Potch Weekly WhatsApp Chatter & Service Update

Karen Scheepers
2 hours ago
3 min read

During the past week, safety remained a key concern in various areas of Potchefstroom. A wave of unrest reportedly erupted in the Bult area following reports of a violent incident involving a student, prompting residents to avoid the vicinity. While details remain sensitive, the messages circulating in WhatsApp groups reflected community unease and heightened awareness.

In a related development, an increase in Ford vehicle thefts was reported in both Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp, with a specific focus on bakkies and Everests. Vehicle owners were urged to take extra precautions.

Power Outages & Cable Theft

Several neighbourhoods were once again hit by power outages, many of them caused by suspected cable theft. Kamp Street experienced prolonged downtime, with WhatsApp users reporting outages since the early hours of the morning. Frustration grew as residents struggled to reach municipal contacts for updates, although some confirmed that repair teams were eventually deployed to reconnect severed lines.

Similar electricity interruptions were noted in Wilgeboom, Kruis Street, Spruit Street, and MC Roode, with municipal teams gradually attending to complaints. The outages were largely attributed to storm damage and fallen trees, exacerbated by the weekend’s heavy weather.

Water Supply Issues

Water disruptions were also a recurring topic. A large leak in Rivier Street drew multiple complaints from nearby residents, some of whom shared pictures and exact addresses of the affected sites. Reports noted poor water pressure in Smit Street and parts of Kock and Hoffman Streets, where residents described daily challenges such as weak water flow and visible spouting leaks in roadways.

A particularly severe leak near Jeugd and Rivier Streets was flagged early on 19 November, with repair crews eventually dispatched after community pressure. The issue was temporarily resolved by evening.

Road Damage & Safety Hazards

Heavy rainfall left several roads in poor condition, with WhatsApp updates warning of newly formed potholes in areas like Molen Street and Strydomstraat. Drivers were cautioned to proceed with care, especially as standing water often obscured road damage. Richardson Street also saw increased activity due to a school event, leading to traffic congestion and appeals for courtesy.

In MC Roode, a thick veil of smoke from a nearby veldfire significantly reduced visibility, adding to the week’s driving hazards.

Community Engagement & Meeting Cancellations

Efforts to hold a community meeting regarding student housing challenges, noise disturbances, and service delivery complaints were ultimately cancelled due to low public response. Organisers had hoped for more than 50 attendees but fell short, despite active polling and engagement campaigns in WhatsApp groups. Organizers promised to reschedule and emphasised the importance of greater community involvement going forward.

Petition & Legal Challenge on Demerger

WhatsApp chatter also focused on the progress of the DA-led court challenge to the Municipal Demarcation Board’s (MDB) refusal to dissolve the JB Marks Municipality. The party filed a formal review application in the Pretoria High Court, with wide support from local residents who previously signed a demarcation petition.

Messages shared links to media coverage and praised the councillors and leaders who initiated the legal proceedings, urging continued support for the process to restore separate municipal structures for

Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

Weather Alerts & Infrastructure Strain

A weather warning issued between 15–17 November highlighted potential dangers due to a strong low-pressure system moving through the region. Thunderstorms, hail, and flooding were expected, leading to infrastructure pressure that played out in power outages and water leaks across the city.

Flooding in nearby districts such as Rustenburg, Stilfontein, and Mafikeng was also noted, with road closures and rising river levels reported on the R24, N12, and R30 routes. Residents were reminded to drive cautiously and avoid submerged routes.

Final chat

From electrical faults and burst pipes to protest activity and pothole complaints, Potchefstroom’s WhatsApp groups remained a critical lifeline for information, response tracking, and neighbourhood support. As public services are tested by infrastructure challenges and weather events, local communication channels continue to bridge the gap between officials and residents.