Potchefstroom Weekly Group Update – 28 August 2025

Karen Scheepers
Aug 28
3 min read

The past week saw high volumes of community group activity across Potchefstroom, with residents highlighting problems and solutions around electricity, water, sanitation, refuse removal, and local safety. These WhatsApp platforms continue to be vital for sharing real-time updates and collective action in a city facing ongoing service delivery challenges. Below is a summarised overview of key issues and developments.

⚡ Electricity Disruptions & Cable Theft

Numerous residents reported extended power outages in areas including Kamp Street, Rivierstraat, Beyers Naudé, and parts of Baillie Park. Cable theft was confirmed as the cause in many cases, with technicians working on-site for repairs. Residents expressed concern over limited communication and slow response times from the municipality. Electricity queries also surfaced regarding inaccurate billing, inconsistent meter readings, and confusion around prepaid tariffs.

💬 Rising Frustration and Community Messaging

As outages persisted, conversations turned emotional. While some residents were frustrated with delayed responses, others called for understanding and empathy toward frontline municipal staff. Group members emphasized that while complaints are valid, it's essential to report issues through proper channels to ensure accountability and system improvement.

🚮 Refuse Removal Disruptions

Garbage collection was a major concern this week. Delays were caused by municipal truck breakdowns, leaving bins uncollected across multiple suburbs. Residents were informed that collections would resume the next day. There was also concern about black refuse bags being dumped in parks, which posed a health hazard due to potential animal interference. Community members were asked to take full bags back into their yards until scheduled collection resumes.

🚨 Crime and Safety Alerts

Crime reports were shared regularly, including:

Gate motor thefts in multiple streets
A man in a green hoodie suspected of stealing tools
Dog poisonings suspected to be linked to break-ins
Red bait described as resembling "Rice Krispies" was identified as potential poisoning bait
Mooirivier Beskerming reported a motor vehicle accident on Albert Lethuli Bridge
Rocket HEMS airlifted a critically injured 18-month-old child after a household accident

These updates underscore the importance of neighbourhood watch participation and increased street awareness.

💧 Water Leaks and Service Issues

A burst pipe at a residential meter and a strong leak near Borcherd Street were among the water-related concerns raised. Difficulty reaching the Water and Sanitation department was a repeated frustration. Some residents asked for direct reporting points due to lack of feedback from official lines.

🚧 Infrastructure Improvements and Reporting Wins

Despite challenges, some positives were reported. A resident-driven cleanup next to a pump station was commended, with requests for assistance to transport refuse to the landfill. Additionally, deteriorated road surfaces near a major intersection were repaired through coordination with provincial public works. New traffic markings were scheduled to improve lane clarity near the N12.

🐕 Lost Pets and Stray Incidents

Posts related to stray dogs, lost pets, and animal safety were prominent. In one case, a dog wandered through residential streets for several days before being reported. Another report highlighted the recovery of a stolen electric fence inverter, which was later returned to the owner. Residents were encouraged to use safety groups for quick pet recovery.

🧾 Municipal Communication & Reporting Channels

Residents were reminded to report service-related problems directly to the JB Marks WhatsApp line or relevant department numbers:

Water/Sewage: 082 381 0888
Roads/Paving: 018 293 1111
Electricity: 082 385 1888
Disaster/WhatsApp: 078 803 1570

Councillors also noted that they would be in council chambers for extended meetings during the week, limiting direct responses to non-urgent issues.

🧹 Streetlight Failures & Park Waste

Reports from Baillie Park indicated that only two streetlights were functioning at night. Community members voiced concerns about safety, urging ongoing reporting. In addition, residents were reminded not to leave refuse in public green spaces outside of collection times to avoid public mess.

🧑‍🎓 Matric Exams and Messages of Support

Good luck messages were sent out to matric learners writing their record exams. A note of appreciation was also extended to parents, teachers, and support teams assisting students during this stressful period.

📅 Upcoming Elections and Civic Reminders

A link was shared noting that Local Government Elections (LGE) may take place between 2 November 2026 and 31 January 2027, reminding residents to remain active and informed as preparations unfold.