💪✨💪✨💪✨💪✨💪✨ The All Girls Festival 2025 is officially underway in Wynberg, and the girls from Potchefstroom Girls High have wasted no time in making their presence felt. Image: Potchefstroom Girls High A Strong Start for Potch Girls 💙 From the moment they arrived, our girls have impressed with their skill, commitment, and fantastic school spirit. The festival, known for celebrating girls’ talent across various disciplines, provides the perfect platform for these young ladies to showcase their abilities. Image: Potchefstroom Girls High Proudly Cheering from Potch 🙌 The entire Potchefstroom community is right behind the girls, encouraging them every step of the way. The enthusiasm and passion they've displayed are exactly what makes events like these memorable. We look forward to more great performances and achievements over the course of the festival. Keep going strong, Potch Girls—we’re incredibly proud of you! 💙✨ 💪✨💪✨💪✨💪✨💪✨ #PotchGirlsHigh #Potchefstroom #AllGirlsFestival2025 #ProudlyPotchGirlsHigh #TalentInAction

👟👏👟👏👟👏👟👏👟👏 Gimmies se landloopatlete het hulle staal gewys tydens die onlangse NWU-Prestige-sportreeks. Die span het algeheel ’n vierde plek behaal en weer eens bewys hulle kan met die beste in Noordwes kompeteer. Image: Potcfstroom Gimnasium Xanté Harris Vat Goud 🥇 Die hoogtepunt van die dag was sonder twyfel Xanté Harris wat eerste oor die wenstreep gehardloop het in die o.15-wedloop. Haar prestasie was beslis een om te onthou. Image: Potcfstroom Gimnasium Dogterspan Maak Hul Merk 🥈 Die o.15-dogterspan het uitstekend gevaar en eindig in ’n indrukwekkende tweede plek. Hierdie groep se harde werk is beslis besig om vrugte af te werp. Ander Opvallende Resultate Die o.15-seunspan eindig agtste. Die o.19-dogterspan behaal ’n stewige vyfde plek. Die o.19-seunspan verwerf ’n sewende plek. Image: Potcfstroom Gimnasium Trots op Ons Atlete 💚 Gimmies is baie trots op elke atleet wat deelgeneem het. Hulle deursettingsvermoë en vasbyt het hulle skool se naam hoog gehou. Ons sien uit na die volgende uitdaging! Hou aan om julle beste te gee. 🏃‍♂️ 👟👏👟👏👟👏👟👏👟👏 #gimmietrots #gimmielandloop #gimmieuitnemendheid #gimmieguts

🏐🔥 🏐🔥 🏐🔥 🏐🔥 🏐🔥 Saints Christian School’s netball girls have started the North-West League season in style, securing wins across all four age groups. The U/9, U/11, U/12 and U/13 teams played against Potchefstroom Primary on Tuesday, 22 April, at the Saints Astro courts, and walked away victorious. 🙌 Image: Saints Christian School Strong Start for the Girls 💪 The afternoon saw tough matches across the different age groups, but Saints showed their determination and teamwork, managing to win all four encounters. It’s a promising start to the season and a sign that their hard work is paying off. Image: Saints Christian School Next Big Challenge 🏆 The next challenge awaits at the Vaal West Tournament, which will take place on Friday, 25 April, in Vanderbijlpark. The teams will look to build on their winning momentum and continue making their school proud. We’ll be cheering them on as they aim for more success this season! Good luck girls, keep flying the Saints flag high! 🤩👏  🏐🔥 🏐🔥 🏐🔥 🏐🔥 🏐🔥 #SaintsChristianSchool #Netball #SaintsSport

🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 Groot opgewondenheid heers by Ferdies nadat twee van ons eie, Nanja en Lua, gekies is vir die Noordwes-muurbalspan. Hierdie naweek neem hulle aan die SACF Country Festival in Bloemfontein deel. Image:Hoërskool.Ferdinand Postma Op Pad Bloem Toe 💪 Met die festival wat voorlê, wens ons Nanja en Lua sterkte toe vir hul deelname. Hulle harde werk en toewyding het hulle tot hier gebring, en ons glo hulle gaan groot indruk maak op die baan! Image:Hoërskool.Ferdinand Postma Trots op Ons Talent 💙💛 Die hele Ferdies-gemeenskap staan trots agter julle. Ons sien uit daarna om julle prestasies by hierdie fees te vier. Gaan groot, julle het ons volle ondersteuning!   🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 #FerdiesTrots #MuurbalSterre #NoordwesSpan #SACFFees #GaanGroot #FerdieFokus

🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑 Die Volkies se seuns-hokkiespanne het die afgelope naweek uitstekende hokkie gespeel by die finale van die NWU-reeks. Hulle het sterk vertonings gelewer met oorwinnings oor Marais Viljoen en Lichtenburg, en daarmee bevestig dat hulle ’n span is om dop te hou hierdie seisoen. Image: Volkies Sterk Eindresultaat 📈 Met hul goeie spel tydens die reeks eindig Volkies algeheel vyfde uit 15 deelnemende skole. Hierdie prestasie wys duidelik dat die span se harde werk en spanwerk vrugte afwerp en dat hulle reg is om nog meer sukses te behaal in die komende wedstryde. Image: Volkies Trots en Dankbaar 🙌 ’n Groot dankie en geluk aan elke speler en afrigter wat bygedra het tot hierdie prestasie. Julle gemeenskap en skool staan trots agter julle en sien uit na wat julle nog verder hierdie seisoen gaan bereik! 🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑 #VolkiesHokkie #NWUReeks #Trots #Spanwerk

Amapiano is more than just a beat; it’s a story, a feeling, and a movement , and one of Potchefstroom’s rising stars, Ta Lokii , is living proof of it. Fresh off winning a prestigious Amapiano Award alongside collaborator Djy King Amo SA , Ta Lokii sat down with us to share his thoughts, dreams, and the road ahead. Here's what he had to say: Image : WhatsApp Ta Lokii Award & Personal Insights 1. What does this specific Amapiano Award represent for you and for your sound? This award is not mine alone, I worked with Djy King Amo SA who gave all the hard work for the music we produce. This award represents validation of our hard work and dedication to our craft. It's a recognition of our unique sound and style within the Amapiano genre. 2. Can you tell us a bit more about what this award stands for within the Amapiano community? This award stands for excellence and innovation in Amapiano music. It's a testament to the growing popularity and influence of the genre. 3. How old are you now, and how has your age influenced the kind of music you create today? I'm 22 years old, and my age has given me a fresh perspective on life, which I pour into our music (with Djy King Amo SA). My youthful energy and experiences shape my sound and style. 4. Is there someone special in your life at the moment? I'd rather focus on my music, but I appreciate the support of my loved ones. 5. Outside of music, what do you enjoy doing that people might not expect? I'm a bit of a bookworm and enjoy reading about philosophy and psychology. Unique Journey & Sound 1. What was your very first show like, and how did it shape the artist you are today? My first show was exhilarating! It taught me the importance of connecting with my audience and staying true to my art. 2. What do you think makes your style of Amapiano different from others in the scene? Our Production (with Djy King Amo SA) is about learning new styles and creating our own sounds of the Amapiano genre. We want our supporters to know what type of music style we are producing. 3. What kind of music do you personally enjoy listening to when you're relaxing or traveling? I enjoy listening to Afro-house, 3 Step AfroHouse, Sgidongo and Havard. 4. Of all the shows you’ve performed, which one stands out the most to you and why? One of my most memorable shows was at K9 Lifestyle And Chisanyama in Kanana, where I shared the stage with some of my idols. Ambitions & Future Plans 1. Where would you still love to perform — any dream stages or festivals? I'd love to perform at Big Daddy Events or Dj Zodi One Man Show. 2. Which upcoming shows or events are you most excited about right now? I'm looking forward to my upcoming shows around Potchefstroom. 3. After winning this award, what is the very next thing you want to achieve? I want me and Djy King Amo SA to release new music that pushes the boundaries of Amapiano. 4. What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your music and your career? My ultimate dream is to make a lasting impact on the global music scene. Community & Fan Connection 1.Where can fans and event organizers reach you if they want to book you or follow your journey? Fans can reach me on social media platforms like Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , Facebook . 2.Who are the people that have been your biggest supporters since day one? My family and close friends have been my biggest supporters. 3.If you had to name a few of your biggest heroes (inside or outside music), who would they be? My heroes include Black Coffee, for his contributions to House Music And Afro Tech, and Martin Luther King Jr, for his legacy of leadership and compassion. Image : WhatsApp Ta Lokii From the heart of Potchefstroom to stages that await him across South Africa and beyond, Ta Lokii is a name that’s starting to echo louder in the music world. With passion, humility, and a clear vision, this young star is set to carve his place among Amapiano’s greatest. Keep an eye on Ta Lokii , because his journey is only just beginning.

It started, as many good ideas do, with a simple question overheard more times than one could count:“Where can I find a decent meal today without spending a fortune? Or,“Isn’t there a local special happening somewhere"? For the team behind The Go-To Guy , these weren’t just idle questions,they were clues. Clues that revealed a real, pressing need in the community. Potchefstroom, a town rich in culture, student life, and local flavour, was brimming with restaurants, caterers, home cooks, and service providers.   One Platform, Two Solutions With the launch of The Daily Deals section, The Go-To Guy created a homegrown solution that feels as though it was tailor-made for Potchefstroom’s unique rhythm. In a to wn filled with flavour and food talent, finding daily specials or home-cooked meal options often meant navigating a maze of Facebook posts, WhatsApp broadcasts, and word-of-mouth suggestions. You’d spot a lunch deal while scrolling, only to lose it moments later in the feed. For local businesses, it was just as disjointed,they had great offerings but no dependable way to reach the people actively looking for them. That constant digital noise needed structure. And that’s exactly what The Go-To Guy set out to create, a space where food meets focus, and local deals don’t get lost in the shuffle. 🛍️ The Daily Deals Page Meanwhile, the Daily Deals  section widens the lens. It’s not just about meals, it’s  about promoting local value. From discounted spa treatments to limited-time bakery bundles, car washes to haircut specials, this section is a celebration of Potchefstroom’s entrepreneurs.And it works both ways: for the residents, it’s a place to save money and explore new businesses. For business owners, it’s an affordable alternative to expensive online advertising. In a town where most small businesses rely on community support, that visibility can make the difference between a quiet week and a packed calendar. Take a look at our Daily Deals . 📱 Join our Whatsapp channel here.   Real Value for Real Businesses It’s easy to see why the platform has gained so much traction so quickly. For just R599 per month , local businesses get more than just a listing. They get an entire support system: A spot on the Go-To Guy website Promotion through Potchefstroom’s most engaged local social media pages A WhatsApp connection with residents who actually want  to see their offers The ability to update deals whenever needed—no waiting, no fuss For those wanting to go even further, the video feature  is the next big thing. At R2000 once-off , "The Go-To Guy offers a video service that tells tour story, in the authentic and imprompt style that The Go-To Guy became famous for, your story, our platforms” A Platform Rooted in Community What sets Daily Deals & Meals apart isn’t just the service,it’s the spirit behind it. This isn’t a faceless national brand trying to plug coupons into your life. This is local people creating solutions for local challenges. The Go-To Guy knows the streets of Potch, knows the taste of our bakeries, the sound of the bustling Saturday markets, the charm of a corner coffee shop with handwritten chalkboard menus. By creating this platform, they’re not just helping businesses make more sales,they’re strengthening the local economy, feeding families, and turning strangers into loyal customers.And in a town like Potchefstroom, that kind of heart matters. How to Join the Movement If you’re a local business or food provider, getting started is refreshingly simple: Step 1: Choose Your Package Daily Deals Listing – R599/month Promo Video – R2000 once-off Step 2: Send Your Info Email your business name, a short description of your deal or meal, and a high-quality image to: 📧 theguy@thegotoguy.co.za Step 3: Payment 💸We will provide you with a invoice for payment,once payment is received we will create your profile. Step 4: Go Live 🕐Your deal will be published within 24 hours, and your business will start getting the attention it deserves. Step 5 : Watch Your Audience Grow 📊The Go-To Guy will take it from there,promoting your offer through their growing local channels and keeping your listing fresh and visible. In the end, Daily Deals  is about more than marketing. It’s about momentum,for families looking for dinner, for locals wanting a good deal, and for businesses dreaming bigger than their street corner. It’s about giving Potchefstroom something consistent, trustworthy, and local to turn to every day. It’s not just about what’s for lunch or what’s on   special.It ’s  about building a town that supports its own. And that’s something worth promoting,one deal at a time. #DailyMealsandDeals   #PotchGazette   #TheGoToGuy   #StroomStories   #Potchefstroom   #Sportstroom

🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 Sterre skitter op die verhoog Volkies het weer gewys dat kultuur en talent lewendig en wel is aan ons kant. Tydens Gimmies se Eisteddfod het ons leerders in die Vokaal-kategorie puik resultate behaal – en ons is baie trots op elkeen van hulle! 🎤👏 Image; Volkies Individuele uitslae wat wys van harde werk Hier is hoe ons leerders gevaar het: 🏅 Ashley Viljoen  – A, A 🏅 Nickus Oosthuizen  – A+, A+ 🏅 Martin Venter  – A, A 🏅 Anja Botha  – A, A+ 🏅 Kayla Fourie  – B+ 🏅 Wynand Erasmus  – A, B+ 🏅 Daneske van den Berg  – A 🏅 Ashley & Nickus (Duet)  – B+ Image; Volkies Volkiekultuur leef Dié prestasies is ’n bewys van die leerders se toewyding en liefde vir musiek. Ons sê baie geluk aan almal wat deelgeneem het – julle het werklik die Volkie-kultuur laat leef op die verhoog. 💫  🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 🎶 #volkiekultuur #JouTydIsNou #TheGoToGuy #StroomStories #PotchGazette #Potchefstroom

🏐🏐 🏐🏐 🏐🏐 🏐🏐 🏐🏐 There’s reason to celebrate for local netball fans – Olerato Maleke has successfully made it through the District Trials and will soon be representing her region at the North West Netball Trials. 🎉 This achievement is a true reflection of her hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Image:PCS- Potchefstroom Central School Stepping Up to the Next Level The North West Trials are an important platform where players from across the province compete for a spot at the next level of competition. Olerato’s qualification shows not only her potential but also her commitment to growing and excelling in her netball journey. Best of luck, Olerato – Potch is behind you all the way! 💪🏐 🏐🏐 🏐🏐 🏐🏐 🏐🏐 🏐🏐 #netball #districttrials #northwesttrials #potchsport #netballfuture

🏇 🏆🏇 🏆🏇 🏆🏇 🏆🏇 🏆 Potchefstroom Gimnasium is trots op een van hul eie – Karien van Wyk – wat onlangs aan die NW SANESA kwalifiseringskompetisie deelgeneem het en uitstekend presteer het in verskeie afdelings van die ruitersport. Met toewyding en harde werk het Karien gewys wat in haar steek, en haar plek tussen van die provinsie se beste jong ruiters losgewen. 🐎👏 Image: Potchefstroom Gimnasium Prestasies om op trots te wees Karien het besonder goed gevaar in die 80 cm-afdeling vir hoërskole en die volgende prestasies behaal: 1ste plek in Skouspring (80 cm) 3de plek in Equitation (80 cm) 3de plek in Two Phase Jumping Dié prestasies getuig van balans, beheersing en ’n sterk band tussen ruiter en perd – iets wat duidelik deurskemer in haar werk op die arena. Gimmies vier elke geleentheid Karien se deelname en sukses is ’n verdere voorbeeld van hoe Gimmies geleenthede skep en ondersteun vir elke leerder – op die sportveld én in die arena.Baie geluk, Karien – jou deursettingsvermoë en liefde vir die sport is iets wat ons almal inspireer! 🎉 🏇 🏆🏇 🏆🏇 🏆🏇 🏆🏇 🏆 #gimmiebuitesport #gimmietrots #gimmieguts #gimmiegeleenthede

👏🏏👏🏏👏🏏👏🏏👏🏏 Daar’s opgewondenheid in die lug by Potchefstroom Gimnasium se krieketveld. Vanaf Mei sluit Gordon Parson  aan as afrigter – en dis ’n aanstelling wat beslis aandag trek. Met sy beproefde krieketkennis en ’n passie vir uitnemendheid, bring Gordon nie net ondervinding nie, maar ook inspirasie vir die volgende generasie Gimmie-krieketspelers. Image: Potchefstroom Gimnasium 'n Sterk Aanwins vir die Span Gordon se afrigtingservaring en sy betrokkenheid by prestasiegerigte programme maak hom ’n waardevolle toevoeging tot die Gimmie-krieketfamilie. Die skool glo dat sy bydrae nie net in tegniese vaardighede gesien gaan word nie, maar ook in hoe hy die spelers motiveer en opbou.Welkom, Gordon – ons sien uit na die impak wat jy gaan maak! 👏🏏 Image: Potchefstroom Gimnasium Sluit Aan by die Guts-Krieketakademie Vir diegene wat hul spel verder wil slyp, is daar ook die geleentheid om deel te word van die Guts-krieketakademie. Geïnteresseerdes kan gerus vir krieketdirekteur Jandré Jacobs kontak by 079 892 0150. Dis ’n geleentheid vir jong spelers om ekstra aandag en oefening te kry, en dit alles binne die Gimmie-gees van potensiaal en uitnemendheid. 👏🏏👏🏏👏🏏👏🏏👏🏏 #gimmiekrieket #gimmieuitnemendheid #gimmiepotensiaal #gimmietrots #PotchGazette #TheGoToGuy #StroomStories #Potchefstroom #Sportstroom

Afrikaans is a West Germanic language that originated in southern Africa and today stands as one of South Africa’s official languages. It began as a colonial dialect of 17th-century Dutch, mixed and shaped by a melting pot of peoples at the Cape of Good Hope. Over time, this speech of early settlers and slaves evolved into a separate language – one with its own simplified grammar, unique words, and a rich cultural history. Below, we trace the linguistic journey of Afrikaans, from its Dutch origins and creole influences to its modern form, highlighting key stages, features, and figures in its development. Origins in the Dutch Cape Colony (17th–18th Centuries) Afrikaans took root in 1652, when employees of the Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope ( Afrikaans: A Story of Success ). The colony’s European settlers were mainly Dutch, with a sizable number of Germans and French Huguenots joining in the late 17th century ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). Dutch was the dominant tongue of the colony, but it did not remain “pure” Dutch for long. The settlers lived and worked alongside indigenous Khoisan peoples  and a large population of enslaved people  imported from diverse regions – West and East Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Madagascar , and beyond ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). These groups had to communicate with the Dutch colonists, and in doing so they learned Dutch imperfectly, introducing new pronunciations and simplifying grammatical quirks. As a result, by the eighteenth century a locally flavoured form of Dutch emerged at the Cape, distinct in sound and structure from the European Dutch spoken in Holland ( Afrikaans language | Origin, History, & Facts | Britannica ). Cape Dutch to Mother Tongue Linguists describe this early Cape dialect as a “Cape Dutch”  vernacular. It was widely spoken across racial and class lines in the colony but carried little prestige. Colonial elites still viewed the speech as ”kombuistaal” or “kitchen Dutch,”  a rough patois for servants and informal use. Nevertheless, by the mid-18th century this Cape Dutch had “developed distinguishing characteristics”  that set it apart from standard Dutch ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). It gradually became the mother tongue of a new generation born in South Africa – the Afrikaners  (from Afrikaansch , meaning “African”) – as well as many in the Cape’s mixed communities ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). In effect, a new African-born variety of Dutch was coming into being. Creole Influences and Language Contact One of the most fascinating aspects of Afrikaans’ development is the intense language contact  at the Cape. The early Cape Dutch dialect was forged not just by Dutch settlers but by people for whom Dutch was a second language – enslaved Malaysians/Indonesians (Cape Malays) , Africans , and Indians , among others ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). These speakers brought influences from their own tongues, contributing to what some scholars call a creolization process  ( The Evolution of the Afrikaans Language ). African and Asian slaves often spoke a Portuguese-based pidgin  (a lingua franca of the Indian Ocean slave trade) or a Malay dialect when they arrived ( Afrikaans: A Story of Success ). Elements of these languages filtered into the local Dutch. For example, Malay-Portuguese Creole  influence is evident in loanwords still used in Afrikaans today. Common Afrikaans words like baie  (“very” or “many”, from Malay banyak ), piesang  (“banana”, from Malay pisang ), and sosatie  (“skewered meat”, from Malay sate ) are of Malay origin ( Etymological Vocabulary in the Afrikaans Language - Talkpal ) ( Afrikaans. Where it came from. This may or may not be a surprise. It's ... ). Khoisan and Double Negation Likewise, words from Khoisan languages  (spoken by the indigenous Khoikhoi and San) entered the vocabulary – for instance, eina  (an exclamation of pain) and gogga  (“insect”) derive from Khoisan terms ( Afrikaans. Where it came from. This may or may not be a surprise. It's ... ). Through daily interaction, Cape Dutch speakers also adopted some Khoisan and Bantu words  for local flora, fauna, and cultural terms. Meanwhile, the presence of French Huguenots (who arrived in 1688) may have subtly influenced pronunciation and contributed to the later double-negation  habit in Afrikaans (mirroring the French ne…pas  construction) ( Where does the double negative in Afrikaans come from? - Quora ) ( Double negative - Wikipedia ). Mixed Heritage Because of this mixed heritage, Afrikaans has sometimes been described as a “Dutch-based creole.”  In fact, an estimated 90–95% of Afrikaans vocabulary is ultimately of Dutch origin , but the remaining portion reflects borrowings from Malay, Portuguese, Khoisan, Bantu, and even English  ( Comparison of Afrikaans and Dutch - Wikipedia ). It is fair to say Afrikaans was born from Dutch but “recreated in the mouths”  of a very diverse population ( Chronicle of a Creole: The Ironic History of Afrikaans1 in - Brill ). Some linguists (like D. C. Hesseling  in the early 1900s) argued that the contact with slaves speaking a “Malayo-Portuguese”  lingua franca accelerated the divergence from Dutch and gave Afrikaans many of its non-European traits ( Afrikaans: A Story of Success ). Others, such as Hans den Besten , theorized that Afrikaans has a dual parentage: partly a direct continuation of Dutch and partly a creole that arose as a pidgin among slaves and Khoi people ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). In den Besten’s view, modern Afrikaans is a fusion of two streams  – the settler Dutch and a creolized Dutch spoken by non-Europeans. While debate continues on the exact creole status of Afrikaans, there is consensus that language contact profoundly shaped its evolution , yielding a simpler grammar and cosmopolitan vocabulary. Divergence from European Dutch By the early 19th century, the differences between Cape Dutch (proto-Afrikaans) and European Dutch had become increasingly pronounced. Afrikaans had simplified many grammatical features  of Dutch and developed its own sound profile ( Afrikaans language | Origin, History, & Facts | Britannica ). One hallmark change was the loss of inflectional endings . Whereas 18th-century Dutch still used different endings for grammatical case and gender, the Cape vernacular gradually dropped case inflections and grammatical gender entirely . Today, unlike Dutch which distinguishes common and neuter gender ( de  vs. het  in the definite article), Afrikaans uses a single definite article ( die  for all nouns) and has no gendered nouns ( Comparison of Afrikaans and Dutch - Wikipedia ). This shift likely began as settlers and second-language speakers gravitated toward a more stripped-down, universally understood form. Similarly, verb conjugations were leveled: Afrikaans does not conjugate verbs for person or number . For instance, Dutch would say ik ga, jij gaat, hij gaat  (“I go, you go, he goes”), but Afrikaans uses ek gaan, jy gaan, hy gaan  for all persons. Almost all verbs use one form for present tense (often identical to the infinitive) and add a standard ge- prefix for past participles  ( gedoen  for “done”, gesien  for “seen”), making the verbal system highly regular ( Comparison of Afrikaans and Dutch - Wikipedia ). Another defining trait that set Afrikaans apart is its use of double negation . In standard Afrikaans, a negative statement typically requires two negatives, for example: Hy kan nie Afrikaans praat nie  (“He cannot speak Afrikaans,” literally “He can not Afrikaans speak not”). This negative concord  construction is mandatory in Afrikaans grammar and unusual among Germanic languages ( Double negative - Wikipedia ). Possible origins for this quirk have been traced to dialectal Dutch, French, or Khoisan influences , since some Dutch dialects and French use two-part negatives, and it’s speculated Khoisan speakers learning Dutch might have reinforced the pattern. Whatever its source, the double “nie…nie”  became a hallmark of Afrikaans syntax by the 19th century. Other European Dutch features simply disappeared in Afrikaans: for example, Afrikaans largely dropped the past tense  in everyday use (except for a few common verbs), relying instead on the perfect tense ( ek het gegaan  for “I went/I have gone”) ( Comparison of Afrikaans and Dutch - Wikipedia ). The overall result was a language that sounded simpler and more direct  than Dutch – so much so that British observers in the 19th century sometimes called it “Kitchen Dutch” or even “a bastard jargon” to contrast it with the prestige of proper Dutch and English ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). Despite such pejorative labels, this evolving Afrikaans speech was fully intelligible to those who spoke it , and largely mutually comprehensible with Dutch. (In fact, Dutch and Afrikaans remain highly mutually intelligible  to this day, especially in written form ( Comparison of Afrikaans and Dutch - Wikipedia ). But in the 19th century, many educated Afrikaners themselves still regarded their language as merely a dialect  of Dutch – their  way of speaking Dutch, rather than a separate tongue. That mindset would begin to change as a movement grew to recognize and standardize Afrikaans in its own right. Early Written Afrikaans and Emerging Literature For much of its early history, Afrikaans was primarily a spoken vernacular ; formal writing and education at the Cape were carried out in standard Dutch. Nevertheless, some of the first attempts to write the Cape vernacular can be traced to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. One remarkable early corpus is the Afrikaans texts written in Arabic script  by Cape Muslim scholars. Starting around the 1820s, imams at the Cape Malay community’s madrasahs used Arabic-script Afrikaans  to teach Islamic doctrine to Malay and African students, since the students spoke Afrikaans but could read the Arabic alphabet ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). This resulted in some of the earliest Afrikaans literature  – phonetically transcribed Afrikaans poems, sermons, and Bible passages using Arabic letters (an intriguing historical footnote illustrating Afrikaans’ cross-cultural reach). By the mid-19th century, Afrikaans began making its way into print using the Latin alphabet as well. 1861  is often cited as a landmark year: in that year a Cape resident, L. H. Meurant , published a small book titled Zamenspraak tusschen Klaas Waarzegger en Jan Twyfelaar  (“Conversation between Klaas Truthsayer and Jan Doubter”), a dialogue in Cape Dutch-Afrikaans ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). This publication, essentially a colloquial conversation, is regarded as the first book published in Afrikaans  ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). A few Afrikaans articles and poems had appeared in newspapers in the 1850s ( Afrikaans: A Story of Success ), but Meurant’s book was the first standalone volume to legitimize the written form of the language. It proved that the “kitchen language” could be captured on paper. Still, in the 1860s most educated Afrikaners continued to write in Dutch. 1875 A Defining Year The breakthrough came in 1875  with the formation of the Genootskap vir Regte Afrikaners  (GRA, Society for Real Afrikaners ) in Paarl. A group of Afrikaans-speaking intellectuals led by a young Dutch Reformed minister, Stephanus Jacobus (S.J.) du Toit , founded this society with the explicit aim of promoting Afrikaans as a written language ( Stephanus Jacobus du Toit | South African Boer Leader, Politician | Britannica ). They boldly declared that the Afrikaans vernacular was “our own language”  and worthy of development. The GRA wasted no time: by January 1876  they launched the first Afrikaans-language newspaper, Die Afrikaanse Patriot , in Paarl. This paper, written in the local idiom, gave Afrikaans a public platform. Over the next few years, du Toit and his colleagues produced grammars, dictionaries, religious materials, and history books in Afrikaans . Du Toit himself began translating the Bible into Afrikaans and published other books in the language. These efforts were pioneering – they standardised spelling (often simplifying Dutch spelling to reflect Afrikaans pronunciation) and demonstrated that Afrikaans could serve for serious discourse. By turning a spoken dialect into a written medium, the GRA and its allies “established Afrikaans as a literary language”  in the late 19th century. Standardization and Official Recognition (20th Century) Entering the 20th century, Afrikaans was gaining ground as a symbol of Afrikaner identity, but it still lacked official status. Government, law, and higher education remained Dutch (or English) domains. The tide turned after the Second Boer War (1899–1902) and the rise of Afrikaner nationalism. Afrikaner academics and teachers formed language associations to standardize Afrikaans. Spelling and grammar rules were refined (the first official “Afrikaans orthography and wordlist” was compiled in 1917), and the “Afrikaans Language Movement”  lobbied for recognition in schools, churches, and courts Progress was steady. By 1914 , Afrikaans had been approved for use as a medium of instruction in some schools ( Afrikaans language | Origin, History, & Facts | Britannica ), supplanting Dutch in educating young Afrikaners. In 1919 , the influential Dutch Reformed Church also began using Afrikaans in sermons and catechism, signaling acceptance in religious life ( Afrikaans language | Origin, History, & Facts | Britannica ). Official language Recognition A pivotal moment came on May 8, 1925 , when South Africa’s Parliament passed the Official Languages of the Union Act 1925 , which affirmed Afrikaans as an official language of South Africa (initially phrased as a variety of “Dutch”). Effectively, Afrikaans replaced Dutch in official status, standing alongside English. This victory was largely “due to the efforts of the Afrikaans-language movement,”  which had tirelessly campaigned for recognition. Afrikaans now entered government administration, the courts, and the education system at all levels. Universities that had taught in English or Dutch began to offer instruction in Afrikaans during the 1920s ( Afrikaans: A Story of Success ). By the 1930s, Afrikaans was firmly entrenched as a language of academia, journalism, and literature in South Africa. The Bible in Afrikaans One of the crowning achievements of Afrikaans standardization was the first complete Bible translation in Afrikaans , published in 1933 . Up to then, Afrikaans speakers had to use the Dutch Statenbijbel (States Bible), an archaic 17th-century Dutch text that many found increasingly hard to understand. The new Afrikaans Bible, translated by a team of scholars (including J. D. du Toit, S.J.’s son), instantly elevated the language’s legitimacy and reached Afrikaans speakers of all backgrounds in their mother tongue. It also unified spelling and style, since the Bible’s language became a de facto standard reference. By mid-century, Afrikaans was not only the home language of the Afrikaner people but also a medium for schooling, literature, radio broadcasts, and government proceedings. In 1961, when South Africa became a republic, the constitution explicitly named English and Afrikaans  as the two official languages (Dutch was dropped entirely, being considered subsumed under Afrikaans) ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). The Afrikaans Language Monument in Paarl, South Africa, opened in 1975 to commemorate the centenary of the Afrikaans language movement and the 50th anniversary of Afrikaans’ official status. ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ) The Taal Monument By the late 20th century, Afrikaans had fully come into its own. In 1975, the grand Afrikaanse Taalmonument  (Afrikaans Language Monument) was unveiled on a hill in Paarl, overlooking the region where the GRA had been founded 100 years earlier. The monument’s design of soaring convex and concave columns symbolizes the European, African, and Malay influences  converging in the language. Post-1994, Afrikaans remained one of South Africa’s 11 official languages (losing the exclusive status it had under apartheid but continuing as an equal national language). In a notable recent development, the South African government in 2022 officially recognized Afrikaans as an “indigenous” language of South Africa , acknowledging that although its roots are European, Afrikaans evolved on African soil and is spoken by people indigenously born in Africa. Notable Linguistic Features of Afrikaans Afrikaans today is linguistically close to Dutch, but it has several defining features that make it unique among Germanic languages. Below are some key characteristics of Afrikaans and how they arose during its evolution: Simplified Grammar and Morphology:  Afrikaans is often described as having a more analytic  (word-order based) grammar than Dutch. It lost the complex inflectional endings  for gender, case, and verbs that Dutch retains. Nouns have no grammatical gender (no de/het  distinction – only die  for “the”), and there are no case endings. Verbs are conjugated with minimal variation: the infinitive, present, and imperative forms are usually identical , and there is no conjugation by person  (e.g., ek sing, jy sing, hy sing  for “I sing, you sing, he sings”). These changes occurred as early Afrikaans speakers (especially second-language speakers) generalised Dutch patterns to simpler forms – a natural outcome of pidginisation/creolisation where only the most essential grammar survives. Reduction of Tenses:  Afrikaans has largely eliminated the simple past tense  (except for a handful of common verbs and modals) in favor of using the perfect tense for past meanings. For example, “I ate” is usually ek het  geeët  (literally “I have eaten”) rather than ek eet(de) . This streamlining was already underway in colloquial Dutch but became standard in Afrikaans, again reflecting the preference for simplicity and clarity. Double Negation:  As mentioned, Afrikaans requires a double negative (negative concord)  in sentences. The structure nie ... nie  frames the verb phrase (e.g., Hy is nie moeg nie  – “He is not tired”). This feature sets Afrikaans apart from standard Dutch (which uses a single niet ). It likely emerged in the eighteenth century, possibly under influence from French negation patterns brought by Huguenot settlers or from similar emphatic negatives in Khoi and San speech ( Where does the double negative in Afrikaans come from? - Quora ). Some Dutch dialects also had double negatives, which could have reinforced the habit. By the time Afrikaans was fully formed, this had become a fixed rule  in its grammar, despite seeming “incorrect” by formal Dutch standards. Vocabulary and Loanwords:  The bulk of Afrikaans vocabulary is inherited from Dutch – estimates range from 85% to 95% of words being of Dutch origin . As a result, cognates  between Afrikaans and Dutch are abundant, and a reader of one can recognise most words in the other. However, Afrikaans also integrated numerous loanwords  that Dutch did not. From Malay  and Indonesian  languages (via slaves and the Cape Malay community) came words describing foods, household items, and exclamations ( baadjie  for jacket from Malay baju , blatjang  for chutney from Malay blachan , baie  for many/very from Malay banyak ) ( Etymological Vocabulary in the Afrikaans Language - Talkpal ) ( Afrikaans. Where it came from. This may or may not be a surprise. It's ... ). From Portuguese Creole  (often through Malay or slaves from Portuguese colonies) came words like spens  (pantry) and possibly meide  (girls, maids). Khoisan languages  contributed names for local animals, plants, and cultural terms (e.g., abba  for carry a child on the back, dagga  for cannabis, kwagga  for quagga zebra). English, too, in the 19th and 20th centuries, lent many modern terms to Afrikaans. This rich borrowing is a direct outcome of the diverse contacts in South Africa’s history. Afrikaans thus has a more cosmopolitan lexicon than Dutch in certain semantic fields, reflecting African and Asian influences. Pronunciation and Spelling:  Afrikaans pronunciation differs from Dutch in subtle but distinct ways – for instance, Afrikaans rolled “r”  and guttural “g”  sounds, and the diphthong  written ui  in Dutch (pronounced [œy]) shifted to a clearer [œː] or [əː] sound in Afrikaans spelled y  (e.g. Dutch huis  vs. Afr. huis , pronounced slightly differently). When Afrikaans was standardized, spelling reforms  made it more phonetic and reflective of Afrikaans pronunciation as opposed to Dutch etymology ( Afrikaans (language), a story - African American Registry ). For example, Dutch sch  in schip  became sk  in Afrikaans ( skip ), and silent letters were dropped (Dutch licht  > Afr. lig  for “light”). These spelling choices were driven by the desire of early proponents like the GRA to have writing that matched how people actually spoke. The net effect is that written Afrikaans looks like a streamlined, updated form of Dutch. Taken together, these features distinguish Afrikaans as a simpler, more regular language  compared to its Dutch ancestor. They emerged through natural simplification in a contact setting – making Afrikaans easier to learn and use across a multi-ethnic colony – and later became codified in the language’s standards. Key Figures in the Development of Afrikaans The evolution of Afrikaans was not an accident of history alone; it was also guided by individuals who recognised the language’s value and fought for its growth. A few notable figures and milestones include: Arnoldus Pannevis (1838–1884):  A Dutch-born teacher in the Cape, Pannevis was one of the first scholars to argue that the “Cape Dutch” spoken by locals was a distinct language, not merely bad Dutch. In the 1870s, he appealed to Bible societies to sponsor an Afrikaans Bible translation, reasoning that Afrikaans-speaking people understood Dutch poorly. His calls set the stage for later translation efforts. Stephanus Jacobus du Toit (1847–1911):  A pastor and true language pioneer, S.J. du Toit co-founded the Genootskap vir Regte Afrikaners in 1875. He launched Die Afrikaanse Patriot  newspaper in 1876 and wrote some of the first Afrikaans grammars and textbooks. He even translated large portions of the Bible into Afrikaans. Du Toit’s work laid the groundwork for Afrikaans to become an official language, and he is often credited with establishing Afrikaans as a written language  and instilling pride in its use. Cornelis Jacobus Langenhoven (1873–1932):  A politician, journalist, and writer, C.J. Langenhoven was a later champion of Afrikaans. Active in the early 20th century, he famously authored “Die Stem van Suid-Afrika” (The Call of South Africa), the poem that became South Africa’s national anthem. As a public figure, Langenhoven campaigned for Afrikaans to replace Dutch officially and was instrumental in the language debates that led to the 1925 recognition of Afrikaans. His literary works in Afrikaans further proved its expressiveness. D.F. Malherbe (1881–1969) and N.P. van Wyk Louw (1906–1970):  These are examples of early and mid-20th century Afrikaans writers and poets who enriched Afrikaans literature. Through novels, poetry, and essays, they expanded the domains of the language and gave it prestige. Louw, in particular, was also a scholar of the language and advocated for its equitable treatment. Linguists and Scholars:  The academic study of Afrikaans’ origins began in earnest in the late 19th century. D.C. Hesseling , a Dutch linguist, published a book in 1899 that posited Afrikaans had arisen through creolization with Malay-Portuguese influences. Later, scholars like J. J. Smith  in South Africa helped standardize Afrikaans spelling and grammar rules in the 1910s and 1920s. In more recent times, linguists such as Hans den Besten  and Paul Roberge  have contributed to understanding Afrikaans’ development, blending insights from historical linguistics and socio-linguistics. Their research into things like the double negation and other peculiarities helped trace how Afrikaans diverged from Dutch under various influences. These individuals (among many others) collectively ensured that Afrikaans was not swallowed up by English or dismissed as “slang.” Instead, through newspapers, organizations, translations, and literature , they propelled a onc e-derided dialect into a proud language with a standardized form and written heritage. Afrikaans in the Modern Era From its humble beginnings at the Cape, Afrikaans has grown into a modern language spoken by millions. It is the third most widely spoken first language  in South Africa (after Zulu and Xhosa), with about 7 million native speakers  in the country as of the mid-2010s. Several million more South Africans use Afrikaans as a second or third language, since it long served as a lingua franca in many regions. Afrikaans is also spoken in neighboring Namibia  (where it was a co-official language during South African rule and remains widely used, with around 10% native speakers and in small communities abroad (from diasporas in the UK, Australia, and elsewhere). The language’s modern vitality is evident in a robust media landscape – Afrikaans newspapers, radio stations, television channels, and a thriving music and film industry. Notably, Afrikaans boasts a rich literary tradition, including internationally acclaimed novelists and poets, which blossomed throughout the 20th century and continues today. Linguistic Evolution Linguistically, Afrikaans continues to evolve. It incorporates new words, often from English, for emerging concepts and technologies (much as English does from other languages). Yet it also guards a core of uniquely Afrikaans idioms and expressions cherished by its speakers. There have been ongoing projects to compile comprehensive dictionaries and grammars, ensuring the language’s standard form is well-documented. At the same time, dialectal variation  within Afrikaans – such as Cape Afrikaans spoken among Coloured communities in the Western Cape, or Black Afrikaans speakers in urban townships – is being increasingly recognized and studied, adding to the complexity of what we call “Afrikaans.” Modern computational linguistics and translation services (like machine translation systems) treat Afrikaans as a distinct language, further solidifying its status. Importantly, Afrikaans has achieved this status while navigating complex social currents. In the 21st century, there have been questions about its future – for instance, whether Afrikaans might be endangered by the dominance of English. However, experts note that Afrikaans remains demographically and culturally strong , spoken across racial groups and with growing numbers of bilingual users. In fact, contrary to old stereotypes, the majority of Afrikaans native speakers are not white Afrikaners but people of mixed heritage (Coloured communities), and the language is an integral part of their identity and daily life. Government recognition of Afrikaans as an indigenous language in 2022 was a symbolic affirmation of its deep roots in South Africa’s soil. As of today, Afrikaans stands as a remarkable example of linguistic evolution. In roughly 350 years, it transformed from a 17th-century trading pidgin at the Cape into an autonomous standard language . It encapsulates influences from three continents, yet is mutually intelligible with its European parent. It has shed complexities to meet the needs of a diverse society, yet developed a complexity of its own in idiom and expression. For linguists, Afrikaans offers a case study in how languages can change rapidly through contact and creolization, and then gain prestige through standardization and cultural valorization. For its speakers, Afrikaans is simply die taal  – “the language” – a mother tongue that connects them to a unique history and heritage. Conclusion The story of Afrikaans is a journey of adaptation and identity. Born out of Dutch but nurtured in Africa, it evolved through contact, creolization, and conscious cultivation. Key moments – from the first rough kombuistaal  spoken by slaves and settlers, to the resolute efforts of the Genootskap vir Regte Afrikaners , to official recognition in 1925 – all mark the path of Afrikaans becoming its own language. Along this path, the language shed old skins and acquired new tones: it simplified and innovated, absorbing the voices of Malay slaves, Khoi herders, French refugees, and many others into its structure. The result is a language that is at once familiar to Dutch ears yet unmistakably different – a tongue of Africa with a character all its own. Afrikaans today continues to thrive as a medium of communication and art. Its evolution has not stopped; like all living languages it grows and adjusts to the times. But its foundational history – the linguistic evolution  from a Dutch colonial dialect to a modern standard language – stands as a testament to cultural synthesis. Afrikaans is, in essence, the product of South Africa’s multicultural tapestry , woven together by history into a distinct linguistic fabric. And as such, the evolution of Afrikaans offers a fascinating glimpse into how languages can transform and endure, shaping and reflecting the lives of those who speak them. Sources and Further Reading:   For a deeper academic exploration of Afrikaans, see works like The Development of Afrikaans  by Fritz Ponelis, or Paul Roberge’s research on Cape Dutch pidgin influences ( APiCS Online - Survey chapter: Afrikaans ) ( Afrikaans - Wikipedia ). Rajend Mesthrie (ed.)’s Language in South Africa  provides a sociohistorical overview ( APiCS Online - Survey chapter: Afrikaans ), and Bruce Donaldson’s A Grammar of Afrikaans  (1993) is a comprehensive reference on its structure ( APiCS Online - Survey chapter: Afrikaans ). The APiCS (Atlas of Pidgin and Creole Languages) survey on Afrikaans  offers insights into its creole-like features and origins ( APiCS Online - Survey chapter: Afrikaans ) ( APiCS Online - Survey chapter: Afrikaans ). Additionally, the Afrikaans Language Museum  in Paarl and the annual Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging  publications are excellent resources for those interested in the ongoing story of Afrikaans. Each of these works attests to the rich linguistic tapestry and resilient evolution of this young, yet historic, language.

Quick answer:  Over the next three to four weeks the Vatican will hold a state funeral, nine days of official mourning, and a secret ballot inside the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope. Here’s the step-by-step version in plain language. First 72 Hours – Confirming the Death and Securing the Vatican Who checks?  Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the “camerlengo,” officially confirms the Pope’s death. What does he do?  He locks the papal apartment, crushes the Pope’s ring (so no one can fake documents) and puts a temporary wax seal on the offices. What “Sede Vacante” Really Means Latin for “the seat is empty.”  From this moment until a new pope is chosen, the Catholic Church has no single leader. Routine Vatican business carries on, but no big decisions —like appointing bishops—can be made. Funeral and Public Farewell Date Event Where 23 Apr 2025 Body moved to St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing Vatican 26 Apr 2025, 10 a.m. State funeral led by senior cardinals St Peter’s Square Note: Anyone in Rome can file past the coffin during the three days it lies in state. Nine Days of Mourning ( Novemdiales ) From the day after the funeral, cardinals celebrate a memorial Mass every morning for nine straight days. The Church prays, and the gap also gives far-flung cardinals time to get to Rome. Who Gets to Vote? Cardinal-electors : Any cardinal under 80 years old on the day the pope died may vote. Today that’s about 135 men . Why under 80?  John Paul II set the age limit so the voters would be active church leaders. The General Congregations —Pre-Vote Meetings Before they lock themselves in, all cardinals (voters and non-voters) meet daily inside Vatican City. They: Share thoughts on the biggest issues facing the Church. Decide the exact start date  for the election, which must fall 10-15 days after the death . Expect something around 2–6 May Inside the Conclave—Choosing a Pope Step Plain-language explanation Lock-in Cardinals march into the Sistine Chapel singing a hymn. A master of ceremonies calls “Extra omnes!”  (“Everybody out!”) and the doors are locked. Voting Up to four secret ballots a day  (two morning, two afternoon). Each writes one name on a paper that begins “I choose as pope…” Smoke signals Ballots are burned after each round: black smoke  = no decision; white smoke  = we have a winner. Bells now ring too, so no one misreads the colour. Winning number A two-thirds majority—about 90 votes  with the current group—is required. If no one reaches that mark after roughly three days of voting, the electors pause for prayer and talks, then continue. In the unlikely event they reach 34 rounds, they switch to a run-off between the two frontrunners, but still  need two-thirds. Habemus Papam!  — Introducing the New Pope Once a candidate accepts, he chooses a papal name. Tailored white robes await in three sizes in the “Room of Tears.” Minutes later, the senior cardinal-deacon steps onto the balcony of St Peter’s and announces in Latin: “Habemus Papam!”  (“We have a pope!”). The new pontiff then gives his first blessing to the city ( Urbi ) and the world ( Orbi ) . Installation Mass and First Decisions Within a week of his election, the new pope presides over an outdoor Mass, receives a special woollen stole called the pallium  and a new Fisherman’s Ring, and soon after begins appointing his top advisers. Why Non-Catholics May Care The pope heads not only the world’s 1.37 billion Catholics but also a tiny yet influential sovereign state. His priorities on climate change, migration, poverty or diplomacy can move global conversations—and sometimes entire governments. Key Dates at a Glance (Expected) 23 April  – Public viewing starts 26 April  – Funeral Mass 2-6 May  – Conclave likely opens Within a few days  – White smoke and announcement If you see white smoke over the Sistine Chapel and hear the bells of St Peter’s, you’ll know the world has a new pope. Did you know? You can find a range of Churches in Potchefstroom and their contact details on our site, simply click the button below to view the different churches

Ikageng, a large township adjacent to Potchefstroom, has its own Community Policing Forum that operates in tandem with the local Ikageng SAPS station. The Ikageng CPF was similarly established in the mid-1990s under the SAPS Act’s mandate for community policing structures. It focuses on the unique safety challenges in Ikageng’s residential areas. Image: Ikageng CPF 2024-2029 Key developments in the Ikageng CPF’s history include:   Figure: Timeline of key milestones for the Ikageng CPF (1995–2024). 1990s:  Formation of the Ikageng CPF as a community-police liaison body. Like other CPFs, it emerged from post-apartheid reforms to build trust between police and historically underserved communities. 2016:  Heightened crime prevention efforts. Ikageng SAPS and CPF “declared war” on crime in the township in 2016 , organizing visible campaigns. In May 2016, the CPF (led by Secretary Tebogo Medupe ) and Ikageng police held a street outreach (blitz)  in Lekhele Street, distributing pamphlets on domestic violence, sexual offenses, drug abuse, and burglary prevention ​ ​ citizen.co.za . The CPF urged the community to unite against crime and reported a positive response from residents. Around the same time, the Ikageng CPF participated in a major “de-bushing” initiative  to clear overgrown areas used by criminals to ambush pedestrians​. This project, done with the municipality and other departments, sent a strong message that criminals “have nowhere to hide” in Ikageng​. 2018:  Continued community outreach. The Ikageng CPF organized a rural safety awareness campaign  (with support from the North West Department of Community Safety) focusing on outlying areas of Ikageng and nearby communities. Funding of R38,500 was provided for this initiative, which was successfully implemented to educate residents on protecting themselves and their property​ provincialgovernment.co.za . 2019:  CPF elections and reorganization. Around this period, new members were elected to lead the Ikageng CPF (CPF elections generally align with five-year cycles). The CPF strengthened its collaboration with ward councilors and youth groups to broaden its community reach. 2022:  Multi-faceted awareness programs. The Ikageng CPF ran notable campaigns including a housebreaking prevention campaign  and events during the 16 Days of Activism  against gender-based violence​ dcstm.nwpg.gov.za . These programs, funded by provincial community safety grants, involved workshops and door-to-door visits. The CPF spent about R40k on these community initiatives, indicating significant on-the-ground activity and reporting back on their outcomes to the authorities​. 2024:  New CPF Executive Committee (2024–2029) elected. In late 2024, the Ikageng community elected a fresh CPF leadership for the next term. Mr. Neo Motshabi  was appointed as the CPF Chairperson ​ facebook.com , with a team of deputies and officers: Ms. Palesa Mafoko  became Secretary ​ (she had been active in updating CPF communications), Mr. Frans Khalipha  took on the Treasurer  role, and Mr. Mbali Manyelwa  became the Public Relations Officer (PRO)​. This handover was announced via the CPF’s Facebook group and signified a rejuvenation of CPF efforts going into 2025. Members and Structure The Ikageng CPF Executive Committee consists of volunteers from the community elected to key positions, often including a Chairperson, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Relations Officer. SAPS officers from Ikageng police station also sit in CPF meetings as liaisons. The current and past members of note include: Name Role in Ikageng CPF Tenure/Notes Tebogo Medupe Secretary (Past) CPF Secretary in 2016; spokesperson during anti-crime campaigns​ citizen.co.za . Mobilized community in street patrols. Neo Motshabi Chairperson (Current) Elected 2024; heads CPF for 2024–2029 term ​ facebook.com . Focused on community engagement and rebuilding trust. Palesa Mafoko Secretary (Current) Elected 2024; manages CPF admin and Facebook communications ​ facebook.com . Organized CPF events and information drives. Frans Khalipha Treasurer (Current) Elected 2024; oversees CPF finances and funding of projects ​ facebook.com . Mbali Manyelwa Public Relations Officer Elected 2024; in charge of publicity and community relations for CPF​ facebook.com . (Leads outreach to media and public.) Const. Kelebogile Trom  (SAPS) Police Spokesperson Liaison Ikageng SAPS communications officer working with CPF on community alerts​ citizen.co.za . Frequently addresses CPF meetings on local crime trends. Organization:  The Ikageng CPF often operates through sector-based sub-forums  as well, corresponding to different zones or wards in Ikageng. Each sector has representatives that bring local issues to the CPF monthly meeting. This ensures diverse areas like Sarafina, Top City, Ext. 7, etc., all have a voice. The CPF’s structure is designed to mirror that of Potchefstroom, but tailored to Ikageng’s community dynamics (e.g., stronger focus on youth engagement and street committee involvement). Contact Information For Ikageng residents, the CPF is accessible through community meetings and direct contact channels. Key contact information and platforms include: Contact Method Details CPF Office/Station 🏢 SAPS Ikageng Police Station , Ikageng, Potchefstroom – CPF meetings are held at the local station or community halls in Ikageng. (The station is a central point for CPF enquiries.) Phone (SAPS Ikageng) 📞 018 297 7340  – Ikageng Police Station contact number (for CPF-related queries, ask for the sector commander or CPF liaison). Facebook Group/Page 🌐 Ikageng CPF  – Facebook presence with ~1,862 followers ​ facebook.com . The CPF runs a public Facebook group “IKAGENG-POTCHEFSTROOM CPF” , where members post alerts and updates (489+ members, public group). Residents can join to receive news on crime incidents and CPF events. Community Meetings 📅 Monthly CPF Forum Meetings  – open to all residents. Announcements for meeting dates are made via local radio, community centers, and Facebook. Typically held in the evenings at a local venue (e.g., Ikageng police station hall). Email  (if any) ✉️ The Ikageng CPF doesn’t publicly list a dedicated email; however, messages can be sent via the Facebook group or delivered in writing to the station commander’s office for the CPF’s attention. (The newly elected Secretary, Palesa Mafoko, is working on establishing official communication channels online.) Because internet access can be limited for some residents, the Ikageng CPF also disseminates information through word-of-mouth and postings  at spaza shops, schools, and churches. The CPF committee members’ phone numbers are often shared at meetings so community members can reach them directly in emergencies or to volunteer. Image: Ikageng CPF 2024-2029 Initiatives and Community Engagement Ikageng CPF’s activities center on crime prevention, community education, and bridging the gap between police and the township residents. Highlights of their initiatives and engagements include: Street Patrols and Visibility:  The CPF has organized joint police-community patrols in high-crime areas. The 2016 Lekhele Street crime awareness blitz saw CPF members and police officers handing out flyers on common crimes and encouraging residents not to walk alone at night​ citizen.co.za ​. They addressed onlookers via loudhailers about how to anonymously report crime​. This visible presence not only spread information but also built trust, locals saw police and CPF patrolling side by side. CPF sector teams have also coordinated night patrols (“CPF eyes and ears” campaigns) in response to spikes in robberies. Public Awareness Campaigns: Ikageng CPF has been active in awareness campaigns targeting prevalent issues: Anti-Substance Abuse: Collaborating with schools and churches, the CPF has run sessions on the dangers of drug abuse, which is a noted problem among the youth. In one campaign (supported by provincial safety department funds), they focused on advocacy against assault, GBH (grievous bodily harm), and bullying, indicating outreach in schools​ provincialgovernment.co.za ​. Housebreaking Prevention: In 2022, with burglary rates high, the CPF held workshops teaching residents how to better secure their homes (e.g., forming street watches, improving lighting, whistle alerts). This Housebreaking Awareness Campaign was formally noted in the NW Community Safety Department reports as successfully executed with most of its budget utilized​ dcstm.nwpg.gov.za . Gender-Based Violence (GBV): During the annual 16 Days of Activism (late Nov to Dec), the CPF teams up with local NGOs to hold community dialogues on domestic violence and sexual offenses. Pamphlets with emergency numbers for shelters and SAPS victim support were distributed. In one year’s campaign, the CPF reached multiple extensions of Ikageng, aligning with national efforts to combat GBV ​ dcstm.nwpg.gov.za . Problem-Solving Partnerships:  The Ikageng CPF often identifies environmental and social risk factors contributing to crime and works to address them. For instance, the CPF flagged overgrown bushes between Sarafina and Ext.7 as crime hotspots (sites of muggings and assaults). In response, they partnered with the Community Safety Forum and municipality in a cleanup operation: cutting down bush and improving the lighting in that area​ citizen.co.za ​ . CPF volunteers joined municipal workers and even offenders (via the Department of Correctional Services) in this public safety project. This collaborative approach removed hiding places for criminals and was praised by officials as a model of “situational crime prevention” driven by CPF input. Youth and School Engagement : Recognizing that youth are both victims and perpetrators of some crimes, the CPF established a Youth Desk (a subcommittee) in recent years. They run school talks on crime and responsibility. “Ke Tsaya Maikarabelo” (SeTswana for “I take responsibility”) was one such youth campaign noted in NW Provincial reports ​ dcstm.nwpg.gov.za , aimed at instilling accountability among young people. The CPF Youth Desk also organizes sports against crime events – for example, township soccer tournaments with anti-crime messaging, to keep young people constructively engaged. Crime Reporting & Conflict Resolution:  The Ikageng CPF has improved channels for residents to report crime or police misconduct. CPF meetings often include a forum where residents can raise complaints about police response times or community disputes. The CPF executive then follows up with the station commander. Tebogo Medupe (former secretary) stated that the CPF’s goal is a “problem-solving partnership between the community and the police”, urging unity in fighting crime ​ citizen.co.za . The result has been better information flow – e.g., after CPF encouragement, tip-offs about drug dens and wanted suspects in Ikageng increased, leading to successful police operations. Notably, Ikageng CPF’s efforts have yielded tangible results. Police officials have remarked improvements: Constable Morwa Mahery-Moshou, a sector commander, lauded how CPF awareness drives led more community members to report crimes anonymously​ citizen.co.za . This illustrates increased trust in the CPF and police. Local media (the Potchefstroom Herald and community radio) regularly cover Ikageng CPF initiatives, such as community clean-up campaigns tagged “Criminals have nowhere to hide”​ citizen.co.za . These stories highlight positive outcomes like safer pathways for schoolchildren and the arrest of suspects thanks to CPF-provided intel. Collaboration and Affiliations The Ikageng CPF, while focused on the township, works in concert with broader organizations and neighboring CPFs: Ikageng-Potchefstroom Joint Efforts:  Given Ikageng and Potchefstroom are adjacent, their CPFs sometimes coordinate on issues spilling across areas (e.g., highway robberies affecting both town and township). A joint Facebook group “Ikageng-Potchefstroom CPF” exists for cross-communication . During major events (like city-wide protests or regional crises), the two CPFs share resources and strategies. Ikageng CPF members also attend the quarterly meetings of the JB Marks Community Safety Forum alongside Potchefstroom CPF representatives. Community Safety Patrollers:  Ikageng CPF runs a Community Safety Patrollers program, essentially volunteers in reflector vests who patrol alongside police in evenings. This was noted in provincial safety reports as a funded project with the CPF providing reports on its success​ dcstm.nwpg.gov.za . These patrollers serve a similar role to the “Community in Blue,” detaining suspects when citizens’ arrest is possible and alerting SAPS. The project has improved response in large areas where police patrols are stretched thin. Neighboring CPF Networks:  Ikageng CPF liaises with CPFs in nearby townships (e.g., Jouberton CPF in Klerksdorp) to exchange best practices. They have jointly hosted workshops, for instance, an “Know Your Rights, Know Your Responsibilities” seminar was co-organized with a neighboring CPF to educate community policing volunteers. NGOs and Civic Organizations:  The CPF partners with local civic groups such as street committees, ward committees, church forums, and NGOs like Banna ba Kae (a men’s community organization)​ citizen.co.za . These groups often support CPF campaigns, e.g., church leaders might help the CPF disseminate anti-drug messages, and street committees often serve as CPF’s extended eyes on each block. By 2025, the Ikageng Community Policing Forum stands as a critical mediator between the police and the community. It has navigated challenges such as limited resources and high crime rates with resilience and innovation, leveraging community solidarity. The CPF’s Facebook tagline “Crime free zone” ​ facebook.com  encapsulates its aspirational goal. While crime is still a serious concern, the CPF’s ongoing initiatives, from patrols to clean-ups and youth engagement, continue to make Ikageng a safer, more vigilant community. The new CPF leadership (2024–2029) under Mr. Motshabi is expected to build on this foundation, with plans to introduce more technology (like community WhatsApp hotlines) and to strengthen the CPF’s presence in every corner of Ikageng. Through consistent effort and community partnership, the Ikageng CPF exemplifies the spirit of “Batho Pele”, people first, ensuring that the safety and well-being of residents remain the top priority, in close cooperation with the South African Police Service. Sources:  Official news releases, local journalism (Potchefstroom Herald reports), SAPS North West annual reports, and public posts from the Potchefstroom and Ikageng CPF Facebook pages have been used to compile this comprehensive overview , reflecting the state of these CPFs up to April 2025. #TheGToGuy #potchefstroom #Ikageng #potchgazette #stroomstories #CPF #community

This past weekend, JB Marks Municipality experienced several service and infrastructure challenges, including pump station failures, electricity outages, road damage, and roadworks. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the updates and notices issued between 25 and 28 April 2025. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Botha Street Pump Station: Operational Status The Botha Street pump station faced significant operational difficulties over the weekend: As of 26 April, only one pump at the station was functional. This pump, however, failed during a power outage due to a generator malfunction. The resulting failure contributed to severe sewage spillages in Meadow Street and surrounding areas. An additional pump is under repair and is expected to be installed shortly. By 27 April, it was confirmed that no pumps had been operational for over 24 hours following the power failure. Emergency arrangements are underway to appoint a service provider to assess and repair the faults at the station. Electricity Supply: Town-Wide Outage On 26 April, a town-wide electricity outage was reported: Investigation revealed that the fault was located on Eskom’s infrastructure. Repair teams were dispatched, and restoration of electricity was achieved within a few hours. Regular monitoring of the power network continued to ensure stability. Related Article: Facebook Image The Go-To Guy Road Conditions: Potholes on Key Routes Road users were alerted to hazardous conditions between Tuscany Ridge and Waterberry: Several deep potholes were reported along the stretch between the Waterberry entrance and the Tuscany Ridge traffic signal. Multiple vehicle tire damages were noted in the area. Motorists are advised to drive slowly and exercise caution when navigating this route. Ongoing Roadworks: Albert Luthuli and Walter Sisulu Intersection Watch Face video here of the Road Works : https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1J7FofrfUS/ Roadworks began at the major intersection of Albert Luthuli Drive and Walter Sisulu/Thabo Mbeki Streets: Two lanes of Walter Sisulu Road in the direction of Thabo Mbeki Street are currently closed. Traffic is being diverted via Spruit Street. The roadworks are part of preparations for upcoming brick paving upgrades at the Peter Mokana and Chief Albert Luthuli Drive intersection. Water Supply: Public Notice Issued A public notice was issued on 26 April urging residents to use water sparingly​: The municipality emphasized responsible water consumption to safeguard the available supply during periods of infrastructure strain and power interruptions. Residents are encouraged to minimize water wastage where possible. Municipal Planning and Development Updates The Municipal Planning Tribunal convened to address residential zoning developments: A dedicated sub-committee was established to evaluate and advise on Residential 3 zoning applications. Key focus areas include managing parking solutions, protecting stormwater systems, maintaining heritage sites such as oak trees, and ensuring adequate bulk infrastructure services before approving new developments. The committee aims to facilitate structured, sustainable urban development within the municipality. Refuse Removal: Holiday Schedule Refuse removal services continued as per the normal schedule on Monday, 28 April, despite the public holiday. No interruptions in waste collection were reported. Stay Informed and Connected The information presented was obtained through updates circulated via municipal WhatsApp groups, Facebook community pages, and official public notices. Residents are encouraged to stay connected through their preferred channels, whether via WhatsApp, Facebook, or direct municipal communication, to receive timely updates about service issues, infrastructure developments, and emergency notifications. Staying informed ensures that residents can respond quickly to any changes or challenges within the JB Marks Municipality. #TheGoToGuy #potchefstroom #potchgazette #stroomstories #JBMarks #stayinformed

Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub will contest important third-place playoff matches this weekend, closing off their campaigns in the Philip van Rensburg Tournament  and Mervyn Taylor Shield . These playoff fixtures will be staged at home on Saturday, 3 May 2025 , providing an opportunity for the teams to finish the cup competitions strongly before the league season officially kicks off in May. 🏉 Weekend Fixtures – 3 May 2025 Potch Dorp 2 vs Lichtenburg 📍 Dorp Rugby Field, Potchefstroom 🕛 12:00 PM Mervyn Taylor Shield – Third-Place Playoff Potch Dorp’s second team will face Lichtenburg in a playoff clash where pride and momentum are at stake. Having shown resilience throughout the Shield competition, Dorp 2 will look to build confidence heading into the league campaign. Potch Dorp 1 vs Impala 📍 Dorp Rugby Field, Potchefstroom 🕞 13:30 PM Philip van Rensburg Tournament – Third-Place Playoff Following a hard-fought semi-final against Northam Wolves, Potch Dorp’s first team will meet Impala in what promises to be a spirited contest. Both clubs will be eager to secure third place and end the tournament phase on a high note. 🏆 Transitioning from Cups to League While these playoffs conclude Dorp’s involvement in the current cup competitions, the league season is only just beginning.The first round of league matches kicks off on 10 May 2025, and teams are using this weekend as critical preparation for what lies ahead. Third-place honours remain important for morale, but more significantly, this weekend offers teams the chance to fine-tune combinations, sharpen discipline, and gather momentum before league points come into play. 📣 Supporters Encouraged to Attend Spectators are invited to enjoy a day of rugby at Dorp Rugby Field. With two fixtures scheduled back-to-back, the club is expecting strong support as they close out the tournament phase and shift focus to league ambitions. 📅 Event Summary Date: Saturday, 3 May 2025 Venue: Dorp Rugby Field, Potchefstroom Matches: 12:00 – Potch Dorp 2 vs Lichtenburg (Mervyn Taylor Shield – 3rd Place Playoff) 13:30 – Potch Dorp 1 vs Impala (Philip van Rensburg Tournament – 3rd Place Playoff) As cup honours are decided this weekend, a new challenge awaits.Potch Dorp Rugbyklub will soon turn their attention fully to league competition – and the next chapter of the 2025 season starts on 10 May. #TheGoToGuy #Potchefstroom #potchgazette #stroomstories #sportstalk #potchrugby #potchpride

🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 A young rugby player from Potchefstroom, Ronaldo de Lima, has been accepted into two specialised training and educational programmes – a major step in his journey to becoming a professional athlete. At just 20 years old, Ronaldo has been given the opportunity to further both his athletic and academic development, and his family is now reaching out to the public for support. Image:The Go-To Guy Creations Two Programmes, One Goal 1. Toyota Academy High-Performance Program – R52,500 Ronaldo has been accepted into the prestigious Toyota Academy High-Performance Program  in Bloemfontein. This full-spectrum development programme offers: Daily professional rugby coaching Strength and conditioning sessions Mental skills training Access to medical and support staff Higher Certificate in Fitness Pathway to professional rugby Payment options  for this programme include: Once-off : R52,500 by 30 December 2024 Installments : R1,500 registration by 30 Sept 2024 R8,500 deposit by 30 Nov 2024 Monthly payments of R5,312.50 (Feb–Sept 2025) 2. eta College Fitness Instructor Program – R8,000 In addition to his rugby training, Ronaldo will complete a one-year Fitness Instructor Program  through eta College, covering: Anatomy and physiology Fitness instruction and exercise screening NQF Level 4 fitness qualification Payment options : Once-off : R8,000 by 30 Dec 2024 Installments : R1,500 registration by 30 Sept 2024 R1,500 deposit by 30 Jan 2025 Monthly payments of R1,667 (Feb 2025 – Apr 2025) Image: The Go-To Guy Financial Needs What’s Been Paid So Far: R30,000  already paid toward the eta College programme. What’s Still Needed: R30,499.46  in outstanding fees R36,000  for boarding (R3,600/month from Feb to Oct 2025) These costs go beyond just tuition—they include the necessary living expenses for Ronaldo to stay in Bloemfontein while pursuing both programmes. How to Help If anyone would like to assist, contributions can be made directly to the eta College account: You can also reach out to Liesl de Lima at 081 501 3228  (WhatsApp) or via email at LieslDeLima@gmail.com  for boarding support and banking confirmation. 📅 Start Date for eta College : 11 February 2025 ⏳ Duration : One year This initiative aims to help Ronaldo prepare for a long-term career in both sport and fitness. Every rand contributed goes directly to education, training, and living expenses. For further queries: eta College : 051 492 1362 / kerry.mitchell@etacollege.com Andries Louw : 071 866 4751  🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 🇿🇦🏉 #PotchGazette #TheGoToGuy #StroomStories #Potchefstroom #Sportstroom

The second day of the SA Senior Athletics Championships  at Puk McArthur Stadium  in Potchefstroom delivered a stunning showcase of South Africa’s rising and established athletic stars. With national titles, junior records, and several dramatic performances on the line, Friday’s action-packed programme kept the energy electric from the first event to the last. Here’s a full breakdown of the finals results, standout moments, and key highlights from Day Two. Image: ASA Senior Track and Field Championships Hammer Throw (Women) Leandri Holtzhausen  dominated the hammer throw, taking gold  with a heave of 66.97m , just shy of her own national record (67.95m) ​ ofm.co.za . In a surprise, discus champion Colette Uys  added the silver  medal with a 65.53m  throw​, a massive personal best. Former record-holder Marga Cumming  had to settle for bronze  (around 60m), well behind the top two. Holtzhausen’s winning mark was one of the best in SA champs history, underscoring her national dominance. Pole Vault (Women) Ansume de Beer , only 17, soared to gold  in the women’s pole vault by clearing 4.10m , claiming her first senior national title ​ timeslive.co.za . She upset more seasoned vaulters with that jump. No records fell, but de Beer’s victory as a junior was a standout performance. The silver  and bronze  medalists finished at lower heights (around the 3.80m–4.00m range), underlining de Beer’s clear win. High Jump (Men) Former world U18 champion Breyton Poole  claimed his first senior high jump title, earning gold  with a clearance of 2.20m ​ timeslive.co.za . Poole and Tshepang Dankuru  both jumped 2.20m, but Poole won on countback, leaving Dankuru with the silver ​ ofm.co.za . The bronze  went to a jump of around 2.15m (cleared by a competitor from ACNW). This tight contest came down to misses, as Poole kept a clean card at 2.20m. It was a gratifying win for Poole after years of chasing a senior title. Image: ASA Senior Track and Field Championships 3000m Steeplechase (Women) Carina Siegers  of Athletics Gauteng North took gold  in the women’s steeplechase, clocking 10:53.34 ​ ofm.co.za . It was a tactical, relatively slow race in which Siegers pulled away on the final laps. The silver  and bronze  medalists finished some distance behind (over 11 minutes), as no one challenged Siegers in the final kilometer. No records were threatened in this event, but Siegers’ win added another national title to her name. 4×100m Mixed Relay In the mixed 4×100m relay (two men and two women per team), Athletics Gauteng North  sprinted to the gold  medal. Their quartet won in a solid time (mid-43 seconds), leveraging strong legs from their male sprinters. Central Gauteng Athletics  took silver , and the host province Athletics Central North West  earned bronze . This mixed-gender relay was an exciting addition, while no national record was noted, the top teams exchanged batons smoothly to clinch the medals. Triple Jump (Women) Multiple national champion Zinzi Xulu  (CGA) secured gold  in the triple jump with a leap of 13.44m ​ timeslive.co.za . Her winning jump was nearly half a meter beyond anyone else’s, an emphatic victory. The remaining podium spots went to Patience Ntshingila  and Johani van Tonder , who managed jumps in the mid-12-meter range for silver  and bronze  respectively. Xulu’s performance stood out as she reclaimed her title, while her competitors were left well behind (no records were broken, as the national record stands over 14m). 400m Hurdles (Men) At age 30, Sabelo Dhlamini  delivered a masterclass to win gold  in the men’s 400m hurdles, running a personal-best 48.57s ​ ofm.co.za . Dhlamini’s time was just 0.07s off the World Championships qualifying mark, and he collapsed in joy after earning his maiden national title​. Njabulo Mbatha , an 18-year-old rising star, claimed silver  in 49.28s , and Martiens du Preez  took bronze  in 49.55s , as all three medalists broke the 50-second barrier​. The defending champion was relegated off the podium in a race where Dhlamini finally triumphed after four years of trying. (Fun fact: Dhlamini had been runner-up last year and overcame past hurdle mishaps to win this time.) 400m Hurdles (Women) Olympic semifinalist Zeney Geldenhuys  comfortably defended her title, winning gold  in 55.09s , her fifth national 400m hurdles crown ​ citizen.co.za . Geldenhuys led from the gun and finished well clear of the field. Tumi Ramokgopa , just 17, earned silver  in 55.90s  (a big lifetime best for her). Hannah van Niekerk  took bronze  in 56.67s , adding a medal to her 2024 World U20 bronze achievement​ . Geldenhuys expressed satisfaction that her time was edging closer to the sub-55 mark, while Ramokgopa’s breakthrough signaled a bright future. Discus Throw (Men) Veteran thrower Victor Hogan  (Boland) continued his reign, clinching gold  with a best throw of 61.11m ​ timeslive.co.za . This victory marked Hogan’s 11th national title in the discus, underlining his dominance. The rest of the field lagged behind; the silver  and bronze  medalists threw in the high-50s (around 57–58m range). No one could surpass 60m besides Hogan, so his win was never in doubt. (Hogan, a former World Champs finalist, showed he’s still the class of the field at age 36.) Long Jump (Men) Commonwealth bronze medalist Jovan van Vuuren  timed his return to form perfectly, leaping 8.00m  to take gold  in the men’s long jump​ citizen.co.za . In a tight contest, defending champion Cheswill Johnson  had to settle for silver  with 7.97m , just 3 cm behind​. Divaan Manuel  (Boland) secured bronze  with a strong 7.93m  jump​ ofm.co.za . A notable storyline was the return of former world champion Luvo Manyonga, in his comeback, Manyonga reached 7.68m to finish 6th, showing flashes of ability but still “a little rusty” after time away from competition. Van Vuuren’s win, after missing last year’s champs due to injury, was especially sweet​. Image: ASA Senior Track and Field Championships Notable Heats/Semifinals Highlights Gift Leotlela , the newly crowned 100m champion (who ran 9.99s to win on Day 1), suffered an injury 18 hours later in the 200m heats  on Friday. He pulled up coming off the bend in his heat and collapsed to the track, ending his 200m campaign​ timeslive.co.za . This unexpected DNF/elimination  of a favorite opened up the men’s 200m field. (Luckily, Leotlela’s coach later indicated it was likely just a hamstring nerve tweak, not a serious tear.) In Leotlela’s absence, Bayanda Walaza  posted the fastest 200m heat time of the morning with 20.21s, establishing himself as the half-lap favorite. In the men’s 400m semifinals, Leendert Koekemoer  (19) blazed to 45.03s , breaking a 31-year-old South African U20 record (45.15 from 1994) ​ ofm.co.za . Koekemoer’s blistering run, finishing just 0.01s behind top qualifier Gardeo Isaacs in the semi, was one of the performances of the day. His new junior record signals a major talent coming up in the 400m. (All the main contenders advanced to the 400m final, setting up a clash with veterans and the rising stars on Day 3.) The men’s 800m semifinals went largely to form, with favorites advancing to the final. No records were set, but the races were competitive. Notably, world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso  successfully navigated her 800m and  1500m heats on Friday, keeping her double-gold defense on track​ ​ athletics.africa . Her presence in the women’s 800m final, along with a strong field in the men’s 800m, promises excitement on Day 3. Day Two at Potchefstroom proved why the SA Senior Athletics Championships remain one of the country’s most anticipated events. From comeback victories to historic junior records and unexpected drama, the performances on Friday set the stage for an unforgettable final day. As the championships move toward their thrilling conclusion, all eyes now turn to the big finals on Saturday, including the showdowns in the 400m, 800m, 200m, and the much-anticipated relay battles. Stay tuned for more incredible action and emerging champions! #TheGoToGuy #potchefstroom #potchgazette #stroomstories #ASASeniorTFChamps #AllRoadsLeadToPotch

By The Go-To Guy Newsroom – Potchefstroom, South Africa When the first whistle blows at dawn on Sunday, 27 April 2025 , the manicured bushveld of Elgro River Lodge  will fall silent—save for the crisp twang of hundreds of bowstrings. For eight intense days, 448 of the planet’s top bowhunters  will compete in the International Field Archery Association (IFAA) World Bowhunter Championships (WBHC 2025) , marking the sport’s triumphant return to Potchefstroom. A Proven World-Class Venue If the venue sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Elgro River Lodge has twice earned global applause as host of the WBHC 2013  and the World Field Archery Championships 2018 . Perched on a three-kilometre sweep of the Vaal River within the UNESCO-listed Vredefort Dome , the lodge melds tournament-grade facilities with raw African wilderness—think kudu drifting between shooting lanes and yellow fish shimmering in bruised-purple dusk. “Elgro offers that rare mix of technical courses, warm hospitality and genuine safari atmosphere,” says the SANIFAA Organising Committee. “Athletes fly home talking as much about game drives and river rafting as they do about podium finishes.” Inside the Championship Dates:  27 April – 4 May 2025 Sanctioning body:  IFAA (all rules & equipment classes apply) Field size:  Capped at 448 archers in good standing from member nations Disciplines:  Multiple 3-D and hunting-style rounds across varied terrain Potchefstroom locals can expect the town’s hotels, coffee shops and gear stores to buzz with Norwegian longbow purists swapping tips with Japanese compound technicians—proof that 21st-century archery is a truly global tribe. Beyond the Targets: A Lodge That Lives Outdoor Adventure Between competition days, athletes and their families can: Raft the Vaal Rapids  – guided runs that guarantee adrenaline spikes worthy of a medal round. Cast for Yellow Fish  – 20 km of fly-only water makes Elgro a pilgrimage site for serious anglers. Safari Sunsets  – guided game drives traverse plains stocked with impala, eland, kudu and more than 180 bird species. Rest & Recharge: Tailored Accommodation The Elgro Group  has unveiled a seamless reservations hub at the Elgro Hotel in downtown Potch. Options range from four-star hotel rooms and a luxury riverfront lodge to stylish B-&-Bs. A dedicated shuttle network  ferries guests between town and the range—allowing competitors to focus on draw length, not driving directions. What It Means for Potchefstroom With nearly 450 athletes plus coaches, officials and travelling supporters, WBHC 2025 is expected to deliver a healthy shot in the arm to the local economy just ahead of winter. Restaurants are sharpening their menus, outfitters have stocked extra arrows, and township craft markets are prepping souvenir lines that pair kudu leather with rainbow-fletched quills. Welcome, World On behalf of SANIFAA , the Organising Committee  and every South African archer polishing broadheads in anticipation, welcome to WBHC 2025 South Africa . May your arrows fly true, your scorecards climb—and may the wild Vaal sunsets etch themselves into memory long after the final medal ceremony rings out over Elgro’s riverbank. For registration details, travel packages and full rulebook, visit www.elgroriverlodge.co.za  or contact the SANIFAA secretariat.

Get ready for a weekend filled with live entertainment, family fun, creative workshops, reading retreats, and spiritual growth right here in Potchefstroom. Whether you're looking to unwind with music, paint your heart out, or explore something new, there's something on the calendar for everyone. J & B Live – “Forget Me Not” 📅 When:  Friday, 25 April 2025 📍 Where:  2 Waterbok Avenue, Potchefstroom 🕖 Time:  19:00 🎟️ Tickets:  R50 per person ℹ️ Contact:  Braam – 082 570 4838 Step into an evening of soulful sounds and nostalgic melodies with J & B. This is more than a show — it’s a musical journey that revives your favourite memories through timeless tunes. Quiet Reading Hour at Blank Canvas Café 📅 When:  Saturday, 26 April 2025 📍 Where:  72 Thabo Mbeki Way (NWU Campus Gate 6, same building as Biokinetics), Potchefstroom 🕖 Time:  13:00 🎟️ Tickets:  Free entry | Optional muffin + drink combo for R50 ℹ️ Contact:  Text 072 021 3364 to pre-order Unwind with a good book and good company – no assigned reading, just peaceful vibes. Enjoy a hot drink and a delicious muffin while connecting with fellow book lovers. Image : Facebook Silent Book Club Potchefstroom Route 96 Easter Weekend Vibes 📅 When:  Saturday, 26 April 2025 📍 Where:  Plot 96, Potchefstroom Rural 2 🕖 Time:  14:00 – 19:00 🎟️ Tickets:  Free entry ℹ️ Contact:  Via social media (Route 96 Potchefstroom) Family fun meets live music! Expect delicious food, local gin and beer, a kids’ jumping castle, and George & Yolandi  performing live in the afternoon. Image : Facebook Route 96 Craft Brewery Tjhoko Paint Workshop – Build It Potchefstroom 📅 When:  Saturday, 26 April 2025 📍 Where:  46 Wolmarans Street, Potchefstroom 🕖 Time:  08:30 – 13:30 🎟️ Tickets:  R550 per person ℹ️ Contact:  Emmerentia – 083 566 7697 oin Francois Brits for a hands-on Tjhoko Paint Workshop. Learn decoupage, raised stencilling, and how to transform furniture into art. All materials included. Image : Facebook Build It PBBU Trail Run – Lekwena Wildlife Estate 📅 When:  Saturday, 26 April 2025 📍 Where:  Lekwena Wildlife Estate, 10km outside Potchefstroom (N12) 🕖 Time:  From early morning 🎟️ Tickets:  R180 (Half), R280 (Marathon), R400 (Full) ℹ️ Contact:   pbbu.co.za Run through the wild! Choose your challenge and take on this scenic trail run hosted by Lekwena Wildlife Estate. Nature, fitness, and fun all in one. Image : Facebook Potch Big Backyard Ultra Riaan Benadé & Marno van der Merwe Live @ Buffelstroom 📅 When:  Saturday, 26 April 2025 📍 Where:  14 Durr Street, Potchindustria, Potchefstroom 🕖 Time:  18:00 🎟️ Tickets:  R250 (online), R300 (door), R2 400 VIP table (6 pax incl. platter & drinks) ℹ️ Contact:   Quicket A night of big voices and good vibes! Riaan Benadé  and Marno van der Merwe  live, with food, drinks, and a jumping castle for the kids. Image : Facebook Buffelstroom Under the Sea Glow Paint Party 📅 When:  Saturday, 26 April 2025 📍 Where:  9 Reitz Street, Potchefstroom 🕖 Time:  17:00 🎟️ Tickets:  R250 per person ℹ️ Contact:  WhatsApp 064 681 3914 or Quicket Dress in white or neon and glow the night away! This paint party includes all materials, refreshments, and loads of creativity. Kids 10+ welcome (minors must be accompanied). Image : Facebook My Creative Fix Fire Camp 2025 📅 When:  Monday, 28 April 2025 📍 Where:  Potchefstroom (exact venue shared upon registration) 🕖 Time:  Full day 🎟️ Tickets:  R1 500 per person ℹ️ Contact:   firecamp.co.za A deeply spiritual camp focused on personal growth, evangelism, and identity in Christ. Expect daily devotions, powerful teachings, outreach activities, and new friendships with lasting impact. Image : Facebook Christ for all Nations South Africa  Make the Most of the Long Weekend in Potch So, don’t let the chilly weather keep you indoors ,there’s plenty to warm the soul this long weekend. From live music and creative workshops to food, fun, and family-friendly events, Potchefstroom has something for everyone. Keep busy, stay cosy, and make the most of everything our vibrant town has to offer!