Weekly News Talk: Lightning Drama, New Cancer Facility, Upcoming events & Potch's Spooky Tales!

Karen Scheepers
Apr 19
4 min read

Welcome to this week's edition of Weekly News Talk, your comprehensive roundup of notable happenings, inspiring community stories, exciting upcoming events, and intriguing local legends from Potchefstroom. From dramatic weather incidents to groundbreaking healthcare developments, and from spirited school sports to spine-chilling ghost stories, there's something interesting for everyone.

News Stories

Lightning Strikes Cachet Park – Narrow Escape in Bult Area

On Monday, 24 March 2025, residents and shoppers around Potchefstroom’s vibrant Bult area experienced a heart-stopping moment. Amidst stormy weather, a fierce bolt of lightning dramatically struck a large tree in Cachet Park, causing it to collapse onto an unattended vehicle parked nearby. Emergency services swiftly responded, and fortunately, no one was harmed. Local authorities caution residents to remain vigilant during stormy weather, highlighting the importance of safety during Potch’s notoriously unpredictable rainy season.

SASSA Gold Cards Discontinued – Urgent Notice for Recipients

Thousands of grant recipients in Potchefstroom are reminded to replace their old SASSA Gold Cards. These cards ceased functioning from 20 March 2025, replaced by the new Postbank Black Cards. Beneficiaries are urged to visit the Potchefstroom Post Office between 26–28 March 2025 to collect their new cards to avoid any disruptions in grant payments.

Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Unveils Advanced Cancer Treatment Unit

In a significant development for local healthcare, Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex proudly inaugurated South Africa's first integrated brachytherapy facility, a state-of-the-art cancer treatment unit costing approximately R15 million. Opened at the Oncology Department, the facility significantly improves cancer treatment capabilities, drastically cutting down travel and treatment time for patients previously reliant on Gauteng-based facilities. The establishment of this unit marks a crucial milestone for Potchefstroom’s medical community and surrounding areas.

JB Marks Disaster Management Centre Relocates Temporarily

The JB Marks Disaster Management Centre has announced a temporary relocation to Potchefstroom Fire Station at 1 Luitingh Street, Potchindustria. This move comes as a strategic response to recent severe weather conditions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and public safety. Residents requiring assistance should use the updated temporary contacts provided by local authorities.

School News

NW Muurbal Stars Heading to Bloemfontein.

Local squash prodigies Nanja and Lua Schutte showcased impressive skills at the recent North West trials, earning them recognition and an opportunity to compete at higher levels. Their outstanding performances have made them prominent figures in local sports circles.

Gimmies Rugby Teams Demonstrate True Character

On 26 March, Gimmies rugby squads faced off against Klerksdorp Hoërskool in two thrilling matches, each demonstrating resilience, pride, and commendable sportsmanship, captivating local supporters.

Potch Girls High Steps Up for Blood Donations

Potchefstroom Girls High School once again showed outstanding community spirit through their blood donation drive. Students and faculty actively participated, highlighting the powerful impact of community-driven initiatives.

Tokkie’s Under-9 Rugby Boys Return From Inspiring Tour

The under-9 rugby squad from Volkies returned safely after a demanding tour filled with important lessons. Coaches and parents praised the team’s dedication, teamwork, and the growth each player demonstrated throughout the tour.

Upcoming Events

Potch Bulldogs Charity Box Jol

Date: 29 March 2025
Location: 4 Arend St, Potchefstroom
Time: All-day event
Entry Fee: R80 per person
Details: Enjoy various stalls, fun activities, and a raffle to win a 50” UHD Smart Samsung TV (R5 per ticket).

Open Air Farmers Market

Date: 29 March 2025
Location: Van Der Hoff Park, Potchefstroom
Time: 09:00 AM until late
Entry Fee: Online R100, Gate R120, Kids R50, Kids under 10 free
Details: Featuring performances by @brandondhludhlu and @meneer_cee, diverse market stalls, and family-friendly entertainment.

SA Music Carnival at BLK Lounge

Date: 29 March 2025
Location: 4 Zinn St, Potchindustria
Time: Starts at 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Details: Hosted by Blk & Vetkook & Mahoota, celebrating South African music and culture.

Agape Gemeente Vakansie Pret

Date: 31 March 2025
Location: 194 Beyers Naude Ave, Miederpark
Time: 08:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: R80 per child per day
Details: Safe, engaging holiday activities for children, including lessons on faith and friendship. Contact Berdine Henning (082-253-3040).

Equipped to Serve Workshop

Date: 1 April 2025
Location: Potchefstroom
Time: Full-day workshop
Entry Fee: R850
Details: Training program for caring effectively for individuals in crisis situations. Register at embracegraceenfc@gmail.com.

Stroomstories Highlights

Monday: Stroomstories, Pieter sits down with Dean from Dean’s Décor, discussing Dean's inspiring journey from humble beginnings, exploring his creative process, and how faith guided him through entrepreneurial challenges.

Tuesday: SportStroom Ep.14, Rugby legend Daan “Popo” Viljoen reminisces about his storied career, sharing anecdotes from his playing days in Wes-Transvaal, giving listeners a nostalgic glimpse into the golden era of local rugby.

Wednesday: Spiritual Talk Ep. 25, Pieter Conradie and Bennie Jonker dive deeply into the topic of "The Lost Self," exploring the critical difference between external perception and internal identity, offering practical spiritual insights and reflections.

Thursday: SportStroom Ep.15 welcomes Prof. Du Toit Loots, who breaks down the science behind weight loss and dieting trends, translating complex concepts into easily understandable insights without jargon.

Potchefstroom Ghost Stories and Haunted Locations

Potchefstroom, a town rich in history, harbors many spine-chilling tales and unexplained mysteries. Residents have shared eerie stories of ghostly apparitions, haunted sites, and supernatural occurrences. Notable haunted locations include the old jailhouse with reports of ghostly whispers and shadowy figures, a mysterious schoolboy spirit seen near historic buildings, and a restaurant corner in the city centre notorious for unexplained phenomena.

Have you encountered something spooky or unusual in Potchefstroom? Share your chilling experiences with us at The Go-To Guy.