Potch Weekly Pulse: Local Innovation, Civic Alerts, and Midwinter Magic: Potchefstroom’s Latest Highlights
- Karen Scheepers
- Jun 27
- 7 min read
As July dawns in Potchefstroom, our community celebrates digital innovation, confronts service challenges, and embraces both academic and cultural milestones. This week’s update brings you the launch of The Go-To Guy App, urgent alerts on power theft, NWU’s top–eight ranking, and a detailed cold-weather forecast. We also cover a nationwide hazmat drill on the N12, a sparkling “Winter Wonderland” festival, and the opening of NWU’s revamped art gallery.
In Ikageng, grassroots electricity woes and vital outreach services take center stage, while Sportstalk previews live-streamed rugby and record-breaking track performances. Municipal progress reports track infrastructure repairs and upgrades. Community sections rally support for Mandela Day, Bark Fetch Park, and local champions like Talbert the kickboxer. Finally, our StroomStories schedule promises a week of sporting journeys, life-saving missions, spiritual insights, and council conversations. Dive in to stay connected, informed, and inspired by Potchefstroom’s vibrant spirit.
Newstalk
Potchefstroom, The Go-To Guy App Is Here!
Potchefstroom’s own all-in-one platform is now in your pocket. The free Go-To Guy App delivers local news, business directory listings, creative media content, and event alerts with one tap. Designed for intuitive navigation, the app helps residents stay informed, support small businesses, and engage in community initiatives. Available today for iOS and Android, download now and be part of Potchefstroom’s digital movement.
DA Raises Alarm Over Illegal Electricity Connections
Persistent illegal connections and cable theft in Promosa, Mohadin, and Ikageng have reached crisis levels, overloading transformers and endangering lives. Residents report surges, fires, and frequent blackouts. The Democratic Alliance is urging JB Marks Municipality and Eskom to intensify infrastructure patrols, install tamper-proof meters, and accelerate prosecutions to safeguard communities and restore stable electricity.
NWU Among South Africa’s Top Eight
North-West University has secured a place in the top eight South African universities in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Highlights include impressive citation rates, growth in international partnerships, and high employer reputation scores. This achievement reflects NWU’s strategic investments in research, global collaboration, and student success, positioning the university for continued academic excellence.
Potch Freezes Over: Winter Weather Story
The week ahead brings mixed skies and plunging temperatures. Thursday sees scattered thunderstorms with hail risk; Friday dawns at –2 °C under clear skies, followed by daytime highs around 8 °C. Bundle up for frosty mornings, watch for icy roads, and protect exposed pipes and plants. A midweek storm may deliver sleet before giving way to bright, albeit chilly, conditions through the weekend.
Potch Safety in Action: Nationwide Hazardous-Materials Drill
On June 25, JB Marks Municipality joined SANRAL’s RIMS program alongside Sasol, DP World, and Imperial Logistics for a dangerous-goods simulation on the N12 near the Weighbridge. The exercise tested multi-agency coordination, traffic diversions, decontamination, and medical response, ensuring rapid readiness for real hazmat incidents. First responders and municipal staff fine-tuned protocols, reinforcing regional safety.
A Glow in the Cold: Winter Wonderland Festival
From June 27, Abraham Kriel Children’s Home will be hosting its first “Winter Wonderland,” transforming its grounds into a festive Christmas Village illuminated by millions of lights. Visitors can look forward to stalls, hot beverages and delicious food, all whilst being entertained by the sounds of big names such as Karlien van Jaarsveld and Die Piesangskille. Proceeds support the children’s home, turning midwinter’s chill into community warmth and joy.
NWU Gallery’s “I Hope You Dance” Debut
The NWU art gallery opened its new home in Building F16G on June 26 with the inaugural exhibition “I Hope You Dance.” Featuring mixed-media works exploring movement and aspiration, the show runs through July 5. The dedicated gallery space, formerly part of the library complex, offers expanded display walls and event areas, inviting students and visitors to engage with contemporary campus art.
Read these and other stories here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/news-talk
Ikageng Gazette
Promosa Electricity Woes Spark Rising Tensions
Extensions 5, Rockville, Marikana, Hillside, and central Promosa continue to suffer frequent blackouts due to unsafe, illegal power taps. Overloaded transformers spark fires and damage appliances. Community groups demand urgent municipal action: transformer upgrades, safe metering programs, and enhanced enforcement against cable theft to restore reliable service.
Home Affairs Outreach Brings Services Closer
Starting next week, a mobile Department of Home Affairs unit will visit Kanonniers Park and Promosa, offering ID renewals, birth certificates, and passport applications at local community centers. The initiative aims to reduce travel burdens and waiting times at main offices, with exact dates announced via ward WhatsApp channels.
Mogodu Monday: A Flavorful Tradition at Club CSA
Every Monday, Club CSA’s Mogodu Monday fills CSA Showground with the aroma of simmering tripe stew, live traditional music, and convivial crowds. Vendors line up early to secure their share of this beloved comfort food, making it a must-attend weekly feast that showcases Potchefstroom’s culinary heritage.
Divine Worship: A Day of Praise and Fellowship
Join Mahumana Entertainment on July 5 at the Civic Theatre for “Divine Worship,” a gathering of choirs, soloists, and speakers united in song and testimony. Expect spirited gospel performances, communal prayer, and opportunities to connect with faith-based community projects.
Men’s Health Awareness at Aganang FM
On June 28, the Aurum Institute and Aganang FM hosted a Men’s Health Awareness event at West Acres Pavilion. Workshops on prostate screening, mental health, and healthy lifestyles were complemented by music and personal stories. The open-air forum encouraged candid dialogue and emphasized preventive care.
Read these and other stories here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/ikageng-gazette
Sportstalk
YouTube Spotlight: Potter Dorp vs. Wolves
Squared Sports streamed Potch Dorp’s weekend fixtures live: the Third Team defeated Ikageng 1 by 25–7, while the Second Team blanked Wolves 2, 36–0. Replays and highlights are available on Squared Sports’ YouTube channel, bringing Potch rugby action to fans everywhere.
Potch Track Club in May: Breaking Records
May’s highlights include stellar performances at the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze UAE Grand Prix, personal bests in the men’s 400 m hurdles and women’s 3 000 m steeplechase and national road-race podiums back home. Junior sprinters set new provincial indoor marks, underscoring Potch Track Club’s rising prominence on both local and international stages.
To read these stories and more, click here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/sport-talk
Council Corner
Signs of Progress: Roads, Water, and Waste Services
JB Marks Municipality reports continued road resurfacing on Mieder Street, clearance of the Kannoniers Park sewage blockage, and expanded capacity at the Eesterandjies reservoirs. Waste-collection routes have stabilized after staff realignments, and upgraded bin signage is reducing illegal dumping incidents.
26 June Progress Snapshot
As June closes, JB Marks highlights ongoing water-main inspections in Promosa, pending transformer replacements in Ikageng, and planned street-lighting installations along the R30. Stormwater drainage mapping has begun to mitigate winter flooding. Residents can submit service requests via the new online portal for timely updates.
For these and more Council stories, click here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potch-gazette/categories/jb-marks-service-delivery
Community
Collect-a-Can for Mandela Day at West Acres
Ahead of July 18, West Acres Shopping Centre launches a youth-driven “Collect-a-Can” campaign. Local schools compete to donate the most canned goods for area shelters. Drop off items by July 16 to the collection point near the main entrance and help feed families in need.
Bark Fetch Park Needs Your Help
Potchefstroom’s Bark Fetch Park seeks donations to install agility obstacles, shade pavilions, and hydration stations. Volunteers have completed fencing and groundwork, but additional funding will complete this safe, playful space for dogs and owners. Contribute through the Go-To Guy App’s community section.
Sending Talbert to Uzbekistan
Kickboxer Talbert has been selected for the South African team at the October Kickboxing World Cup in Uzbekistan. Travel, accommodation, and kit expenses total R45 000. StroomCares hosts an online fundraiser, visit The Go-To Guy Potchefstroom platform to donate and back our hometown champion.
Rotaryklub’s “Hoop-in-’n-Bottel” for Mandela Day
Rotary Potch-Mooi, in partnership with King Edward Private School, kicks off the 2025 Jar of Hope drive. Fill jars with toiletries or nonperishables for vulnerable families. Drop-off locations include local churches and the Rotary office on Thabo Mbeki Drive through July 15.
Tiekie’s New Beginning at PAWS
Tiekie, a three-legged rescue dog, has settled into PAWS’s care after surrender due to a hip condition. Despite her disability, volunteers report her boundless energy and affectionate nature. PAWS invites adopters to meet Tiekie and other special-needs residents awaiting loving homes.
Huis Eikelaan: A Caring Home for Seniors
At 73 Peter Mokaba Avenue, Huis Eikelaan blends professional eldercare with a faith-inspired community. Governed by the Reformed Churches, it offers assisted living, daily devotions, and life-story workshops that honor residents’ legacies. Family engagement and volunteer programs foster an atmosphere of respect and companionship.
A City of Many Faiths
Potchefstroom’s religious fabric includes historic Dutch Reformed churches, the Ummah Islamic Centre, a Sikh Gurdwara on President Swart Avenue, and Hindu gatherings at the Potchefstroom Cultural Centre. This overview lists major congregations, service times, and outreach activities, showcasing how diverse faith communities coexist and uplift the city.
To view these stories and more, click here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/potchgazette/categories/community-charity
StroomStories Weekly Wrap
Monday:
SportStroom with Dewaal Coetzer!
Hoër Volkskool Potch first-team star shares his path to Craven Week and training insights.
Tuesday:
StroomStories: Adrie’s Cancervive Mission!
Adrie travels SA raising cancer-awareness, learn survival tips and host your own EduEvent: 082 895 3945.
Wednesday (Morning):
Spiritual Talk Ep. 37
Pieter Conradie and Bennie Jonker explore “Vermeerder of Begrawe?”, unlocking God-given potential.
Wednesday (Afternoon):
SportStroom with Freddy Ngoza!
Dive into 1-vs-1 rugby by Phoenix Sports Group and the adrenaline-charged RUNIT league.
Thursday:
StroomStories with Councillor Heinricha Hodgson (Ward 5)
A direct conversation on local challenges, solutions, and citizen engagement in Wyk 5.
Potchefstroom’s week has been filled with innovation, community action, and midwinter magic. From the Go-To Guy App launch to fundraising for Mandela Day, our city’s heartbeat remains strong. Keep tuning in, engaging locally, and supporting the initiatives that make Potchefstroom thrive.
Until next week, stay warm, stay involved, and let’s continue building our shared future together!
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