Weekly Pulse: From Rugby Dreams and Festival Beats to Infrastructure Fixes and Community Voices
- Karen Scheepers
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
This edition of The Weekly Pulse brings you a jam-packed roundup of local vibrancy, infrastructure updates, heartfelt appeals, and the rich cultural rhythm of our towns. From Potchefstroom’s bustling festival calendar to urgent service alerts in Klerksdorp and inspiring school initiatives in Ikageng and Carletonville, this week reveals a shared commitment to community resilience, innovation, and celebration.
National
📅 The Go-To Guy – Week 31 Diary
A retrospective on impactful stories from last week: community safety, business promotions, school pride, charity drives, and youth development programs. This digest reflects the spirit of proactive journalism and citizen empowerment.
👫 Embark on an Unforgettable Au Pair Adventure in the USA
This informative feature explores how young South Africans can experience cultural exchange through the Au Pair program. The article outlines benefits like international travel, educational enrichment, and cross-cultural bonding while caring for children in American homes.
🏥 Patient Safety Seminar
Potchefstroom Hospital, NWU, and the NRF joined forces to host a seminar on enhancing patient safety using global standards. The event highlighted WHO and IHI frameworks, promoting safer healthcare systems with reduced risks and stronger leadership.
Read these stories and more here: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/the-gazette/categories/the-gazette
🏢 PotchGazette
📆 News & Council
Weekly Incident Report: From fires and car accidents to vandalism and emergency response efforts, this weekly report offers verified updates from local law enforcement and safety groups.
Ward Group Roundup: Community WhatsApp chats were filled with updates about electricity issues, potholes, and sewer overflows. Notably, over 13,000 demerger petition letters were submitted, highlighting active civic participation.
JB Marks Service Delivery Update: Roadworks, water pipeline repairs, and power failures were addressed in the latest municipal update issued 6 August.
Illegal Land Sales Warning: The municipality warns of ongoing land scams in Potch and Ventersdorp. Fraudsters are misrepresenting municipal land as for sale.
⚽ Sports
Final Rugby League Match for Dorp Rugby: The local team faces Wolves Rugby this weekend in a season-defining clash. Simultaneously, the club is launching junior rugby training for U13–U17.
NWU Eagles Launch Varsity Football Season: The university’s squad took to the field against UJ in Soweto, marking the start of a seven-match journey with semis set for late September.
Two Young Rugby Stars Selected for Italy Tour: Bailie Park learners are headed to the BRSI Tour, an elite opportunity to grow on international fields.
Support Joheknu Viljoen’s Dream: A heartfelt campaign to help a 13-year-old join the same Italy-bound rugby tour, proving community sport builds futures.
👥 Community & Culture
Potch Geesfees: A cultural and musical explosion featuring Bok van Blerk, Ruhan du Toit, Juanita du Plessis, and Leah. Interviews with festival organisers add personal insights.
Janine Oelofse’s Spotlight Moment: From ATKV competitions to the Geesfees stage, Janine’s musical journey is celebrated.
Trolley of Love Food Drive: Volunteers are collecting food at two malls for the "Vat Verniet Tafel" happening 16 August. Every can helps.
Amelia Aftercare Crisis: With a 60% budget cut, this care facility for adults with intellectual disabilities is in urgent need of food, hygiene products, and funding.
Rosetuin Retirement Village: A peaceful haven for Potchefstroom’s seniors, offering independence, safety, and green living in Miederpark.
Flag Day at NWU: Over 50 national flags were hoisted in a spirit of Ubuntu, with speeches encouraging intercultural respect.
What’s On in Potch (8–14 August): Sushi-making, Spoegwolf concerts, Women’s Day celebrations, fashion shows, and retro parties top the list of happenings.
Click here to view these full stories and more: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/the-gazette/categories/potch-gazette
🌏 IkagengGazette
⚽ Sports
Bad Company FC Wins 5-a-side Tournament: A thrilling football showdown at Ikageng Stadium saw 10 teams compete in a festive tournament, showcasing grassroots sports.
🎤 Events & Community
2Man Show Announced: A high-energy musical production by local artists is set to light up the Ikageng stage on 30 August.
Soul Session Fundraiser: With the motto “Mmogo Rea Tswella,” Katlego Lounge will host a community-building event featuring soulful music and fundraising activities.
Click here to view these full stories and more: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/the-gazette/categories/ikageng-gazette
🏠 KlerksdorpGazette
📆 News & Council
Free TB Screening Program: Vans will be stationed across Matlosana to provide testing and education throughout August.
Klerksdorp Library Returns to Full Hours: Normal hours resume following repair delays. The facility serves as a vital literacy hub.
Mayor Mahlophe’s Oversight Visit: The mayor inspected recent library upgrades and promised ongoing improvements.
Sewer Upgrades and Empowerment: Matlosana is tackling blocked sewer lines, fighting disconnection scams, and backing female-led businesses through support initiatives.
📖 Culture & History
Klerksdorp Heritage Guide: A local historian takes us through Klerksdorp’s museums, Voortrekker roots, and colonial-era buildings.
🏥 Health
Spotlight on Parkmed Neuro Clinic: This private mental health facility offers therapy and neurological support for patients 12+. Services include ECT and long-term rehabilitation.
Click here to view these full stories and more: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/the-gazette/categories/klerksdorp-gazette
🏥 CarletonvilleGazette
📆 News & Council
Frikkie Substation Update: After upgrades, Welverdiend and Khutsong Ext 5 have power again. Elijah Barayi Village still waits due to internal damage.
🕝 History
Sinkhole Remembrance: On 3 August 1964, a sinkhole swallowed an entire Blyvooruitzicht home. 61 years later, the town still honours the tragedy.
Click here to view these full stories and more: https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/the-gazette/categories/carletonville
🌟 StroomStories
🎭 Culture & Education
Culture at Ferdies: Carin Roux and Kwame Matlawe explain how Hoërskool Ferdinand Postma creates a thriving arts space through drama, debate, and performance.
🏀 Sport & Innovation
REPS Sport on Partnering with Schools: A new model for school sports gear connects suppliers with sponsors, promoting sustainability and visibility.
🎶 Events Preview
Veri-Fest Team Interview: The team behind Potch’s next big live-music-and-braai experience share their vision for 24 September’s festival.
📄 Final Word
From celebrating youth rugby tours and musical legends to helping an aftercare centre survive a funding crisis, this week proved that our community moves in unity and purpose. Whether it’s a festival, a food drive, or a new public health project—our towns are full of heart.
We’ll see you next week for more stories that matter. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, and stay connected.
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The Weekly Pulse – More than news. It's your neighbourhood, on record.
📬 The community is warmly invited to share their stories, voices, and experiences with us for future editions of The Weekly Pulse.
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