The Pulse: Potchefstroom, Ikageng, and Promosa February Edition
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
As February 2026 draws to a close, the Tlokwe region remains a focal point of North West's growth and growing pains. From the high-octane energy of the Varsity Cup to the deep-seated frustrations over infrastructure, this edition captures the defining moments from 12 February to 27 February 2026.
1. Infrastructure & Governance: The Sewage and Housing Crisis
The "City of Expertise" has faced a difficult month regarding service delivery. National intervention was signaled as the Department of Water and Sanitation met with JB Marks Municipality to address the sewage crisis in Ikageng and the CBD.
Sewage Disaster: Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo highlighted the critical state of the Mooi River, which is being contaminated by untreated waste. In Extension 7, residents have reportedly endured spillages for over a decade.
Illegal Housing: DA Councillor André Klopper raised alarms on 25 February regarding illegal housing in Ward 7. The crisis involves non-compliant student accommodation, with calls for the university and municipality to increase transparency.
Water Supply: On 22 February, a major breakdown along the Ventersdorp main water supply left several areas without water, while technical issues plagued prepaid electricity purchases.
2. Roads and Safety: A Fortnight of Collisions
Road safety remains a primary concern as traffic volumes increase with the return of students.
Fatal Intersection: A three-vehicle collision on 22 February at a major Potchefstroom intersection left one person dead and three others injured.
Motorbike Accident: On 23 February, a biker was seriously injured in a collision at the Albert Luthuli and Wilgen intersection.
Public Safety Warnings: Authorities have flagged Daniel Street for temporary closures and warned of "fake messages" targeting residents with fraudulent service disconnection threats.
3. Academic & Campus Life: The Purple Storm Rises
The academic year is now in full swing at North-West University (NWU).
Registration Close: The official registration period for 2026 concluded on 6 February, with module changes allowed until 27 February.
Talent and Culture: The Eagi Campus Talent Festival Gala showcased the diverse artistic skills of the student body.
Mother Language Day: On 27 February, the campus celebrated Mother Language Day, reinforcing NWU’s commitment to multilingualism.
4. Community & Local News: Promosa and Beyond
Promosa Career Day: Promosa Primary hosted a successful career day to inspire local learners with various professional paths.
The Nursing Hero: In one of the month’s most heartwarming stories, 19-year-old Lara Schutte, an NWU nursing student, was hailed as a hero. On February 23, she was first on the scene of a vehicle rollover on the Rysmierbult road. Using her training, she stabilized the disoriented driver and prevented further injury until paramedics arrived.
Project 350: The community initiative at Potch Boys High officially began its training cycles, aiming to develop the next generation of sports stars.
Missing Persons: The search continues for the Ikageng men missing since late 2025, with community groups maintaining a vigil.
5. Sports Spotlight: Varsity Cup and Olympic Training
Potchefstroom remains a global hub for high-performance sports.
Varsity Cup Launch: The NWU Eagles began their 2026 campaign with a "Believe" philosophy. A highlight of the season is the new "Tap or Kick" rule, which has already seen massive scoreline swings.
Home Turf Battles: The Eagles hosted FNB Emeris on 23 February at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds, drawing a massive "Purple Pride" crowd.
International Stars: Olympic gold medalist Femke Bol and her Dutch teammates are currently training at the NWU High-Performance Institute (HPI), taking advantage of the altitude and facilities.
Summary Table: February 2026 Key Events
Date | Location | Event / Story | Status / Impact |
12 Feb | Potch CBD | DA Safety Exposé | Safety violations reported in municipal buildings. |
13 Feb | Fanie du Toit | Varsity Shield Round 1 | UKZN defeats SPU 46-15 in a high-scoring opener. |
16 Feb | Bloemfontein | Eagles Season Opener | NWU Eagles take on CUT Ixias away from home. |
18 Feb | Ikageng | Sewer Crisis Meeting | National govt intervenes in JB Marks sanitation. |
20 Feb | Daniel St | Road Closure | Planned temporary closure for critical maintenance. |
22 Feb | Potch | Fatal Collision | Three-car crash leaves 1 dead and 1 critical. |
22 Feb | Ventersdorp Rd | Water Breakdown | Major pipe failure causes widespread supply cuts. |
23 Feb | Albert Luthuli | Biker Collision | Serious injuries reported after motorbike vs car crash. |
23 Feb | NWU Campus | Project 350 Launch | 350 young athletes begin their development program. |
25 Feb | Ward 7 | Illegal Housing Alert | DA calls for investigation into unlawful residences. |
27 Feb | NWU Campus | Mother Language Day | Cultural festivities and webinars conclude the month. |
Final Thought
As we head into March, the Tlokwe region faces the dual challenge of maintaining its status as a world-class sporting and academic destination while grappling with a crumbling infrastructure that demands urgent accountability.
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