The Go-To Guy – Week 35 Diary
- Charlene Bekker
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
From community clean-ups and padstal pitstops to tractor rallies, rugby tours, escape rooms, and the start of Potch’s biggest festival, Week 35 gave us stories filled with passion, pride, and plenty of local flavour. Here’s everything we got up to this past week.
StroomStories 27 August – The NWU Tractor Awareness Rally
Wednesday was one for the books in our StroomStories studio. We hosted members of the NWU Tractor Awareness Rally, an incredible initiative driving across South Africa from Potchefstroom all the way to Bredasdorp, between 30 August and 12 September 2025.
And yes, they’re literally driving a tractor. The aim? To raise awareness around Dementia and Alzheimer’s, while breaking the stigma surrounding these conditions. In our talk, the team shared their route, their purpose, and the emotional impact of bringing such a unique awareness campaign to communities nationwide.
It’s not just a rally, it’s a movement for memory and healing.
SportStroom 27 August – International Tours with BRSI
Also on Wednesday, we took to SportStroom with special guests Alex Skudder and Jandré Volschenk of BRSI. These guys are opening doors for schools by organising international sports tours that combine competition, culture, and personal growth.
Imagine students not only representing their school abroad but also experiencing different countries, building confidence, and forging friendships across borders. For young athletes, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and for schools, it’s a chance to expand their sporting footprint in a global way.
Our Eyes Out in The Field 25 August – Potch Geesfees Gives Back
We kicked the week off with a strong sense of purpose as the Potch Geesfees team rolled up their sleeves to clean the Trimpark area. For weeks, rubbish had piled up, but the Geesfees crew (with the help of ALS) turned it into a movement of renewal.
Bags of trash were hauled away, the park was restored, and a clear message was sent: before we party, we take care of our town.
It wasn’t just about litter, it was about pride. Potch Geesfees isn’t just a festival; it’s a promise to give back to the very streets and parks where the fun will unfold. 25 August – A Padstal with a Twist in Parys
Later that day, our “Eyes in the Field” adventure took us to a brand-new padstal in Parys, but not your average stop-and-go.
Here, you can:
Enjoy hearty meals at the Eatery
Pick up local products
Brighten your home with fresh flowers & plants
Visit the Biltong & Braai corner
And even do your laundry at the Wassery
Convenient, quirky, and welcoming, this is the type of roadside gem that makes you want to plan your next trip around a pitstop. Located at 19 Water Street, it’s a must-visit for locals and travellers alike.
28 August – Flotek Potchefstroom Grand Opening
Thursday was packed with excitement, starting with the big reveal of Flotek Potchefstroom’s grand opening.
The details were laid out and the community was abuzz with anticipation:
📍 1 Maree Street, Potchefstroom
🎤 OFM live with Shandor Potgieter
🏉 Beer tent & Big Screen showing the Springboks vs New Zealand game
🥪 Braaibroodjie & wors special for just R50
🎁 Huge prizes to be won
📅 Date set for 6 September 2025, 08:00 – 15:00 (kick-off at 09:00)
It’s not just an opening, it’s shaping up to be a proper community gathering, complete with rugby, beer, and braaibroodjies. 28 August – SA MindMaze Escape Rooms
From rugby to riddles, Thursday also brought a bit of a refresher of SA MindMaze Escape Rooms, right here in Potchefstroom! This isn’t just any escape room; it’s the only tech-based escape room in South Africa that truly makes you feel like part of the story.
Pick your theme:
🌴 Jumanji Jungle
⚓ Pirate Shipwrecked
🧙♂️ Hogwarts School of Magic
🃏 Alice in Wonderland
🧛 Dracula
Each game runs 60–90 minutes, challenging teams to think, collaborate, and escape. Prices start from R250 per person (weekdays), R280 (weekends/public holidays), and a R550 fixed rate for 2 players.
It’s perfect for year-end functions, team-building, birthdays, bachelors/bachelorettes, or just a night of fun with friends. Pair it with a meal and drinks from Die Local, and you’ve got a complete experience.
📍 Find them at 70 Walter Sisulu Ave, 1st floor of Impala. 28 August – Pick n Pay Canal Crossing Trolley Dash
The thrill of the Trolley Dash returned to Pick n Pay Canal Crossing, giving lucky participants the chance to race against time and fill their trolleys. Laughter, cheers, and pure chaos, it’s always one of the most entertaining events to cover. If you weren’t part of this round, don’t worry, another dash is always just around the corner.
29 August – Potch Geesfees Kicks Off!
Friday was the day Potchefstroom had been waiting for the official start of Potch Geesfees 2025! The gates opened at 14:00, and the festival grounds quickly filled with the sights and sounds of excitement.
From food stalls to music stages, laughter, and local pride, Geesfees is more than an event, it’s a celebration of everything Potch stands for: community, culture, and fun. And this was just night one! The weekend promised even bigger acts, unforgettable moments, and a town alive with gees.
Looking Back at Week 35
This week showed us the perfect balance of giving back, celebrating milestones, creating awareness, and enjoying life. Potchefstroom and its surrounding towns are buzzing from tractor rallies raising national awareness to padstals, escape rooms, and the ultimate Geesfees vibe.
Here at The Go-To Guy, we’re proud to stand in the middle of it all, capturing these stories and bringing them to you. Because at the end of the day, it’s the people, the passion, and the pride that keep our community thriving.