Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp: The Demerger everyone wanted but nobody got

In a shocking turn of events, only one day after dropping off thousands of petition forms, the Demarcation Board decided against the demerging of Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp long before the 30th of July. And just like in 2015 when the merging took place, it looks to be motivated by political considerations rather than proper and better service delivery to the Potchefstroom community.

Image: The Go-To Guy Creations

A movement in motion

Launched in 2023, the petition campaign (led by DA Caucus Leader, Hans-Jurie Moolman) gained extraordinary momentum over the past few weeks, all in the hope that Potchefstroom will once again become Tlokwe and function on its own. Nearly 14 000 residents signed the petition forms and were hopeful when these forms were dropped off at the Demarcation Board in Pretoria on 6 August.

The demerging and its importance

In a previous article, the Potch Gazette spoke to Caucus Leader, Hans-Jurie Moolman and member of Parliament and Head of Constituency, Chris Hattingh about the importance of the demerging actually taking place and what that would mean for the town and its community in various aspects. ‘Petition points’ were set up at various locations across town to ensure all residents had the opportunity to partake in the signing of the petition. 

In a media statement, DA Ward Councillor, Heinricha Hogdson said the following: “This is more than a petition, it is a people’s revolt against a decade of decline”.

Image: The Demarcation Board's decision

A rude awakening

Despite the thousands of signatures received, on 7 August residents woke to the message from various ward council members that a decision had already been made - the towns of Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp will not be demerging. It appears that this decision was made long before the cut-off date of 3 August 2025. Council members expressed their shock and disappointment following the nonchalant announcement regarding this matter, and have already demanded the following from the  Board:

1. Reasons for their decision.

2. Copy of the Technical Report.

3. All proof and records to determine whether there was any public participation that took place before the decision was made.

They are awaiting a response from the Demarcation Board to determine whether further steps will be taken. “We are very disappointed. It’s clear that our community’s view and opinion has never counted in these decisions”, was Caucus Leader, Hans-Jurie Moolman’s response to the outcome.  

“The fact that the delimitation process is already underway further confirms that this decision was taken long ago and that whatever is referred to as public participation and public engagement was treated as a formality and never truly took place.” 

Image: DA

In the media statement released by Councillor Hodgson, she furthermore stated the following: “We call on the MDB to publish all reports, stakeholder submissions, and the final recommendations on JB Marks without further obstruction. The process must be transparent, inclusive, and driven by the voices of the people - not hidden behind bureaucracy and silence.”

The future of these two towns

The future is uncertain to the residents of Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp and whether or not these two towns will ever function on their own again. As mentioned by various DA Ward members, the merger has failed on every front. “Instead of improving governance, it collapsed service delivery, destroyed administrative capacity, bankrupted municipal finances, and allowed entrenched corruption to fester. Ventersdorp was marginalised, Potchefstroom was looted, and both towns were betrayed.”

"The DA thanks every resident who took a stand. This fight is far from over, but the tide is turning. We will not rest until the injustice of this forced merger is undone and both Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp are free to chart their own future."

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Johané van Dyk - Potchefstroom