ladies Pool Championship is being hosted in Potchefstroom. Organised by Pool South Africa and running from 4–9 May at the Madiba Banqueting Hall, the event has drawn top female players from across the country. JB Marks Municipality representatives, including Chief of Staff Jappie Fransman, welcomed the players, calling it a powerful moment for women in cue sports and for local sports development.
Read this story and other News stories here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/news-talk
Sports Talk
Celebrating World Athletics Day with a New SA Record
As South Africa joins the global celebration of World Athletics Day on 7 May, local sports fans are already celebrating: Elroy Gelant broke the national marathon record at the Hamburg Marathon, clocking 2:05:36 and beating a record that stood since 1999. It’s the kind of story that captures the very spirit of this global event, passion, resilience, and pushing the limits.
Potch Dorp Rugby: Building Momentum and Meaning
After a strong finish in the Philip van Rensburg Tournament and the Mervyn Taylor Shield, Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub is preparing to open their 2025 President League campaign on Saturday, 10 May. With vital sponsorships, including headline support from The Go-To Guy, the club is entering the new season with purpose, professionalism, and plenty of pride.
To read this sports and more, click here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/sport-talk
Council Corner
Stay Connected: Potch Wards 1–5 WhatsApp Groups Now Active
Residents of Wards 1 through 5 can now join their official community WhatsApp groups for updates on services, emergencies, and local events. Each group is exclusive to its ward, ensuring targeted and relevant communication for every area.
Long Weekend Recap: Road Closures, Market Wins & Service Disruptions
Over the 1–5 May long weekend, JB Marks Municipality tackled a wide range of service-related tasks. From power outages and road closures to market day successes and billing reminders, the municipality ensured that essential operations and resident engagement continued throughout.
IDP Engagement Moves to Town Hall, Extra Parking Arranged
Due to a scheduling conflict, the IDP Review and Budget 2025/2026 meeting on 7 May was moved to Town Hall (Tlokwe). To accommodate attendees, Reverend Kok arranged free public parking near Elgro Hotel, a welcome gesture to support civic participation.
New IDP Meeting Dates for Multiple Wards Announced
JB Marks residents are invited to share their voices at upcoming Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings, where planning for the 2025/2026 budget year continues across various community halls:
📍 Lusaka Hall (Wards 4, 16, 19) – 8 May
📍 Promosa Hall (Wards 13, 17, 21) – 13 May
📍 Ga-Matlabe Hall (Wards 6, 8, 11, 14) – 14 May
📍 Govan Mbeki Hall (Wards 9, 10, 12, 16) – 15 May
All sessions begin at 17:00.
For these and more Council stories, Click here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/jb-marks-service-delivery
Community Spotlight
🧡 Potch Rallies Behind PAWS with April Donations
The community once again proved its heart when Francois Fouché donated a tent and a stash of food for the cats at PAWS. April was a month of giving, with locals offering everything from blankets to tech support. For the animals and the humans who care for them, it meant the world.
To view this story and more, click here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/community-charity
StroomStories Weekly Wrap
🥋 Monday – SportStroom: The Art and Discipline of Ring Contact Fighting Arts
Drikus speaks to Sensei Veruschke, Jodi Wessels, and Selmay Taylor from RCFA Potchefstroom, offering viewers an inside look at a homegrown martial art that builds not only strength, but lifelong values.
Click here to read full story: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/post/sportstroom-discipline-defense-dedication-inside-the-world-of-ring-contact-fighting-arts
📚 Tuesday – The Silent Book Club: Reading in Peace, Together
Zandri Troskie‑Naudé and Bianca Potgieter are creating space for introverts and book lovers alike, redefining social connection through silence and shared stories.
Click here to read full story: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/post/stroom-stories-a-quiet-revolution-the-silent-book-club-of-potchefstroom
🏃 Wednesday – SportStroom Ep. 24: Inside Gimmies Athletics with Cyril Lawless
Gimmies' Athletics Director shares how structure, coaching, and culture combine to keep the school on top. A winning formula, explained from the heart.
Click here to read full story: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/post/sportstroom-inside-the-winning-formula-of-gimmies-athletics
🧠 Wednesday – Spiritual Talk Ep. 30: Discovering Your True Potential
Pieter Conradie sits down with life coach Ivan Venter to unpack how to live with intention, purpose, and a faith-driven mindset.
Click here to read full story: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/post/spiritual-talk-ep-30-discovering-your-true-potential
👗 Thursday – Stroom Stories: The Thread of Creativity with Tamaria Clothing
Meet Tanya, founder of Tamaria Clothing, who is quietly revolutionising Potchefstroom’s fashion scene one handmade, heartfelt garment at a time.
Click here to read full story: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/post/stroom-stories-the-thread-of-creativity-tamaria-clothing-and-tanya-s-handmade-journey
That’s a wrap on Potch Weekly Pulse , Edition 6. From cue sports to council chambers, Potchefstroom is buzzing with activity, impact, and inspiration. Whether it’s breaking records or building a quiet revolution, every action matters. Join us next week as we continue spotlighting the people and places shaping our community.
Got news? Share it with us, because the best stories are the ones we tell together.
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