Potch WhatsApp Groups' Weekly Service Delivery & Safety Update
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
From infrastructure concerns to power outages and service extensions, Potchefstroom residents have continued to share real-time information, concerns, and feedback via local WhatsApp groups. The following is a factual summary of messages received during the week of 12 to 18 September 2025.
💧 Sewer Pipe Flushing at the Mall
A private plumbing team conducted emergency flushing of a sewer pipe near the Mooirivier Mall, preventing sewer outflow into the Mooi River at the Trim Park bridge. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the pipe across the river remains intact. The incident raised ongoing concerns about the municipality’s lack of routine maintenance and inspections, which could have prevented the issue in the first place.
🗑️ Refuse Removal Concerns
Several residents reported inconsistent or delayed garbage collection, especially over the weekend. Councillor Heinricha Hodgson confirmed that the refuse collection team was still active late Monday evening and that updates would follow when the backlog was cleared.
🪪 Licensing Department Now Open Saturdays
From Saturday, 20 September 2025, the Potchefstroom Licensing Department will be open from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays for both driver’s and vehicle license renewals. This extended schedule will remain in effect until further notice. Residents are reminded to check whether learners' licenses or practical driving tests will also be accommodated.
🗺️ Ward Border Discussions & Community Feedback
Public input sessions were held on proposed changes to municipal ward boundaries. While no changes are currently planned for Ward 5, Councillor Madra encouraged residents to attend the meetings and suggested the possibility of assigning a dedicated representative for the Central Business District (CBD). Ward 3’s Annè van Onselen shared detailed demographic and voter information, indicating proposed shifts for areas like Klipdrift, Bailliepark, and Fikadibeng.
🔥 Fire Alert
Authorities responded to an unspecified fire incident. Residents were notified and advised to follow updates through local channels.
⚡ Electricity Outages & Infrastructure Issues
Jeugd Street: Power disruptions continued due to overgrown trees causing wires to short during windy conditions.
Smit Street: Cable theft led to outages in the golf course vicinity. JB Marks electrical teams were notified and dispatched.
Klerk Street: Power loss was reported in multiple homes, with residents confirming that cut cables were to blame.
Mooirivier Junction: Short-term outages were also reported near KFC and McDonald’s.
Beyers Naude: One residence experienced power loss due to a disconnected wire near their box.
Several residents expressed frustration over unplanned outages and lack of timely response. In some cases, after-hours municipal teams were unreachable.
🚨 Electricity Extortion Scam Reported
A resident reported being contacted by a person claiming to be an “electricity supervisor” named David, who demanded money to avoid power disconnection. Community members quickly flagged this as a scam and encouraged reporting it to the municipality.
📉 Water Pressure & Reservoir Updates
Low water pressure in parts of the city was attributed to ongoing repair work near a local reservoir. No formal announcement had been made by municipal authorities at the time of reporting.
🔌 Municipal Account & Prepaid Meter Frustrations
Multiple residents raised concerns about inflated water bills, faulty or non-functional water meters, and incorrect prepaid electricity charges. Some users claimed meters had not worked for years, despite repeated reporting. Others expressed frustration with municipal debt collection practices, fearing disconnections even after partial payments were made.
🗃️ Statistics SA in Bailliepark
Statisticians will be visiting selected homes in Bailliepark between 17–19 September, conducting official surveys between 16:00 and 18:15. Residents were advised that no ID numbers are required , only a birthdate and nickname, and identification will be worn by the enumerators.
🏏 School Traffic Advisory – T10 Cricket at Bailliepark
From 18–20 September, T10 cricket matches at Baillie Park Primary will increase traffic and noise in the area. Evening activities are expected to end by 21:30.
Wrap up
Ongoing conversations in Potchefstroom’s WhatsApp groups reflect the challenges, changes, and community-led awareness efforts that shape local life. These updates highlight the importance of public vigilance, responsive communication, and open channels between citizens and authorities.
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