The Gazette - September 2025 Edition
- Johané
- Sep 26
- 14 min read
In this edition
JB Marks’ R17.9 Million Blunder: Idle Funds, Lost Paperwork, and Below-Market Returns Raise Alarm
Potch Dam in die kollig: Wanbestuur en verlore potensiaal, maar tog ’n bietjie hoop
NYDA Empowers Youth of Ward 17, 20 and 26 Through Training and Funding Opportunities
NW Signal Crowned Champions of Godfrey Moshodi Top 08 Tournament
StroomCares: Helping a Father in Need of a Wheelchair
A Journey for the Animals – Leon Bester’s Visit to Paws Haven
Ons maandelikse gebeurteniskalender hou jou op hoogte van alles wat gebeur.
PAWS: Celebrating Success & Meeting the Ones Still Waiting
Botha-broers skitter by Klerksdorp Stoeiklub se 50ste!
Platinum by RACA: Lynri Rossouw skitter as redenaar
Milner High announces RCL 2025/2026
KHS bevestig vir 2026 NMI Toyota Noord-Suid-Rugbytoernooi
Girls High Musical Showcase: An evening of live music magic
Baillies o/13B-dogters maak geskiedenis in Noordwes-hokkieliga
Gimmies se kundigheid erken: Regardt Kleingeld na SA Rugby se o.16 EPD-kamp
A Compact Sedan That Delivers Value and Safety
Potch se Stories
JB Marks’ R17.9 Million Blunder: Idle Funds, Lost Paperwork, and Below-Market Returns Raise Alarm
The JB Marks Local Municipality is facing mounting criticism after official reports and council questions revealed that millions of rands in public funds were mismanaged through idle investments, lost documentation, and poor financial controls.
According to the municipality’s own financial report, R17.9 million matured in October 2024 but was never reinvested. Instead, the money was placed in a call account at Investec “in case” it was needed for operational expenditure. To date, the funds remain untouched.
This decision meant residents’ money earned between 4.6% and 5.35% interest, far below inflation and significantly less than market-related returns. Financial experts consulted indicated that on such a product, the municipality should have earned at least 11–14%, meaning ratepayers were short-changed by millions.
The mismanagement deepened when it was revealed that the original promissory note was lost after two senior officials retired. Without the note, Investec refused to release the funds for reinvestment.
Although an affidavit and copy were later couriered, the damage was done: the municipality was stuck earning subpar interest for months. This lapse in document custody not only reflects administrative negligence but also cost the public heavily in missed returns.
The reports show that while JB Marks confirmed low call account returns, quotations for better rates had already been obtained. Yet delays and missing paperwork forced the municipality to settle for inferior returns.
The glaring question remains: who, if anyone, benefitted from JB Marks locking into such weak investment arrangements? With financial institutions offering far more competitive rates, suspicions of kickbacks or commissions are surfacing.
Other municipal reports paint a picture of financial strain. In November 2024, R23 million had to be transferred from ABSA to Nedbank simply to cover commitments, including SARS payments and third-party creditors.
Council records for December 2024 further reveal that unspent capital grants were ring-fenced in call accounts, reflecting limited flexibility in cash flow. Taken together, these cash flow pressures underscore why the municipality claimed it “might need” the R17.9 million; yet, ironically, the money has still not been touched.
For residents, the revelations are infuriating. Residents resonated with Councillor de Bruin's message in her letter when she stated:
“We are already paying for water that runs in the streets instead of taps, and roads that crumble daily. To then learn our money was left earning peanuts because of missing paperwork and bad decisions is proof public funds are not respected.”
The pattern across these reports (idle funds, misdirected transfers, ring-fenced but stagnant accounts) suggests systemic weaknesses in JB Marks’ financial management. While the CFO and Finance MMC recommend merely that Council “take cognisance” of the reports, critics argue that mere acknowledgement is not enough.
As the municipality grapples with ongoing service delivery failures, the question remains: will accountability finally follow the money, or will JB Marks’ financial woes continue unchecked?
We reached out to the CFO of JB Marks Municipality, but at time of publication, we still haven’t received a response to our questions.
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Potch Dam in die kollig: Wanbestuur en verlore potensiaal, maar tog ’n bietjie hoop
Dit is geen geheim dat Potch Dam ‘n reputasie het onder Potchefstromers, maar ‘n onlangse berig op Netwerk24 het weer die kollig op dié eens geliefde ontspanningsoord geplaas.
In Februarie 2024 het die Potch Gazette gaan besoek aflê om te sien wat nou eintlik daar aangaan en dit was toe reeds nie in die beste toestand nie. Maar ‘n onlangse artikel op Netwerk24 het bevestig wat inwoners (en heel moontlik, bestuur) lank reeds sien kom het - toestande het eenvoudig vererger.
Soveel so dat Susan Cilliers (Netwerk24 Joernalis) in haar artikel noem dat sommige badkamers se geisers gesteel is. Hoe het dit in byna twee jaar so vervalle geraak en hoekom doen die munisipaliteit niks hieraan nie?
Alles kom neer op die wanbestuur van fondse en die tekort aan instandhouding. Vergaderings word gehou waar daar meer as een keer klem geplaas word op die belangrikheid van bevoegde bestuur (en personeel), veiligheid en instandhouding - maar duidelik val dit op dowe ore. Dit is hartseer om te dink dat dié eens ‘n plek was waarheen families en gesinne naweek na naweek gestroom het om tyd langs die water deur te bring en werklik daarna uitgesien het om dam toe te gaan.
Ondanks DA-leier, John Steenhuisen, se besoek aan Potchefstroom op 4 September, het ons dam dit reggekry om vyf dae daarna wéér opslae te maak. Die videomateriaal van Steenhuisen se besoek laat die kyker in skok en sonder woorde. Die badkamer wat afgeneem word is iets uit ‘n gruwelfilm en soos John noem in die video, “dit lyk soos ‘n spookdorp”.
Maar waar presies hierdie ablusieblokke en vervalle geboue is wat hulle in die video en op foto’s wys, het ék nie een keer gekry terwyl ek daar was nie, want by die Dagbesoekers area is dit heel... aanvaarbaar vir ‘n publieke spasie.
Om appels met appels te vergelyk, het die Potch Gazette weer besoek gaan aflê by Potchefstroom Dam en byna dieselfde 'roete' gevolg as die vorige keer. Om mee te begin, die ingangsfooi is nie meer R133 nie, maar R150.
So, hoe lyk dit ná ‘n jaar en sewe maande? Eerlikwaar, beter as wat ek verwag het. Dit is nou nie asemrowend nie en alhoewel dit hartseer is om te sê, is dit in ‘n toestand waaraan ons gewoond geraak het - tipies dít wat jy verwag van ‘n publieke area. Die speel area se klimrame het ‘n nuwe laag verf gekry en lyk stukke beter as voorheen. Die gras is steeds plek-plek te lank, maar langs die (vol) dam self, word dit goed instand gehou. Ek was ook verbaas oor die hoeveelheid besoekers aan die dam.
Sommiges het gestaan en visvang, ander het hul gate uit geniet in en op die water en daar was selfs ‘n drawwer wat die meeste van die rustigheid en heerlike sonskyndag gemaak het. Na dít wat in die media verskyn het, het ek verwag dat daar niemand sal wees nie. Nietemin, ek was aangenaam verras.
Natuurlik is daar oogsere soos die kurio winkel wat letterlik net ys verkoop; die rakke is leeg en daar is slegs ys plakkate buite teen die ruit. Die restaurant bordjie wat al wind en weer weerstaan het laat besoekers met ‘n valse hoop dat hul iets te ete gaan kry en die plesierboot se kantoor is steeds toe en so effe bebos. Dan wil ek nie eens praat van sommige geboue op die perseel nie.
Nadat ons gesien het wat ons wou sien, besluit ons om dit 'n dag te noem. Met die uit ry word ons onkant betrap deur klippe wat die uitgang versper. Ek het probeer sien of daar dalk onderhoud gedoen word aan die 'Exit' hek, maar kon niks sien nie en in behoorlike Afrika-styl, het die personeel 'n 'plan' gemaak.
Daar lê soveel potensiaal in Potchefstroom Dam en hopelik sal die afgelope ruk se publisiteit die JB Marks Munisipaliteit onder druk sit om daadwerklik werk hiervan te maak en dié ontspanningsoord weer te herstel en rehabiliteer na die trekpleister wat dit eens was.
NYDA Empowers Youth of Ward 17, 20 and 26 Through Training and Funding Opportunities
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has launched a crucial initiative aimed at empowering young people from Ward 17, 20 and 26, hosted at the Mohadin Community Library. This program is designed to open pathways for youth to develop entrepreneurial skills and access much-needed project and business funding.
On 12 September 2025, the program began with online applications and registrations, ensuring that local youth could formally secure their participation. The process attracted enthusiastic responses, as many young people saw the opportunity as a stepping stone towards financial independence and community development.
From Monday, 15 September to Friday, 19 September 2025, the focus shifted entirely to intensive training sessions. These sessions covered essential topics such as:
Business planning and management
Project funding requirements and opportunities
Entrepreneurial skills development
Accessing NYDA resources for sustainable initiatives
The training was hands-on, equipping participants not just with knowledge, but also with practical tools to launch or expand their projects.
In addition to skills development, the program is directly linked to business and project funding opportunities. This means that participants with feasible ideas or existing initiatives will be assisted in applying for funding to bring their visions to life.
By targeting youth from Ward 17, 20 and 26, the initiative aims to strengthen local economic participation, reduce unemployment, and empower young leaders to create sustainable solutions for their communities.
“We are committed to creating opportunities for young people to thrive. This training and funding program is not just about skills—it’s about unlocking the potential of our youth to transform their communities,” said a representative from NYDA.
NW Signal Crowned Champions of Godfrey Moshodi Top 08 Tournament
NW Signal emerged as the champions of the highly competitive Godfrey Moshodi Top 08 Tournament, which was held over the weekend at the Ikageng Stadium from 20 to 21 September.
The tournament kicked off on Saturday with intense clashes in the quarter-finals. NW Signal faced off against Ikageng Best in a nail-biting match that ended 2-2 after regular time. The game was decided by penalties, where NW Signal triumphed 5-4 to secure their place in the semi-finals.
ISunday brought even more drama as the competition reached its climax. In the semi-finals, NW Signal took on Continental in another tightly contested encounter. Both sides were level at 1-1, forcing the game into penalties once again. NW Signal held their nerve, winning 4-2 in the shootout to book a spot in the final.
The grand finale against Reofentse lived up to expectations. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, setting the stage for yet another penalty shootout. NW Signal proved their resilience and composure, edging out Reofentse 3-2 on penalties to lift the championship trophy.
With grit, determination, and exceptional penalty-taking, NW Signal showcased their strength throughout the tournament. Their consistency under pressure ensured they walked away as the Godfrey Moshodi Top 08 champions.
The two-day event highlighted not only the talent in local football but also the passion of the Ikageng community in supporting grassroots sports
StroomCares
StroomCares: Helping a Father in Need of a Wheelchair
Ons gemeenskap staan dikwels saam in tye van nood en dit is presies wat nou nodig is.
Sarah van der Merwe van Potchefstroom het ons gekontak met ’n dringende versoek. Haar vader, Alwyn van Heerden, het onlangs verwoestende nuus ontvang.
Sy dokter het bevestig dat daar geen ander uitkoms is as om sy been bo die knie te amputeer nie. Die rede: ’n ernstige infeksie wat begin sepsis veroorsaak het en vinnig versprei het.
Volgens die dokter is hierdie ingrypende operasie die enigste kans om sy lewe te red en te keer dat die infeksie verder versprei. Oupa Alwyn sal na die operasie in ICU wees, en dit sal sowat twee weke duur voordat hy huis toe kan terugkeer.
Vir die gesin lê daar nou ’n nuwe uitdaging voor. Oupa Alwyn sal 24 uur afhanklik wees van versorging, aangesien sy ouderdom en gesondheid beteken dat hy nie sommer onafhanklik sal kan aanpas nie. Hy sal nie net emosionele ondersteuning nodig hê nie, maar ook die regte toerusting om sy daaglikse lewe te vergemaklik.
Een van die grootste behoeftes is ’n rolstoel en ’n commode. Sonder hierdie noodsaaklike hulpmiddels sal dit vir Sarah en haar familie byna onmoontlik wees om hom tuis te versorg.
Hier is hoe jy kan help:
As jy ’n rolstoel of commode het wat jy nie meer gebruik nie, oorweeg asseblief om dit aan die familie te skenk.
Indien jy iemand ken wat toegang het tot mediese toerusting teen ’n laer koste, deel asseblief daardie kontakbesonderhede.
Borgskappe en finansiële bydraes is ook welkom - elke klein bietjie kan ’n groot verskil maak.
Sarah en haar familie staar ’n moeilike pad in die gesig, maar saam kan ons help dra aan hul las. Kom ons staan by mekaar, soos ons al soveel keer in die verlede gedoen het.
As jy kan help met ’n rolstoel of commode vir Oupa Alwyn, kontak asseblief vir Sarah van der Merwe direk op - 081-423-4930.
A Journey for the Animals – Leon Bester’s Visit to Paws Haven
Paws Haven had the privilege of welcoming Leon Bester, a man on a remarkable journey. Leon is cycling from town to town with a powerful mission, to raise awareness about animal abuse and to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. His campaign, A Journey for the Animals, is more than just a physical challenge; it is a heartfelt stand for kindness, compassion, and justice for vulnerable animals.
Leon’s arrival brought excitement and gratitude, as his journey embodies the very values that Paws Haven works for every day - love, rescue, and protection for animals in need. Leon went beyond just a visit. He chose to spend the night in one of the kennels, immersing himself in the daily reality of shelter life. By doing so, he gained a deeper understanding of the challenges animals face while waiting for homes.
But Leon didn’t stop there. Rolling up his sleeves, he joined the Paws Haven team in their daily routine. He fed the cats and dogs, cleaned enclosures, and gave his time and affection to the animals. From carefully placing food bowls for the cats to cleaning kennels alongside playful and curious dogs, Leon’s compassion shone through every action.
The images captured during his visit tell the story of a man who not only talks about change but actively lives it, whether it was scrubbing down the kennels, sitting on the floor to comfort a shy cat, or laughing with a dog eager for attention.
The following morning, Leon was back on his bicycle, ready to continue his journey to the next shelter. His time at Paws Haven was short, but his dedication left a lasting mark on the hearts of both the animals and the humans who care for them.
Leon’s courage and commitment remind us that every act of compassion matters. Through his journey, he not only spreads awareness about animal abuse but also inspires communities to take action.
Potch se Diere
PAWS: Celebrating Success & Meeting the Ones Still Waiting
September thus far has been a month of joy and relief at PAWS Haven, with many animals finding the homes and families they deserve. These success stories remind us why fostering and adoption are so important: they change lives, both for the pets and the people who welcome them.
Fostering also made a major difference: abandoned kittens, often stressed and vulnerable in shelter environments, were taken in by Heleen. Within hours, their transformation from fear to relaxation showed the powerful impact of a caring foster home.
These successes prove that every act of kindness , whether adoption or fostering , gives animals the chance at life and love they so deeply deserve. While we celebrate these happy endings, many animals remain in need of homes, either permanent or foster. Each one is unique, but all are waiting for someone to open their heart.
Every success story shows what can be achieved when compassion leads the way. But many animals are still waiting, from energetic dogs to tiny kittens in need of safe homes. Fostering gives them a chance to grow and heal, while adoption provides the forever family they long for.
At Paws Haven Potchefstroom, there is a continuous daily challenge to provide care for approximately 750 abandoned animals, a significant portion being dogs. The cost of feeding, housing, cleaning, medicating, and general care is rising, and the shelter urgently needs community support. Please open your hearts by making a donation to ensure these animals have food, shelter, and medical care.
Bank Details:
Account Name: Paws Haven Npc
Bank: Nedbank
Account Type: Current Account
Acc No: 1321565046
Branch Code: 198765
Reference: Food Donation
Proof of Payment: Send to 063 181 3524
By supporting Paws Haven, you help sustain a safe haven for hundreds of voiceless animals awaiting their chance at a loving home. Let’s turn appreciation into action, because every dog (and other animal) deserves a life filled with care and dignity. Terms and conditions for adoption apply.
Sport & Kultuur
Laerskool President (Carletonville)
Laerskool President is trots op Bismark en Renier Botha wat puik presteer het by die Klerksdorp Stoeiklub se 50ste byeenkoms. Renier verower goud en Bismark behaal silwer.
Hoërskool Carletonville
Hoërskool Carletonville is trots om Lynri Rossouw (Gr. 11) te vier, wat ’n Platinum-toekenning vir redenaars by die RACA Eisteddfod verwerf het. Die uitsonderlike prestasie getuig van deeglike voorbereiding, navorsing, noukeurige skryfwerk en selfversekerde aanbieding.
Klerksdorp Hoërskool
Klerksdorp Hoërskool is trots om te bevestig dat ons deelname vir 2026 by die prestige NMI Toyota Noord-Suid-Rugbytoernooi vasgemaak is. Hierdie uitnodiging plaas KHS tussen ’n uitsoekgroep skole en bevestig die gehalte van ons program, spelers en afrigting.
Milner High (Klerksdorp)
Congratulations to our future leaders! Milner High proudly unveils the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) for 2025/2026. This team was elected by their peers to serve with integrity, courage, and care, championing student voice, school spirit, and everyday excellence.
High School for Girls Potchefstroom
Tuesday, 30 September 2025 | 18:30 | Mary Hart Hall Staff, parents/guardians, and learners are warmly invited to the High School for Girls Potchefstroom Musical Showcase, a one-night celebration of rhythm, harmony, and standout student talent.
Laerskool Baillie Park
Laerskool Baillie Park se o/13B-dogterspan het die naweek ’n mylpaal bereik deur as naaswenners van die Noordwes-hokkieliga gekroon te word, ’n eerstes vir ’n Baillies-dogterspan in dié kompetisie. Julle vasbyt, dissipline en spanwerk het ’n nuwe maatstaf gestel. Baie geluk!
Skool Stories
Gimmies se kundigheid erken: Regardt Kleingeld na SA Rugby se o.16 EPD-kamp
Potchefstroom Gimnasium is trots om te bevestig dat Regardt Kleingeld, rugbydirekteur van Gimmies, deur SA Rugby uitgenooi is na die o.16 Elite Player Development (EPD)-kamp wat binnekort in Paarl plaasvind.
Die uitnodiging is ’n duidelike stem van vertroue in sy rugby-kennnis, spelerontwikkeling en strategiese insig, eienskappe wat reeds ’n merkwaardige impak op Gimmie-rugby het.
SA Rugby se Elite Player Development-programme fokus op die identifisering, ontwikkeling en begeleiding van topjongtalent met hoë prestasie-potensiaal. Afrigters en spesialiste werk saam om vaardighede, besluitneming, fisieke voorbereiding en karakter te slyp, die boustene van volhoubare uitnemendheid.
Baie geluk, Mnr. Kleingeld, mag die kamp leer, deel en groei bring. Aan ons afrigters, ondersteuningspan, ouers en spelers: dankie vir die konstante werksetiek wat hierdie mylpaal moontlik maak.
Gimmies beweeg vorentoe met trots, op én van die veld.
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Kar Stories
A Compact Sedan That Delivers Value and Safety
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Performance & Efficiency
1.2-litre petrol engine, focused on efficiency.
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Safety
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First sedan in India to earn a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.
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Ground clearance: 163 mm.
Boot capacity: 382 litres – practical for everyday and light travel.
With competitive pricing, comprehensive safety, fuel efficiency, and useful features, the Dzire is a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability, comfort, and peace of mind.
E
vents Calendar
The Go-To Guy has an extensive events calendar that you can find a variety of events in and around Potchefstroom, in fact it is now one of the most comprehensive calendars in our region, you can visit the calendar at the following link: Events Calendar
Die Kuierkombuis maak oop vir Aardklop - 7 tot 11 Oktober
Venue: Fanie du Toit Sportgronde
Datum: 7 - 11 Oktober
Tyd: 10h00 - 19h00
Daar is iets vir elke honger maag:
Barista-koffiekroeg
Koek wat lyk en proe soos iets wat jou tannie op ’n Sondag sou bak
Middagetes van 11:30 tot 14:00
Aandetes van 17:00 tot 19:00
Die Kuierkombuis is nie net vir die lekkerte nie. Die opbrengs gaan aan die Potchefstroom Dienssentrum vir Bejaardes, die Amelia Nasorgsentrum en die Simon Coetzee Versorgingstrust. Met ander woorde, elke koek of bord kos wat jy koop, help om die pot aan die kook te hou vir mense wat dit regtig nodig het.
OAKtober Family Fun Run keer terug in 2025
Datum: Saterdag 18 Oktober 2025
Tyd: 07:00 – 09:30
Wegspring: 07:30 vanaf Cachetpark CID
Roete: Cachetpark tot by die Dam Ontspanningsoord en terug
Die OAKtober Family Fun Run gaan weer plaasvind in Potchefstroom na die sukses van verlede jaar se eerste byeenkoms. Die Fun Run is ‘n samewerking tussen die Eikelaan Belangegroep en Potchefstroom Central School.
Die dag se doel is om die Eikelaan se geskiedenis te vier en die gemeenskap bymekaar te bring. Soos in 2024, is daar weer planne vir ‘n “candy hunt” en ‘n “fun dress” tema. Dit gee deelnemers van alle ouderdomme die kans om deel te neem op ‘n informele manier, of dit nou vir pret, gesondheid of net om saam met familie en vriende te stap of draf.
Take a look at the entire edition by downloading it below. Until next month!
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