The Weekly Diary: Grandmasters, Gunpowder, and Great New Opportunities

Welcome back to another edition of The Go-To Guy Weekly Diary! Week 17 of 2026 has been a truly remarkable stretch. As the autumn leaves begin to settle over the streets of Potchefstroom, our team has been out in full force to capture stories that span the spectrum of human achievement,from the quiet intensity of a chessboard to the enduring walls of our town’s oldest landmarks.

Image (Created) : The Go-To Guy

This week is also a significant milestone for our internal team. As we look forward to new talent joining our ranks, we are preparing to say a bittersweet farewell to a familiar face. Grab a coffee and settle in for your 10-minute briefing on the heartbeat of Potchefstroom.

Our Eyes in the Field: Potchefstroom Pride

Our "Eyes in the Field" team has been navigating the town to bring you stories of excellence and heritage, ensuring you stay connected to what makes our community special.

April 20: A Champion Bound for Italy – Dewald Coetsee

We started the week with an incredible success story. Dewald Coetsee, a Grade 12 learner at Potchefstroom Gimnasium, has officially conquered the South African chess circuit.

After nine grueling rounds of intense concentration and tactical brilliance at the SAJCCC, Dewald was crowned the 2026 South African U/18 Junior Chess Champion! This victory is the ultimate high note to conclude his junior career.

The International Stage: This achievement earned Dewald an official invitation to represent South Africa at the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship in Montesilvano, Italy, this June. However, getting a champion to the world stage requires teamwork.

• How you can help: 

  Dewald has set up a BackaBuddy page to help cover his travel costs to Italy. We invite the Potch community to rally behind this young star. Every contribution brings him one step closer to making us proud on the global stage!

April 21: The Strategic Heart of Potch – The Old Gunpowder House

On Tuesday, we stepped back in time with a visit to the Ou Kruithuis (Old Gunpowder House). We were joined by Johan Wolfaardt, Vice-Chairman of Heritage Potch Erfenis, who walked us through the historical weight of this small but mighty building.

As one of the oldest remaining structures in Potchefstroom, the Gunpowder House is more than just stone and mortar; it is a monument to the pioneer spirit and the strategic defenses of a bygone era. It is vital that we continue to appreciate and preserve these beacons of our past to understand the journey of our town.

April 22: More Than Just Hardware – Build it Potchefstroom

Mid-week, we popped into Build it Potchefstroom to see what’s new on the floor. If you haven’t been lately, you might be surprised by the sheer variety of what they offer.

Beyond the heavy construction materials, the floor is packed with everything from home "facelift" essentials to those hard-to-find DIY gadgets. We took a series of photos to showcase the stock levels,whether you’re a professional contractor or just looking for a bit of home inspiration, they’ve got you covered.

The Go-To Guy News: Bittersweet Farewells

There is a lot of movement happening within our own walls this week as we navigate the changing seasons of our team.

Divan Heads to the USA

We have some big news regarding our sales team. Our colleague Divan has received an incredible opportunity to join the farming industry in the United States! While we are sad to lose such a dedicated team member, we are bursting with pride.

Divan has been an essential part of the "Go-To" family, and we wish him nothing but the best as he embarks on this international endeavor.

Image (Provided)

WE’RE HIRING: Are You Our Next Sales Superstar?

With Divan moving on to greener pastures (literally!), we are looking for a high-energy Sales Consultant to step into the spotlight.

Are you a natural "people person"? Do you hate the idea of being stuck behind a desk all day? We want someone who views their personality as their greatest asset. This role is about connecting with the community, building relationships, and making things happen in a fast-paced environment.

What we need from you:

• Local Knowledge: You must currently reside in Potchefstroom.

• Mobility: You need your own reliable car and a valid driver’s license.

• Energy: A full-time commitment (including some weekends) and a genuine "vibe" for working with people.

If you’re ready to shift your career into high gear, send your CV to guy@thegotoguy.co.za.

Week 17 has reminded us that whether it’s through a strategic move on a chessboard or a strategic move in one’s career, Potchefstroom is a town of growth and opportunity.

Even while our StroomStories studio is temporarily closed, our team is committed to being your primary source for everything local. Stay tuned, stay connected, and let's make the rest of the month count!