💙  💙💙  💙💙  💙💙  💙💙  💙 It’s that special time of year again, Girls High Reunion 2025  is around the corner! We invite all our Old Girls to come home, celebrate the legacy of Girls High Pride, reconnect with old friends, reminisce about the memories that shaped us, and create new ones together. 📅 Date:  Saturday, 25 October 2025 ⏰ Time:  11:00 (Arrival) 💰 Cost:  R450 📩 RSVP by 12 September  by emailing Mrs Steyn at ksteyn@girlshigh  or by completing the Google form:👉 Click here to RSVP We can’t wait to welcome you back home and celebrate the spirit of Girls High together! Share Your School Story The Go-To Guy offers schools a platform to share their sports highlights, achievements, and stories. Schools and parents are invited to send us their news for publication. “We tell your story.” About The Go-To Guy The Go-To Guy ( www.thegotoguy.co.za  and www.potchefstroom.com ) is Potchefstroom’s most comprehensive information platform, with over 75,000 page views per month. We share stories about the city, its people, businesses, and community through our Gazette news section and maintain a business directory with over 2,500 listed businesses. Our events calendar, with over 1,500 local events listed, is one of the most visited in the region. Additional sections include job listings, property boards, community contacts, and things to do, making The Go-To Guy the central information hub for Potchefstroom. Our social media network includes over 77,000 Facebook followers, a TikTok channel nearing 2 million views, and active profiles on Instagram, X, and various WhatsApp groups. Our live streaming studio produces weekly sports, community, and general-interest shows on Facebook and TikTok, while our Potch Gazette reaches 7,300+ subscribers monthly. Our content and journalism team covers local stories, sports, business, and community initiatives. With a mobile app and digital marketing options across Google, TikTok, and Facebook, we provide a full-service marketing solution. “We tell your stories.” The Go-To Guy Packages 1. Recurring Packages: A Home for Your Business Business Card Standard (Free):  Your business is listed in our database. Business Card Plus (R50/month):  Enhanced visibility, a detailed page, photos, and clickable links. 2. Monthly Marketing Packages: Starter Package (R499/month):  Webbie Page, Gazette profile, 1 free event listing, Facebook boosts, video discounts. Growth Package (R1,499/month):  18-day Facebook boosts, dedicated account manager, free job posts, bigger video discounts. Premium Package (R4,499/month):  Strategy sessions, professional stories, monthly videos, extensive promotion, email campaigns, and analytics. 3. Extra and One-off Services: Facebook page management, Google and TikTok campaigns. Video ads from R2,000. Banner ads (R750 for 7 days). One Hit Gazette articles from R1,200. 💙  💙💙  💙💙  💙💙  💙💙  💙 #PotchGirlsHigh #PotchGirlsReunion2025 #PotchGirlsHighPride #Memories #Potchefstroom

⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈 Our Saints U/13 girls showed true grit and determination this past weekend as they competed in the provincial leg of the Kay Motsepe Cup. Image: Saints Christian School Potchefstroom With one hard-fought win (1–0) and two close draws (1–1 and 0–0), our girls finished the tournament as proud runners-up in what proved to be one of the most tightly contested competitions of the season. This achievement is even more special considering the level of opposition and the pressure of playing at provincial level. Every player gave their all, representing Saints with passion, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We are incredibly proud of these young athletes. The journey has only just begun, and we are excited to see how far this team will go in 2026! Share Your School Story The Go-To Guy offers schools a platform to share their sports highlights, achievements, and stories. Schools and parents are invited to send us their news for publication. “We tell your story.” About The Go-To Guy The Go-To Guy ( www.thegotoguy.co.za  and www.potchefstroom.com ) is Potchefstroom’s most comprehensive information platform, with over 75,000 page views per month. We share stories about the city, its people, businesses, and community through our Gazette news section and maintain a business directory with over 2,500 listed businesses. Our events calendar, with over 1,500 local events listed, is one of the most visited in the region. Additional sections include job listings, property boards, community contacts, and things to do, making The Go-To Guy the central information hub for Potchefstroom. Our social media network includes over 77,000 Facebook followers, a TikTok channel nearing 2 million views, and active profiles on Instagram, X, and various WhatsApp groups. Our live streaming studio produces weekly sports, community, and general-interest shows on Facebook and TikTok, while our Potch Gazette reaches 7,300+ subscribers monthly. Our content and journalism team covers local stories, sports, business, and community initiatives. With a mobile app and digital marketing options across Google, TikTok, and Facebook, we provide a full-service marketing solution. “We tell your stories.” The Go-To Guy Packages 1. Recurring Packages: A Home for Your Business Business Card Standard (Free):  Your business is listed in our database. Business Card Plus (R50/month):  Enhanced visibility, a detailed page, photos, and clickable links. 2. Monthly Marketing Packages: Starter Package (R499/month):  Webbie Page, Gazette profile, 1 free event listing, Facebook boosts, video discounts. Growth Package (R1,499/month):  18-day Facebook boosts, dedicated account manager, free job posts, bigger video discounts. Premium Package (R4,499/month):  Strategy sessions, professional stories, monthly videos, extensive promotion, email campaigns, and analytics. 3. Extra and One-off Services: Facebook page management, Google and TikTok campaigns. Video ads from R2,000. Banner ads (R750 for 7 days). One Hit Gazette articles from R1,200. ⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈⚽💪🥈 #Saints #KayMotsepeCup #GirlsInSport #SchoolSoccer

🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️ Baie gel uk aan Laerskool Jongspan uitblin kers in Graad 5 wat dit reggekry het om ’n plek in die Top 10 te verower vir die tweede kwartaal van 2025! 🎉📚 Image: Laerskool Jongspan Primary Julle harde werk, deursettingsvermoë en toewyding is inspirerend en ons is ongelooflik trots op elkeen van julle.Hou so aan, Jongspannetjies, die toekoms lyk blink met sulke leerders! 🌟👏 Deel Jou Storie Het jy ’n sport- of kultuurhoogtepunt wat jy met die gemeenskap wil deel? The Go-To Guy  se joernalistieke span is hier om dit wyer te vertel. Ons vertel jou storie. Oor The Go-To Guy The Go-To Guy ( www.thegotoguy.co.za  en www.potchefstroom.com )  is jou digitale inligtingsentrum met meer as 75,000 maandelikse bladsybesoeke. Ons dek plaaslike nuus, sport en skole via The Gazette , en bied ’n aktiewe besigheidsgids met meer as 2,500 ondernemings en ’n uiters gewilde gebeurteniskalender. Met ons groeiende sosiale media-platforms, Facebook (77,000+ volgers) en TikTok (2 miljoen kyke), help ons om plaaslike stories verder te neem as ooit. Ons vertel jou stories. The Go-To Guy Kommersiële Pakkette Herhalende Pakkette – ’n Tuiste vir jou Besigheid Business Card Standard (Gratis):  Basiese besigheidslys. Business Card Plus (R50 p.m.):  Verifikasie en ’n uitgebreide profiel. Maandelikse Bemarkingspakkette Starter Package (R499 p.m.):  Webbie Page, Gazette-profiel, 1 gratis gebeurtenislysing, en Facebook-boosts. Growth Package (R1,499 p.m.):  Meer advertensie-ure, eie rekeningbestuurder en navorsingsfunksies. Premium Package (R4,499 p.m.):  Alles-insluitende bemarking, video-inhoud, strategiese promosie en live onderhoude. Addisionele Dienste Sosiale media bestuur, Google Ads, TikTok-promosies. Eenmalige Opsies Video-advertensies vanaf R2,000, vertoonadvertensies vir R750, en One Hit Gazette 🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️🟢🟡🎗️ #JongspanPride #Top10 #AkademieseUitblinkers #JongspanPrimary

’n Proe van die Kaap in Potchefstroom Op 30 Augustus 2025 gaan Potchefstroom se mense voel of hulle sommer vinnig Kaap toe gevat is, maar sonder die N1-trafiek of ’n vliegtuigkaartjie. Die Geesfees Wynroete, met trots aangebied deur Suidsentrum Wine Affairs, is terug, en vir R100 kan ’n mens jou glas vat en die hele dag wyn proe by meer as 16 plase en oor die 60 verskillende wyne. Hoe werk dit? ’n Kaartjie kos R100. Dit gee jou toegang tot die hele wynroete, ’n eie glas om saam te neem en die vryheid om elke plaas te besoek. Dis eenvoudig: koop jou kaartjie, kry jou glas en stap van plaas tot plaas. Die eerste wynplase wat bevestig is Die wynroete het ’n paar groot name wat bekend is vir hul wyn, styl en stories: Stellenzicht – Hier gaan dit oor grond en klimaat. Mooi geselskap vir iemand wat hou van diep gesels oor grond en wingerde. Tulbagh Winery – Hierdie plek glo dat diversiteit in druiwe die geheim is. Hul fokus is op vrugtige blends wat wys hoekom Tulbagh bekend staan vir warmte en gasvryheid. Simonsvlei – Hulle beskryf hulself as wynmakers met ’n gewete, wat met selfvertroue bedien. Dis wyn met karakter, maar ook maklik om te drink. Robertson Winery – ’n Klassieke naam in die wynwêreld. Hier gaan dit oor die handewerk van wynmaak: van die grond, tot die water, tot die oes. Alles tel. Robertson Mimosa Sparkling Spritzer – Dis nie net wyn nie, maar ook ’n vonkel spritzer met vars lemoensap-smake. Ideaal vir iemand wat iets lig en verfrissend soek. Die vibe Die wynroete beloof nie net proe-stasies nie, maar ook ’n kans om nuwe mense te ontmoet, stories te hoor en vir ’n dag lank jou bietjie van die Kaapse wynlande te kry, maar in Potch. Dis die tipe dag waar jy dalk begin met rooi, oorgaan na wit en eindig met ’n Mimosa spritzer, net omdat jy kan. So, as jy wonder of dit die moeite werd is, dit is ’n dag van wyn, kuier en stories, en jy hoef nie eers Kaap toe te ry nie. Kaartjies vir Potch Geesfees beskikbaar op Tixa

🚨 🚨🚨 🚨🚨 🚨🚨 🚨🚨 🚨 Die spanning loop hoog by Hoërskool Klerksdorp (KHS) waar ons 1ste span gereed is om die stryd aan te sê teen HTS Middelburg in die Noordvaal-semi-finaal! Image: Hoërskool Klerksdorp 📅 Datum:  23 Augustus 2025 ⏰ Tyd:  12:45 📍 Plek:  Hoërskool Klerksdorp Hierdie is die groot geleentheid waarvoor beide spanne hard gewerk het. KHS se vlagskipspan het deur die reeks gewys dat hulle oor talent, spanwerk en ’n ongelooflike veggees beskik. Nou wag daar ’n kragmeting teen ’n gedugte teenstander, HTS Middelburg, wat bekend is vir hul fisieke spel en taktiese diepte. Die wedstryd beloof om ’n botsing van kragte en vaardighede te wees, met elke speler wat sy alles sal gee om ’n plek in die Noordvaal-finaal te verseker. Ondersteuners word uitgenooi om in hul getalle op te daag en ons span van die paviljoen af aan te vuur. 👉 Kom wys jou KHS-gees en wees deel van die pad na glorie! Deel Jou Storie Het jy ’n sport- of kultuurhoogtepunt wat jy met die gemeenskap wil deel? The Go-To Guy  se joernalistieke span is hier om dit wyer te vertel. Ons vertel jou storie. Oor The Go-To Guy The Go-To Guy ( www.thegotoguy.co.za  en www.potchefstroom.com )  is jou digitale inligtingsentrum met meer as 75,000 maandelikse bladsybesoeke. Ons dek plaaslike nuus, sport en skole via The Gazette , en bied ’n aktiewe besigheidsgids met meer as 2,500 ondernemings en ’n uiters gewilde gebeurteniskalender. Met ons groeiende sosiale media-platforms, Facebook (77,000+ volgers) en TikTok (2 miljoen kyke), help ons om plaaslike stories verder te neem as ooit. Ons vertel jou stories. The Go-To Guy Kommersiële Pakkette Herhalende Pakkette – ’n Tuiste vir jou Besigheid Business Card Standard (Gratis):  Basiese besigheidslys. Business Card Plus (R50 p.m.):  Verifikasie en ’n uitgebreide profiel. Maandelikse Bemarkingspakkette Starter Package (R499 p.m.):  Webbie Page, Gazette-profiel, 1 gratis gebeurtenislysing, en Facebook-boosts. Growth Package (R1,499 p.m.):  Meer advertensie-ure, eie rekeningbestuurder en navorsingsfunksies. Premium Package (R4,499 p.m.):  Alles-insluitende bemarking, video-inhoud, strategiese promosie en live onderhoude. Addisionele Dienste Sosiale media bestuur, Google Ads, TikTok-promosies. Eenmalige Opsies Video-advertensies vanaf R2,000, vertoonadvertensies vir R750, en One Hit Gazette 🚨 🚨🚨 🚨🚨 🚨🚨 🚨🚨 🚨 #KHSRugby #Noordvaal2025 #Semifinaal #TrotsOpKHS #SpanGees

Van 29 tot 30 Augustus 2025 word die Geesfees weer by Lekwena buite Potchefstroom aangebied. Vir die vierde agtereenvolgende jaar bring die fees ’n mengsel van bekende gesigte en nuwe uitstallers, met genoeg om te proe, koop en geniet. ’n Leerbekoring deur Lone Leathers Tydlose, egte leerprodukte. Vrouemode en Skoene van Droomvrou Sjiek Boutique Droomvrou Sjiek Boutique, wat uit Parys kom, bied vroueklere en skoene aan. Perfek vir ’n kasvernuwing of sommer net ’n lekker bederf. Borreltee en Koeldrank by Chammelo As dit bruis, bars of met ’n strooitjie gedrink word, het Chammelo Bubble Tea dit waarskynlik. Van melktee en limonade-bobas tot energiedrankies met borrels, niemand gaan dors huis toe nie. Thaise Noedels en Kerrie van Pat-Thai Pat-Thai bring die geure van Thailand, noedels, kerries en heerlike disse wat ’n goeie afwisseling bied van braairook en gewone feeskos. Roomys Nostalgie met Die Roomys Kind Die Roomys Kind hou dit eenvoudig: die soort roomys wat jy vroeër uit ’n roomystrok gekry het met kinders wat met kleingeld in die hand gehardloop het. Geen fieterjasies nie, net sagte roomys soos jy dit onthou. Baardversorging deur Phil’s Beard Products Phil’s Beard Products is vir manne wat hulle baarde ernstig opneem. Ná jare van toetse het Phil sy eie produkte gemaak, en sy baard wys dit werk. Bewaring deur SANParke Ereveldwagters SANParke Ereveldwagters is daar om te wys dat bewaring werklike werk is. Hierdie vrywilligers ondersteun SANParke en gebruik die fees as ’n platform om dit te deel. Vars Vrugte van Buscop Berries Buscop Berries bied aarbeie aan, vars in seisoen. Ideaal as'n peuselhappie terwyl jy die stalletjies besoek. Pret op Balansfietse saam met First Pedal First Pedal bring pret vir die kleingoed met balansfiets-aktiwiteite. Dis minder Tour de France en meer “probeer nie om te val nie” maar elke toekomstige fietser begin iewers. Ontwerpinspirasie by Se-La Vie Parfume Se-La Vie Parfume bied olie-gebaseerde geure wat lank hou, geïnspireer deur topontwerper-handelsmerke, maar sonder die pryskaartjie. Bottels wat net so goed is vir geskenke as vir alledaagse gebruik. Geloofs-geïnspireerde Klere van Primaware Primaware, wat in 2021 begin is, bied Christelik-geïnspireerde klere en bykomstighede. Klere met ’n boodskap, nie net ’n etiket nie. Met ’n mengsel van kos, mode, huisware, bewaring en kinderpret beloof die Geesfees weer ’n besige naweek te wees. Bekendes is terug, nuwelinge bring vars energie, en almal gaan waarskynlik huis toe met vol hande, en dalk ’n roomysveeg oor die ken. Kaartjies beskikbaar by Tixsa

If your paving has lost its sparkle or your driveway looks tired after years of sun, rain and traffic, Pro Jet Surface Solutions is ready to bring it back to life. Serving homeowners, complexes and businesses across the North West, this local team specialises in deep-cleaning paving, removing stubborn stains, and delivering durable finishes that make surfaces look new again. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations What We Do (Really Well) 🧼 Paving & hard-surface cleaning High-pressure jet cleaning that lifts oil, grease, rust, tyre marks, moss, algae and grime  without damaging your paving. Smart pretreatments for tough stains and a soft-wash option  for delicate areas like painted walls or cladding. Optional sealing  to lock in colour, resist future stains and make routine cleaning a breeze. Professional epoxy flooring Seamless, hygienic floors ideal for garages, workshops, showrooms, warehouses and kitchens. Chemical-resistant, easy-to-clean and available with anti-slip textures for safety. Colour choices to match your space, with quick turnaround to minimise downtime. Airless spray painting A smooth, even finish on houses, boundary walls, roofs, gates and palisade fencing. Fast, consistent coverage, great for larger surfaces, so you get a fresh, modern look without weeks of disruption. Driveway rejuvenation and colour sealing available to complement freshly cleaned paving. Why North West Customers Choose Pro Jet Results you can see:  From green, slippery paving to crisp, clean brickwork, it’s a night-and-day difference after one visit. Eco-conscious approach:  Targeted detergents and efficient water use mean a cleaner property without unnecessary waste. Skilled, reliable team:  Trained technicians who treat your home or business with care and respect. Transparent quotes:  Upfront pricing and clear scope, no surprises. Local service, fast response:  Based in the North West for quick site visits and bookings. Typical Problems We Fix (and How) Black mould, moss & algae:  Pre-treat + correct pressure + thorough rinse = safer, non-slip surfaces. Oil & grease on driveways:  Hot-water pressure plus degreasers to break down and lift stains. Rust & irrigation marks:  Specialist treatments to reduce discolouration without bleaching the pavers. Faded paving:  Clean + colour seal for a richer, longer-lasting finish. Dusty, worn floors:  Epoxy systems that resist scuffs, spills and heavy traffic, perfect for high-use areas. Our 3-Step Process Assess:  We inspect surfaces, identify stains and recommend the right method (pressure, soft-wash, chemicals, or epoxy). Treat & Clean:  We pre-treat stubborn areas, then clean thoroughly with professional equipment. Protect:  Where needed, we apply sealers or coatings (including epoxies) to extend the life and look of your surfaces. Where We Work Proudly serving the North West and surrounds, including Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Stilfontein, Orkney, Mahikeng and Rustenburg. Commercial sites and estates welcome. Care Tips After We Leave Sweep or rinse regularly  to prevent grit build-up. Tackle spills quickly,  especially oil and fertiliser stains. Reseal paving every 18–36 months  (usage and weather depending) to keep colour and protection strong. For epoxy floors,  avoid harsh abrasives, neutral cleaners keep the shine. Ready to Refresh Your Property? For quotes, advice or bookings: Call 063 772 2662  or WhatsApp us now . Whether it’s a once-off deep clean, a full epoxy install, or a spray-paint makeover, Pro Jet Surface Solutions will restore your paving and surfaces to their original beauty, quickly, cleanly and professionally. #ProJetSurfaceSolutions #NorthWest #SouthAfrica #Potchefstroom #Klerksdorp #PavingCleaning #PavingSealing #DrivewayCleaning #PressureWashing

In the heart of Potchefstroom lies a centre filled with love, resilience, and hope - Tshwaraganang Day Care Centre for Children with Disabilities. For years, this institution has been a safe haven for children with special needs, offering not just education and care, but also dignity, independence, and the warmth of a true family. Image : The Go-To Guy Creations But right now, Tshwaraganang is facing a challenge that threatens their daily mission. Their much-needed transport, the bus that takes the children to and from the centre, is broken down, its license disc and roadworthy certificate expired. Without it, the centre is forced to rely on costly private transport. This financial strain makes an already difficult journey even heavier. Why This Matters For many of the children, the bus is more than just a vehicle. It is their gateway to inclusion , the bridge that connects them from their homes to a place where they are nurtured, supported, and celebrated. Without reliable transport, some children risk missing out on vital services that Tshwaraganang provides. The licence disc shown in the image expired on 31 May 2024 , and the roadworthy certificate followed soon after. Renewal fees, mechanical repairs, and the admin needed to bring this vehicle back on the road are draining resources that should instead be going towards caring for the children. Image : Facebook The Bigger Picture The challenge is not only about the bus. Tshwaraganang Day Care Centre is also struggling with administrative setbacks: Their CSD (Central Supplier Database)  and bank account  are not currently functional, which limits their ability to receive structured financial support. Their registration documents  need updating so the centre can operate more efficiently and sustainably. Without these crucial structures in place, even well-meaning donations can become difficult to channel directly to where they are needed most. Image : Facebook How We Can Help As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child. Motho ke motho ka batho.”  This is one of those moments where our community can step in as that village. Here’s how we can all make a difference: Financial Contributions  – To help cover the costs of bus repairs, licence disc renewal, and the roadworthy certificate. Professional Assistance  – We need skilled individuals who can help Tshwaraganang update their CSD profile, bank account, and registration documents . Community Visit  – Plans are being made to set a date for the community to come together, visit the centre, and not only offer practical help but also uplift the spirits of the children and staff. Image : Facebook A Call to Action Tshwaraganang is not just a day care centre, it is a lifeline for children with disabilities in Potchefstroom. The bus parked outside its gates may currently be still, but with your help, it can once again become a vehicle of hope and opportunity. Let’s come together to: ✅ Get the bus fixed and licensed. ✅ Restore Tshwaraganang’s administrative capacity. ✅ Show these children that their community stands behind them. If you’re able to assist financially, offer professional services, or simply lend a hand, please reach out to the centre directly: 📞 Office:  018 297 0803 📱 Cell:  076 684 6334 / 073 281 6561 Together, We Can Drive Change Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and belong. With your support, Tshwaraganang’s bus will once again carry not just children, but the collective love and care of the Potchefstroom community. Let’s show what it truly means when we say: StoormCares.

Potchefstroom’s cemeteries tell many stories, but few are as startling as the one etched onto a simple Jewish headstone: Rachel Laskin , also known as Lizzie Silver , died on 31 March 1945 after years spent in psychiatric institutions in South Africa. Rachel’s life intersected with that of Joseph Silver  (born Józef Lis), a globe-trotting gangster and pimp whose violence and reach stretched from London’s East End to Johannesburg. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations In 2007, South African historian Charles van Onselen  argued that Silver may also have been Jack the Ripper  , the unidentified killer behind the 1888 Whitechapel murders in London. This article begins with Rachel , outlines her connection to Silver , and then weighs the evidence and counter-evidence, behind the Ripper claim, asking: is there really a thread that runs from Potchefstroom to the world’s most notorious serial-murder mystery? Rachel Laskin: a life that ended in Potchefstroom Rachel Laskin was born to a Jewish family in Eastern Europe (sources place her in the Polish town of Opatów). As a young woman she moved to London, where she encountered Joseph Silver, by turns her handler, “husband,” and abuser. Van Onselen’s archival work uncovered records showing that Silver had Rachel committed to Valkenberg Mental Hospital in the Cape in 1901 . She remained institutionalised in South Africa until her death in 1945 , by which time she had been transferred to Witrand, Potchefstroom. By the mid-20th century Witrand Psychiatric Hospital  in Potchefstroom had become one of the country’s principal state psychiatric institutions (opened in 1923). Today, the hospital’s official site places it in Potchefstroom’s Deppe Street and lists hundreds of beds for long-term psychiatric care, the kind of setting where a patient like Rachel could have spent her final years. Multiple historical accounts note that Rachel died in 1945 in a mental hospital in Potchefstroom . A Polish-language academic write-up of van Onselen’s work states plainly that “in 1945 … ‘Lizzie Silver,’ the ‘wife’ of Józef Lis … died in a mental hospital in the small town of Potchefstroom.” A South African review likewise introduces van Onselen’s book with Rachel’s “desperate story,” emphasising that she died insane and incarcerated, friendless, far from the land of her birth . As for her grave , researchers who followed van Onselen’s leads report that Rachel is buried in the Jewish section of a Potchefstroom cemetery , an austere, local resting place for a woman whose life had been uprooted by violence. (Potchefstroom’s Alexander Park/Old Cemetery has a long Jewish section, though the site’s formal “closure” in 1905 means later burials were limited; the exact plot details for Rachel are not publicly catalogued.) Image: Road Trip Facebook The Silver connection: coercion, exploitation, and abandonment Joseph Silver (Józef Lis)  was a Polish-born criminal who drifted into London’s East End in the mid-1880s and built a career on pimping, trafficking, brothel-keeping and violence . He used many aliases, married multiple women (often the same women he had coerced into prostitution), and cultivated corrupt relationships with police. Historical summaries, based chiefly on van Onselen’s 25-year research project, describe Silver’s marriages in London to Hannah Opticer, Hannah Vygenbaum (Annie Alford), and Rachel Laskin (Lizzie Silver) , all of them fellow Polish Jews. Silver’s modus operandi  was cruelty. Reviews of van Onselen’s book, and the book itself , portray him as a sadistic exploiter of women  who used beatings, rape, and terror to control prostitutes in Johannesburg and beyond. He operated brothels on multiple continents, served prison terms, and finally died in 1918  after being executed as a spy in Austrian Galicia during World War I. In this personal story, Rachel  suffered most. After years in Silver’s orbit, she was committed to Valkenberg  in 1901 and later ended up at Witrand  in Potchefstroom. Silver abandoned  her; she died long after he had left South Africa. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Potchefstroom’s place in the story The Potchefstroom link  exists because Rachel’s last years were spent at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital , and her grave lies in a Jewish section of a Potchefstroom cemetery . Witrand today remains a large provincial mental health facility; the official site lists almost 800 usable beds and underlines its long-term psychiatric care role, a continuity with the institution’s historical function. Local heritage resources describe Potchefstroom’s Alexander Park/Old Cemetery  and its historic sections, though the formal record of all mid-20th-century Jewish burials remains incomplete online. What is clear from scholarship around van Onselen’s work is that Potchefstroom is the end-point of Rachel’s story , and the city’s cemetery forms the tangible link between a local gravesite and a global, grim criminal history. Image: Graves North-West Enter the historian: Charles van Onselen and The Fox and the Flies The claim that Joseph Silver might have been Jack the Ripper  comes from Charles van Onselen , a distinguished South African historian (Rhodes, Wits, Oxford; University of Pretoria) whose work often illuminates the underworld of southern Africa and the Atlantic world. He spent nearly three decades  piecing together Silver’s movements across Europe, the Americas and Africa, culminating in 2007  with The Fox and the Flies: The World of Joseph Silver, Racketeer and Psychopath . Contemporary coverage emphasised both van Onselen’s meticulous archival spadework  and the book’s controversial final chapter , which advances the Ripper hypothesis. Reviewers from mainstream outlets noted the sensational nature of the claim but also the depth of research; academic reviewers praised the transnational reconstruction while warning of speculation  in the Ripper conclusion. Why some think Silver could be Jack the Ripper Van Onselen and later commentators offer circumstantial reasons  to consider Silver a candidate: Time and place.  Silver lived in London’s East End circa 1885–1889 , learning the trade of vice amid Whitechapel’s poverty, precisely when and where the Ripper murders occurred (Aug–Nov 1888). Victim profile & misogyny.  Silver’s lifelong record shows brutal misogyny toward prostitutes , aligning with the Ripper’s chosen targets. Psychological triggers.  Accounts suggest Silver contracted syphilis  in the late 1880s/1890s, leaving visible facial pockmarks; some Ripper theories posit venereal disease as a possible rage catalyst. (This is suggestive, not probative.) Aliases and invisibility.  Silver’s habitual use of aliases  could explain why he never appeared under his own name in Scotland Yard’s suspect lists. A life pattern that “fits.”  Forensic psychiatrist Robert M. Kaplan  (who has written about van Onselen’s work for years) argues Silver/Lis “must now be considered a serious candidate,” while conceding the case cannot be proven. Van Onselen himself has been careful in public interviews: he calls his reconstruction “intelligent speculation,”  not a solved case; but he insists the density of coincidences  (place, period, persona, methods) makes Silver too strong a candidate to ignore. Image: Amazon Why most specialists remain unconvinced Ripperologists and historians have pushed back on the Silver theory, chiefly because no direct evidence  places Silver at the murder scenes or ties him to the canonical five killings. Lack of contemporary suspicion.  Silver does not appear  in contemporary police files as a named suspect; other men (e.g., Aaron Kosminski ) were regarded by some investigators as stronger leads at the time. Age and descriptions.  Witness estimates often placed the killer in his late 20s to 30s; Silver was ~20  in 1888. Eyewitness descriptions are unreliable, but this mismatch gives skeptics pause. (This point is frequently raised in reviews of van Onselen’s book.) Evidentiary standards.  Academic reviews praise the book’s research but criticise leaps from context to conclusion, noting that circumstantial patterning  cannot substitute for hard forensic links. A note on the Kosminski DNA headlines You may have seen headlines claiming the case is solved via DNA on a Victorian shawl , naming Aaron Kosminski  as the killer. It is important to understand why this is not accepted as definitive : The 2019 paper in the Journal of Forensic Sciences  tested mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)  from stains on a shawl said to have been found near victim Catherine Eddowes. mtDNA can exclude people  but cannot uniquely identify one person , since many unrelated individuals share the same maternal-line profile. Multiple geneticists and archaeological DNA experts called the study methodologically weak  and criticised both the provenance of the shawl  (no solid chain of custody; not listed in 1888 police inventories) and the lack of transparent data . The controversy went so far that Innsbruck Medical University scientists  publicly criticised the paper and the journal issued an expression of concern . In short: the Kosminski DNA claim remains contested , and the Ripper’s identity is not confirmed . This matters for Rachel’s story because it highlights how uncertain  the Ripper question remains, which, in turn, affects how we read the Silver hypothesis  that grew out of van Onselen’s research. Pulling the threads together: Potchefstroom → Rachel → Silver → Whitechapel Putting it all in order: Rachel Laskin , a Jewish woman coerced into Silver’s world, was committed to Valkenberg (1901) , then lived out her final years in Potchefstroom , dying in 1945  and buried in the city’s Jewish cemetery . That sequence is well-attested in van Onselen’s findings and subsequent commentary. Joseph Silver , Rachel’s abuser and sometime “husband,” is a historically documented international pimp and gangster  whose career took him through London’s East End  in the 1880s, the place and time  of the Ripper murders, before he resurfaced in New York, Johannesburg and elsewhere, dying by execution in 1918 . The Ripper link  is hypothetical : van Onselen’s synthesis of timeline, geography, psychology, and behaviour creates a plausibility case  that Silver could  have been Jack the Ripper. But no conclusive proof  exists, and the broader research community remains divided . So is there really a link between Potch and Jack the Ripper? There is a documented link  between Potchefstroom  and the cast of people  orbiting the Ripper debate, through the life and grave of Rachel Laskin . There is also a credible historical link  from Rachel to Joseph Silver . The final step, from Silver to Jack the Ripper , is an informed, vigorously debated hypothesis , not a settled fact. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Why Rachel’s story should lead the telling Even when the Ripper speculation steals the headlines, Rachel  must remain the focus of the Potchefstroom story. Her life illuminates the hidden human cost  behind crime histories: the women coerced, trafficked and discarded by men like Silver. Reviews of van Onselen’s book deliberately foreground Rachel’s “desperate story,” reminding us that the victims’ lives  matter as much as the mystery. In that sense, Potchefstroom’s connection to the Ripper saga is less about the killer’s identity and more about memorialising a woman whose fate was sealed by his world . Further reading and research notes Primary synthesis:   The Fox and the Flies  (2007) by Charles van Onselen , the foundational biography of Silver (and the source of the Ripper hypothesis). About the author:  Van Onselen is a senior South African historian (University of Pretoria), decorated for rigorous, archival scholarship. Assessments & critiques:  Reviews from Kirkus , Mail & Guardian , and scholarly journals highlight both the breadth of research  and the speculative nature  of the Ripper claim. On Kosminski DNA claims:  See Smithsonian ’s balanced explainer and critiques collated by Forbes ; note Wikipedia’s summary pointing to a formal expression of concern  by the journal. Final Thought Potchefstroom’s link to Jack the Ripper runs through the life and death of Rachel Laskin.  Her years in South African institutions and her burial in a local Jewish cemetery anchor a story that otherwise spans continents and a century of myth-making. Her abuser, Joseph Silver , is indisputably  one of the most violent figures to emerge from the late-Victorian underworld and he may  have been the Whitechapel murderer. But “may” is the operative word. The best historical case  we have (van Onselen’s) remains circumstantial , and rival “solutions” such as the Kosminski DNA  claim remain contested . What is  certain, and what Potchefstroom can meaningfully claim, is that Rachel’s story is real , local, and worth telling with dignity. Her grave reminds us that the Ripper saga is not only a puzzle about a killer’s identity; it is also a ledger of lives broken by a transnational economy of vice and violence. If there is a link between Potch and Jack the Ripper , it is the link of memory and warning : a call to remember Rachel, to scrutinise the men who profited from women’s suffering, and to keep separating evidence  from speculation  as we revisit one of history’s most haunting crimes. #TheGoToGuy #PotchefstroomHistory #RachelLaskin #JosephSilver #JackTheRipperMystery #HistoricalConnections #UntoldStories

Potchefstroom drivers know that a clear, intact windscreen is vital for safety. Glasfit Potchefstroom specialises in fast, professional windscreen and auto-glass repairs that keep every journey safe. Image : Facebook Glasfit Potchefstroom As part of Glasfit’s nationwide network of 110 fitment centres, this local branch combines over 30 years of industry expertise with community trust . Certified technicians use only SABS-approved glass and industry-leading techniques, so you can rest assured the job is done right every time . Vehicle Safety & Windscreen Integrity Your vehicle’s windscreen is more than just a window, it’s a structural safety component. In fact, windscreens contribute about 30% of a car’s rigidity . A tiny chip can quickly grow into a dangerous crack if left unrepaired. Glasfit Potchefstroom understands this fully. Their expert team offers prompt chip repairs and replacements that restore the glass to “as good as new” condition . Using only SABS-certified glass and high-grade bonding agents, Glasfit ensures every installation meets the highest safety standards . This attention to detail prevents small flaws from turning into major hazards on Potchefstroom roads. Certified Technicians & Advanced Techniques Glasfit Potchefstroom prides itself on having highly trained, certified technicians. The Glasfit network explains that their certified professionals undergo regular training to “deliver quality workmanship” . Locally, this means the Potchefstroom team is up-to-date on the latest vehicle technologies and repair tools. They even use world-class adhesives (for example, Sika’s advanced bonding agents) and precise calibration methods for modern driver-assist systems . Best of all, every repair comes with Glasfit’s two-year nationwide workmanship guarantee , so you have peace of mind long after the service is done. Image : Facebook Glasfit Potchefstroom Comprehensive Glass Repair Services Glasfit Potchefstroom offers a full range of auto-glass services to meet every need. Key services include: Windscreen Chip Repair:  Fast, affordable fixes for minor chips to prevent cracks from spreading. Most insurers cover windscreen chip repairs in full , often making this a zero-cost service for you. Full Windscreen Replacement:   When a crack is beyond repair, Glasfit uses the exact SABS-certified glass for your vehicle and performs a precision installation. This restores up to 30% of your car’s structural integrity  and keeps you safe. Side & Rear Window Replacement:   Cracked side or rear windows are replaced with high-quality glass that precisely matches your vehicle. Glasfit’s certified technicians ensure a seamless fit so your car stays secure and looks its best . Mobile On-Site Service:   For ultimate convenience, Glasfit sends a fully-equipped service van to your location. Whether you’re at home, at work or on the roadside, the local Glasfit mobile unit handles the repair on-site, minimizing downtime . Additional Options:   Beyond repairs, Glasfit Potchefstroom provides ADAS sensor recalibration after replacement, window tinting, and anti-smash-and-grab films for extra security and UV protection, all performed to the same high standard. Each service uses SABS-approved materials and follows strict safety procedures, ensuring Potchefstroom vehicles leave with glass that is as safe and reliable as new. Quality, Guarantee & Trust At Glasfit Potchefstroom, quality is non-negotiable. All motor glass products are SABS-certified and meet national safety regulations . Every installation is backed by a two-year national workmanship guarantee , reflecting Glasfit’s confidence in its work. These high standards are rooted in Glasfit’s core values of family, community, trust and service , qualities that have made Glasfit “one of South Africa’s most trusted brands” . In other words, Potchefstroom customers receive the exact same proven quality and warranties that drivers get nationwide. Image : Facebook Glasfit Potchefstroom Why Potchefstroom Chooses Glasfit Certified Expertise:   Our local team is part of Glasfit’s national network of trained experts . This means certified technicians with the skills to handle everything from a simple chip to a complex replacement. Proven Safety:   We use only SABS-approved glass and adhesives, so every repair meets strict safety standards . That focus on safety gives you confidence on every drive. Insurance-Friendly:   Glasfit Potchefstroom is accredited by major insurers. Most windscreen chips are fully covered by insurance , and the team can assist with claims to make the process painless. Convenient Service:   Between the local Glasfit workshop and our mobile unit, we come to you wherever and whenever you need us . Flexible scheduling and on-site repairs mean less hassle for busy Potchefstroom motorists. Local Trust:   As a Potchefstroom-based branch, Glasfit is part of the community. Our values, family, community and quality, are the same ones Potchefstroom families hold dear . Locals trust us because we treat every vehicle as if it were our own. Glasfit Potchefstroom is more than just a repair shop ,it’s your local partner in vehicle safety. With certified technicians, advanced tools and industry-leading materials, we make sure your windscreens and windows are handled with the highest professionalism and care . The next time you notice a chip or crack, remember that Glasfit Potchefstroom is here to help: ensuring your view stays clear and your ride stays safe.

Potchefstroom’s cultural heartbeat, Potch Geesfees, pulses with anticipation this year and none more so than for the performance by local songstress Janine Oelofse. From rising star in the ATKV Sangkompetisie to now gracing the coveted Geesfees‑Verhoog, Janine has embarked on a remarkable artistic evolution. Image: Potch Geesfees Facebook From Competition Stage to Festival Spotlight Last year, Janine wowed audiences during the ATKV singing competition held at Potch Geesfees. This year, she returns not as a contestant but as a featured performer, signaling her growing recognition among peers and festival organisers alike. The festival itself recently shared, in Afrikaans, “Ons is baie opgewonde om vir Janine Oelofse op die Geesfees‑Verhoog te verwelkom!” , a welcome that captures local pride in her hometown roots. A Multifaceted Talent Janine doesn’t just shine on stage, she balances her musical aspirations with a full professional life. According to her LinkedIn profile, she serves as a financial adviser and communications specialist in Potchefstroom, a testament to her discipline and versatility. Her TikTok bio further reveals her creative scope as a singer/songwriter, aspiring actress, wife and mother, blending artistry and professional life with grace. Anticipated Set List: Heartfelt & Homegrown While Janine has yet to release a widely distributed album, her live work is rooted in acoustic‑pop and folk‑storytelling traditions, where vocal warmth and lyrical sincerity take center stage. Potch Geesfees-goers can expect an emotionally engaging performance, songs steeped in personal narrative, delivered with authenticity that resonates with community and identity. Building Community Connection What makes Janine’s performance all the more compelling is her dual identity as local professional and artist. Her presence underscores Potch Geesfees’ dedication to supporting homegrown talent. Festival attendees will witness a performer whose art is crafted within, and for, her own community. Why It Matters Janine’s transition from singer in a competition to featured festival artist marks a significant moment, not only in her own career, but in the spirit of Potchefstroom arts culture. Her story reflects the Geesfees mission: showcasing local artists, giving rooted voices a platform, and celebrating talent in its own right. In Closing Janine Oelofse’s appearance at Potch Geesfees is more than just a set, it’s a milestone for a musician who blends professional discipline with creative heart. Expect an intimate set where honesty, storytelling, and hometown pride shine. When she steps onto the Geesfees‑Verhoog, she will carry with her the support of Potchefstroom and deliver a performance that epitomizes the local flavour of the festival she once competed in. Get Your Tickets Here

Potchefstroom’s annual Potch Geesfees always promises a showcase of South African talent, but this year’s lineup truly shines with the inclusion of Leah, a versatile performer whose career spans music, acting, and television. Image: Potch Geesfees Facebook From Bellville to Big Screens and Global Airwaves Born Leani van Niekerk in Cape Town (née Ekermans), Leah earned her B.Com in Law at the University of Stellenbosch before further honing her craft in musical theatre, drama, and dance at the Waterfront Theatre School. Her breakout came in 2013 with a leading role in the musical film As Jy Sing, and she’s since gone on to delight fans in major productions like Susters . A natural on screen, Leah expanded into television, hosting popular kykNET series like Boer Soek ’n Vrou, and most recently Help ’n Dorp. A Voice That Commands the Charts On the music front, Leah’s debut album Wonderwerk released in 2015, quickly achieved golden status and spawned chart‑topping singles. Her follow‑up album Kyk Na My arrived in 2019, featuring memorable tracks such as "Girls Night" and "Nooit Alleen". Since then, she’s continued releasing powerful singles, including Move Aan, Ek Like Jou (2022), and Aanhou (2024), all of which have resonated strongly with fans and streams. Beyond her solo work, Leah has collaborated with heavyweights like Jo Black (“Nooit Alleen”) and Dewald Wasserfall (“Ek Vergewe Jou”), highlighting her versatility and appeal across the Afrikaans pop scene. Why Her Performance at Potch Geesfees Matters Leah brings more than just music to the stage, she brings authenticity, heart, and a connection to her Afrikaans roots. Her energy is palpable, her voice commanding, and her performance an invitation to celebrate local artistry. For Geesfees-goers, her set promises to be a compelling blend of chart favorites, storytelling, and theatrical flair. Final Note Leah is more than an entertainer, she’s a symbol of creative versatility, balancing chart-topping hits with acting, hosting, and stagecraft. Her performance at Potch Geesfees is sure to underscore that brilliance, providing a memorable experience for fans old and new. Don’t miss Leah as she brings her dynamic presence and musical charm to the Geesfees Verhoog, an unmissable highlight of the festival. Get You Tickets Here

South African singer-songwriter Ivan Roux brings his commanding stage presence and heartfelt Afrikaans country-pop flair to this year’s Potch Geesfees. His arrival on the Geesfees‑Verhoog promises a performance filled with energy, emotion, and memorable melodies. Image: Potch Geesfees Facebook From Reality TV to Stage Mainstay Roux first captured nationwide attention in 2018, placing second on the reality talent competition Die Kontrak. His success secured him a record deal with Coleske, homes to giants like Bobby van Jaarsveld, and saw his debut album Daai Ding  enter the national top ten. Musical Versatility & Artistic Growth An artist known for blending oldies, rock, country, and pop, Ivan showcases his versatility with infectious energy and warmth that wins over any crowd. His extensive discography includes the emotional Daai Ding  (2018), followed by Opsoek Na Liefde  (2022), and About Last Night  (2024). In 2025, he dropped the party anthem “Pitte,” which quickly became a crowd favourite. Hits That Resonate Roux continues to deliver heartfelt hits like Laatnag Gedagtes  (2023), Doenit Als Vir Liefde  (2019), Lipstick  (2020), and Ons Sal Self  (2020).These tracks reflect his ability to balance touching ballads with feel-good anthems, all while grounded in his Afrikaans identity. Festival Performance to Watch At Potch Geesfees, Ivan Roux’s set is sure to be a highlight. Expect a seamless mix of his greatest hits and latest releases, all delivered with genuine charm and theatrical panache. His country-influenced storytelling, contagious stage presence, and genuine connection with fans, especially Afrikaans-speaking audiences, make him an ideal festival act. In Summary Ivan Roux is not merely an entertainer, he’s a storyteller and a performer who bridges heartfelt intimacy with broad appeal. His journey from reality-show finalist to mainstage regular speaks volumes about his talent and tenacity. Don’t miss Ivan as he lights up Potchefstroom with an unforgettable performance that blends heartfelt lyricism, polished showmanship, and local pride. Buy Your Tickets Here

Potchefstroom’s Geesfees is revving up its charm this year with the addition of an undeniably iconic name to its stage lineup: Juanita du Plessis. With a career spanning over two decades and a discography adorned with platinum accolades, her presence promises to be a festival highlight steeped in nostalgia, emotion, and unrelenting showmanship. A Career Etched in Gold & Platinum Born Juanita Naudé on April 26, 1972, in Windhoek, Namibia, Juanita du Plessis launched her music journey in 1998 with her self-titled debut album. That same year, she swept the Country Music Association (Namibia) awards for Best Singer, Best Songwriter, and Outstanding Achievement - strong start to an illustrious career. Over the years, du Plessis has become one of the most commercially successful Afrikaans artists, with more than 3 million records sold. Her albums regularly achieved platinum and multi-platinum status, spanning genres from country-pop and gospel to dance-infused tracks. Her gospel album, Vlieg Hoog. stands out as her crowning commercial achievement, selling over 190,000 units and reaching platinum status.  Meanwhile, her 2010 DVD, 10 Jaar Platinum Treffers, earned a South African Music Award for Best Afrikaans DVD, encapsulating a decade of her greatest hits. Dominating the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards, she was named Most Popular Female Artist seven years in a row, a testament to her enduring appeal. In 2018, she marked a major milestone,20 years in the music industry, with a greatest-hits compilation, 20 Jaar Treffers van 2008–2018, further cementing her legacy. Genre-Savvy and Ever-Resonant Juanita du Plessis isn’t confined to one musical style. Across her career, she’s navigated effortlessly between contemporary pop, country, gospel, and even dance music, making each genre her own. Her 2001 hit “Ska‑Rumba” became a dance anthem in the Afrikaans music scene, while gospel releases like Wees Lig charted at No. 1. Juanita also broke new ground with collaborative works, duet albums with Theuns Jordaan (Bring jou Hart, Hart Vol Drome) garnered platinum sales. In 2017, she released Kaalvoetkinners, a family album with her children, Franja and Ruan Josh, signaling the continuation of her musical lineage. A True Festival Gem: Potch Geesfees 2025 Potch Geesfees could not have chosen a more fitting crown jewel. Organisers announced, “Ons is baie opgewonde om bekend te maak dat Juanita du Plessis op die Geesfees‑Verhoog gaan wees!” Imagine the electric atmosphere as Juanita brings her array of hits, ranging from the joyful rhythms of Ska-Rumba to the uplifting soul of Wees Lig, and the emotionally resonant Vlieg Hoog, to a live crowd. Expect heartfelt storytelling, stirring vocals, and that unmistakable authenticity that has defined her career. Closing Thoughts Juanita du Plessis stands as a cornerstone of Afrikaans music, a storyteller, a genre-shifter, and a national treasure. Her performance at Potch Geesfees isn't just another set, it’s a homecoming, a salute to longevity, and a shared moment between artist and community. Prepare for a night of timeless music, boundless emotion, and the elegant magic of one of South Africa’s most beloved performers. Buy Your Tickets Here

Potchefstroom’s beloved Potch Geesfees is raising the stakes this year with the inclusion of a compelling local talent: Stephan Fourie, winner of the 2024 Virseker Sang Kompetisie. As he prepares to command the stage at the Geesfees-Verhoog, we dive into what makes his ascent a standout moment for both festival and performer. Image : Facebook Potch Geesfees A Rising Star Emerges Stephan Fourie gained recognition within the Potchefstroom music community when he emerged victorious in the 2024 Virseker Singing Competition, a singing competition affiliated with the Geesfees. This win has earned him a prominent spot to perform at the festival’s main stage, signaling his growing influence in the local music scene. What to Expect at Geesfees As the Virseker Sang Kompetisie winner, Stephan Fourie is expected to deliver a performance that marries competition-honed polish with fresh energy. His appearance on the festival’s marquee stage marks a transition from contest stage to community spotlight, a leap that carries both validation and expectation. Fans can anticipate a set that showcases his vocal strengths, sincerity, and connection to Potchefstroom’s musical heartbeat. Closing Thoughts Stephan Fourie’s path (from competition winner and now festival performer) captures the essence of Potchefstroom’s Geesfees: fostering local talent and celebrating community creativity. His appearance on the Geesfees-Verhoog is a promising highlight, offering audiences a rewarding blend of pride, passion, and raw musical intimacy. Keep an eye out for Stephan Fourie’s spotlight moment this year, it represents more than a set; it’s the emergence of a local star claiming his place on the stage. Buy Your Tickets Here

Scheduled Maintenance Notice The City of Matlosana  has issued a formal notice of a planned electricity supply interruption in parts of Klerksdorp . The outage, scheduled for Sunday, 24 August 2025 , is necessary to conduct emergency repairs on the electrical network  to ensure system reliability and safety. Residents and businesses are advised to prepare in advance and take the necessary precautions. Areas Affected The power outage will affect the following areas: Klerksdorp CBD N12 (from SENWES to Cargo Dealer) Ellaton Residential & Industrial Wikewille, Randlespark, and Midvaal Water Pumpstation Dawkinsville and Airport Area Pienaarsdorp, Oudorp, and Freemanville Elandia, Collerville, Elandsheuwel, Roosheuwel, Neserhof Orkney Eriston Plots Interruption Schedule Date : Sunday, 24 August 2025 Time : 08:00 to 17:00 Residents are urged to treat all electrical installations as live during the full outage period, as supply may be restored at any time without prior notice. Contact Details For any queries or further information, contact the City of Matlosana: 📞 018 487 8701/05 Final Note: The City of Matlosana continues its commitment to infrastructure maintenance and safety through planned interventions such as this. All affected consumers are encouraged to take note of the scheduled interruption and plan accordingly. #TheGoToGuy #CityOfMatlosana #KlerksdorpPowerAlert #EmergencyMaintenance #StayPrepared

Date: 19 August 2025 The Merafong City Local Municipality has issued a public clarification regarding the appointment of its Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO). This follows concerns and public scrutiny surrounding the nature and timing of the appointment, as well as broader questions around institutional restructuring and ethical hiring practices within the municipality. Background and Appointment Process According to the municipality, the DCFO position was created as part of a high-level organisational restructuring strategy adopted by the Council on 29 November 2023. The new structure aimed to rectify long-standing institutional weaknesses and improve municipal service delivery. The appointment was made following an open, competitive, and merit-based recruitment process, in line with the Municipal Systems Act and related Municipal Staff Regulations. The position was formally advertised and filled on 1 April 2024 on a fixed-term basis, specifically as an interim measure to address previous audit shortcomings. Government Oversight and Audit Findings On 30 May 2024, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) raised concerns regarding aspects of the revised municipal structure. However, these comments were submitted after the DCFO appointment had already taken place. The municipality has confirmed ongoing, constructive engagement with CoGTA and the MEC to incorporate relevant feedback. Addressing broader concerns over ethical conduct, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), through spokesperson Mr. Khutsafalo Mnisi, noted that AGSA’s systems are robust and allow for independent audits. The AGSA clarified that the transition of former AGSA employees to municipal roles does not inherently present a conflict of interest when properly managed. Furthermore, the AGSA’s 2023/24 financial audit report identified no irregularities or legal violations concerning the DCFO’s appointment. Key Contributions of the Deputy CFO Since taking office, the Deputy CFO has played a critical role in stabilizing Merafong’s Finance Department after a six-year period marked by leadership instability. Notable contributions include: Audit Opinion Improvement : The municipality improved from two consecutive disclaimers and one adverse opinion to receiving a qualified audit opinion in the 2023/24 financial year. Strengthening of Financial Staffing : Key appointments were made in areas such as Financial Reporting and Revenue Management. Internal Promotions : Interns trained under the National Treasury program, with over five years of service, were promoted to senior positions, including Chief Accountant roles in Budget, Treasury, and Expenditure. Corrective Action Plans : The DCFO led the development of audit correction strategies that earned recognition from the Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development. These efforts also contributed to Merafong receiving a SALGA Award for progress in addressing historical audit issues. Conclusion The Merafong City Local Municipality reaffirms its commitment to ethical, transparent, and performance-driven governance. While acknowledging CoGTA’s advisory inputs, the municipality takes pride in the significant progress made in financial recovery, largely attributed to the effective collaboration between the CFO and Deputy CFO. The municipality maintains that the appointment was lawful, justified, and instrumental in restoring fiscal discipline. #MunicipalFinance #GoodGovernance #PublicAccountability #MerafongUpdates

Season Concludes with Semi-Final Against Northam Wolves Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub’s Second Team concluded their 2025 league season on 16 August with a semi-final showdown against Northam Wolves in Hekpoort. Despite a tough 55–7 loss , the team showed resolve and determination throughout the encounter. The semi-final marked the end of a competitive campaign and brought closure to a long season filled with growth and perseverance. The Wolves proved too strong on the day, but the Dorp side can walk away with their heads held high. 📊 Fourth Place Overall in the Neser League Reaching the semi-finals meant the 2nd's secured a 4th place overall finish  in the Neser League - a significant achievement for the club. This final ranking places them among the league’s top-performing teams, a clear reflection of the effort put in across all levels of the squad. Throughout the season, the team demonstrated steady improvement, fighting through difficult fixtures and building momentum. Though the final result wasn’t in their favour, their overall standing cements their presence as a competitive force in the local rugby scene. 👏 A Season of Teamwork and Dedication The club extended their gratitude to all players, coaches, families, supporters, and volunteers  who contributed to the 2025 season. From the sidelines to the clubhouse, the collective spirit of the Dorp Rugby community was vital in supporting the squad's journey. Moments of resilience, camaraderie, and commitment defined the season and while the league matches have now wrapped up, the team can reflect with pride on what they’ve built and the milestones they’ve reached. 📣 Junior Rugby Continues – Get Involved! 🏉 We now shift focus to the future of rugby in Potchefstroom. All boys in and around the area  are invited to join the Dorp Junior Rugby Club , with age groups for U/13, U/15, and U/17. Training takes place on Fridays at 17:00 . Whether you're a parent, player, or local supporter, this is your chance to be part of the next generation of Dorp Rugby. #TheGoToGuy #potchefstroom #Dorprugby #potchpride #klubrugby

🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 Ons Verbruikerstudies-juffrou, saam met ’n paar trotse oud-leerders, het die KHS-vlag hoog laat waai tydens Root Chef Academy se Opedag. Die dag was vol kreatiwiteit, spanwerk en kookpassie, en ons leerders het dit opnuut bewys deur ’n hele paar afdelings te wen! Image: Klerksdorp Hoërskool ’n Groot dankie aan ons juffrou en oud-leerders wat nie net hul vaardighede vertoon het nie, maar ook gewys het dat KHS-leerders met trots, talent en flair die wêreld betree. Baie geluk aan almal wat deelgeneem en gewen het, ons is ongelooflik trots op julle! Deel Jou Storie Het jy ’n sport- of kultuurhoogtepunt wat jy met die gemeenskap wil deel? The Go-To Guy  se joernalistieke span is hier om dit wyer te vertel. Ons vertel jou storie. Oor The Go-To Guy The Go-To Guy ( www.thegotoguy.co.za  en www.potchefstroom.com )  is jou digitale inligtingsentrum met meer as 75,000 maandelikse bladsybesoeke. Ons dek plaaslike nuus, sport en skole via The Gazette , en bied ’n aktiewe besigheidsgids met meer as 2,500 ondernemings en ’n uiters gewilde gebeurteniskalender. Met ons groeiende sosiale media-platforms, Facebook (77,000+ volgers) en TikTok (2 miljoen kyke), help ons om plaaslike stories verder te neem as ooit. Ons vertel jou stories. The Go-To Guy Kommersiële Pakkette Herhalende Pakkette – ’n Tuiste vir jou Besigheid Business Card Standard (Gratis):  Basiese besigheidslys. Business Card Plus (R50 p.m.):  Verifikasie en ’n uitgebreide profiel. Maandelikse Bemarkingspakkette Starter Package (R499 p.m.):  Webbie Page, Gazette-profiel, 1 gratis gebeurtenislysing, en Facebook-boosts. Growth Package (R1,499 p.m.):  Meer advertensie-ure, eie rekeningbestuurder en navorsingsfunksies. Premium Package (R4,499 p.m.):  Alles-insluitende bemarking, video-inhoud, strategiese promosie en live onderhoude. Addisionele Dienste Sosiale media bestuur, Google Ads, TikTok-promosies. Eenmalige Opsies Video-advertensies vanaf R2,000, vertoonadvertensies vir R750, en 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 🍴 #KHStrots #RootChefAcademy #Verbruikerstudies #TalentInAksie

A Table of Dignity and Giving The Vat Verniet Tafel  (Take-for-Free Table) has become a beacon of hope in Potchefstroom, offering food, clothes, hygiene items, and dignity to those who need it most. It’s built on a simple idea: no cost, no questions, just love . At the heart of this initiative are volunteers, ordinary people making an extraordinary impact. If you’ve ever wondered how you can get involved, the answer is simple: there’s space for you at the table. Step 1: Connect With the Team To join as a volunteer, reach out directly to Angelique , the project coordinator, at 📞 067 080 2757 . She’ll guide you through the process and add you to a small WhatsApp group  where all planning, communication, and logistics take place. Whether you're available to help before the day, assist during setup, or lend a hand on-site, there's always something meaningful you can contribute. Step 2: Join the WhatsApp Planning Group This group is where it all comes together, discussing dates, confirming locations, sharing needs, and offering feedback. It’s an organised but warm space where ideas are welcomed, and every contribution counts. Volunteers often help with: Packing donations before the event Setting up the tables and food stations Welcoming people as they arrive Explaining how the line works and guiding recipients Distributing meals, hygiene packs, and clothing Cleaning up and debriefing afterwards What to Expect on the Day When you arrive at the Vat Verniet Tafel event, you’ll be greeted by a welcoming team. Everyone gets involved with simple tasks and guidance is always available. The environment is warm and respectful. Volunteers work side-by-side to ensure every visitor leaves with something they need, and more importantly, with their dignity intact. There’s no judgment. No red tape. Just real people helping real people. Why Volunteer? Because kindness multiplies . You’ll not only touch lives, you’ll build relationships, restore hope, and become part of a movement that’s reshaping how communities care. Plus, the need is growing. As the project expands, the team is planning future tables and improved strategies. A feedback meeting is already scheduled for Thursday, 21 August , where volunteers will reflect, brainstorm and map the way forward. A Word of Thanks The success of this project is thanks to the many businesses, individuals, and organisations  who continue to give so generously. One heartfelt example is Mooirivier Beskerming , who not only offer their premises but regularly check in, donate food, and pray alongside the team. Their involvement is a powerful reminder that community care is a shared mission. Closing Note If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved, this is it . One phone call. One message. One act of kindness can ripple through a household, a street, a whole town. There’s a place at the Vat Verniet Tafel for you. Come take your seat. #TheGoToGuy #PotchLetsHelp #VatVernietTafel #VolunteerWithHeart #ServeWithLove