Potchefstroom Weekly Service Delivery & Safety Update
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Community WhatsApp Highlights: 18–25 September 2025
Each week, Potchefstroom residents turn to community WhatsApp groups for real-time updates about electricity outages, water supply concerns, refuse collection, safety alerts, and local event notifications. From neighbourhood-specific queries to broader municipal service issues, these chats offer a direct glimpse into what residents are experiencing, and what they're asking. This week's update brings together key highlights from these conversations, helping everyone stay better informed and prepared.
Aardklop Festival Preparations in Full Swing
The unmistakable signs of festival season are already brightening up Potchefstroom. From pink cloth-wrapped trees to eye-catching billboards, the vibrant build-up to Momentum Aardklop is well underway. Scheduled for 7–12 October 2025, the main festival grounds will again be hosted at the NWU Fanie du Toit sports fields (east rugby fields).
Festival hours:
7–11 October: 09:00 to 21:00 (General Grounds)
Bars, terrain stage & food stalls: open until 23:30
Residents in surrounding areas are kindly asked to bear with the festive noise and traffic. Organisers have committed to adhering to all timing regulations.
🛑 Safety & Scam Warnings
A fraud alert has been issued regarding impersonators claiming to be JB Marks officials. A caller named "David" (079 472 3640) has reportedly demanded payments to avoid electricity disconnections. Residents are advised to only pay their accounts directly to the municipality in person or via EFT to official accounts.
A critical safety notice has also been issued about the burned Potchefstroom railway station. Despite its visual appeal, it is highly unsafe due to exposed live wires. Tragically, another life was lost this past week. Students and the public are urged to stay away from the area completely.
Electricity Outages & Cable Theft
Several areas experienced outages due to weather damage, technical faults, and cable theft:
Miederpark, Kock Street, Smit Street, Albert Nel Street, Klerk Street, Jonge Molen flats, and parts of Beyers Naudé all reported electricity interruptions.
Some outages required extended repair times, with reports indicating technicians worked into the early morning hours on multiple occasions.
Residents highlighted ongoing issues with hanging or stolen cables, suggesting possible inside collaboration and calling for improved preventative measures.
🛣 Road & Event Disruptions
EFF Protest March: Took place on 22 September from the NWU Old POK Hall to the Draak Restaurant, affecting roads on campus near the railway line.
Viljoen Street Closure: Temporary closure on 20 September due to a funeral. Concerns were raised regarding lack of formal signage and clarity on authorisation.
NWU Campus March Alert: Another student march was confirmed for the following Monday, impacting roads between the School of Nursing and Draak between 09:00–13:00.
Refuse Collection Updates
Residents in Kock Street and Miederpark reported delays in garbage collection. Updates confirmed that the waste removal teams were still active on the ground late into the day.
Council feedback reassured residents that the Heritage Day public holiday (24 September) did not affect the refuse collection schedule.
🐕 Lost & Found
A dog was found in Colenso Street (No. 6). The community was asked to assist in reuniting the dog with its owner by contacting the councillor directly.
📷 Community Surveillance Initiative: Miederpark & Suid Dorp
A renewed camera surveillance project is under discussion in Suid Dorp and Miederpark:
A poll has been issued to gauge willingness to contribute to the project.
Previous camera installations (e.g., Viljoen & Louw Streets) were funded by ward allocations but received minimal community support for monitoring costs.
Water & Infrastructure Reports
Water leak reported at 36 Steve Biko Street.
Community members shared updated numbers for after-hours power outage reporting.
Ongoing infrastructure complaints were routed through local councillors and disaster management contacts.
Final thought
Whether it's festival logistics, power restoration, or public safety alerts, the WhatsApp chatter reflects a community that’s active, responsive, and ready to engage. Staying connected to these updates empowers residents to react faster, report more accurately, and support one another. Keep an eye on your local group for the latest developments, your voice and vigilance make a difference.
📲💡💧🗑 ⚡
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