The community of Carletonville and its surrounding residential areas are facing a rapidly escalating geological crisis, with recent sinkhole incidents and neglected infrastructure drawing chilling parallels to the tragic 1964 Blyvooruitzicht disaster. Over half a century after the Oosthuizen family vanished when a massive sinkhole swallowed their home, the same warning signs are flashing brightly, fueling intense anxiety among residents. The underlying concern is the high con

The Dual Content Crisis The African pay-TV landscape is on the brink of a major contraction as MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, confirmed the imminent removal of at least four channels from its platform, with the potential loss of an additional twelve, bringing the total to a possible 16 channels  exiting by January 1, 2026. This extensive cutback is a result of a two-pronged development: the confirmed closure of four channels by their owners and a high-stakes stalema

Commuters using the R500 road  face severe and prolonged disruption after a major sinkhole opened up on the provincial route earlier today, Wednesday, December 3. The affected section of the road, located at the turn-off to Goudvlakte  just past Red Cap Ranch , has been immediately closed by authorities. Motorists are being diverted and have been issued an urgent warning to reduce speed, particularly in the current wet weather conditions, as the complex process of repair begi

As the holiday and festive season approaches, residents across all communities are being reminded to exercise extra vigilance  and implement proactive security measures. The festive period often corresponds with a statistically recorded increase in criminal activity , particularly in property crimes such as house break-ins and various forms of opportunistic crime. This heightened risk is often attributed to families travelling or relaxing their usual security routines, making

If you know a kid who’s mad about horses, then listen up! The Manu Dei Equestrian Centre is hosting their 2 Day Summer Pony Camp in December, and it sounds like a proper jol for the younger crowd. This is the place to be if you want to spend the holidays getting a bit dirty and having a good time. When and Where to Find the Ponies The two-day camp is set for 10 December and 11 December 2025. It runs from 09:00 until 14:00 each day. The action takes place in Carletonville. It'

Laerskool Oos-Driefontein vier die uitsonderlike prestasie van een van hul leerders, Khaya Ngema, wat by die onlangse Merafong Stad Sporttoekennings vereer is met die gesogte titel van Sportman van die Jaar. Image: Laerskool Oos-Driefontein Hierdie merkwaardige toekenning is 'n amptelike erkenning van Khaya se uitnemendheid, dissipline, en die uitsonderlike verbintenis tot die sport wat hy gedurende die jaar getoon het. Om deur die Merafong Stad munisipaliteit as die topprest

Hoërskool Fochville se jaarlikse Gholfdag, gehou op 28 November 2025, was weereens 'n klinkende sukses wat die skoolgemeenskap, borge en oud-leerders bymekaar gebring het vir 'n dag van sport en spanbou. Image: Hoërskool Fochville Die dag het met 'n effense uitdaging begin, aangesien die vroeë oggendweer deelnemers vir 'n oomblik benoud gehad het. Gelukkig het die hemel oopgetrek en die dag het uiteindelik uitstekend verloop, met die son wat oor die pragtige omgewing geskyn h

By Hoërskool Fochville bly tennis 'n sportsoort wat met opregte passie en toewyding beoefen word. Die einde van die seisoen het onlangs 'n spesiale erkenning gebring vir 'n getroue groep leerders wat deur die jaar konsekwente moeite ingesit het. Image:  Hoërskool Fochville Hierdie leerders, wat vrywillig hul Vrydagmiddae opgeoffer het om ywerig aan te hou oefen, is vir hul seisoenafsluiting op ’n prettige manier bederf deur saam te gaan Padel speel - ’n gewilde en vinnig groe

Met die laaste eksamenvraestelle wat amptelik ingehandig is, heers daar 'n gevoel van verligting en opwinding onder duisende Suid-Afrikaanse skoolverlaters. Die handboeke is weggepak en die tasse word gepak, want die jaarlikse pelgrimstog na kusdorpe soos Plettenbergbaai, Jeffreysbaai en die KZN-Suidkus, in die volksmond bekend as Matriekbaai , het amptelik begin. Terwyl hierdie tydperk dien as 'n welverdiende viering van twaalf jaar se harde werk, maan owerhede en onderwysle

The Springbok Women's Sevens ‘A’ side delivered a strong and unbeaten performance across the first two days of the International Invitational tournament at the Emirates Dubai 7's, maintaining a perfect record through the pool stages to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Dubai Debut Success The South Africans began the day with a narrow but determined 12-10 win over the LV Hammerheads. Despite a sluggish start, which included an early yellow card for Leigh Fortuin and conceding

December 1st is globally recognised as World AIDS Day, a critical moment for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with the virus, and commemorate those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. Instituted in 1988, it was the first-ever global health day and remains one of the most significant observances dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic and encouraging progress in prevention, treatment, and care. Imag

The Springbok Sevens team experienced another turbulent weekend at the Emirates Dubai 7's, a venue that has historically delivered triumph upon triumph for the 11-time champions. This year, however, the Blitzboks once again stepped away from their favourite desert stage without a place in the semi-finals, falling short in Pool A against Fiji and Argentina despite a promising start. Their recovery on day two showcased improved accuracy and intent, but the overall outcome highl

The Springboks ended their extraordinary 2025 season with a 73–0 demolition of Wales  at a packed Principality Stadium in Cardiff, a performance that underlined South Africa’s unrivalled power, depth, and consistency across a year that delivered a second consecutive unbeaten November tour. With 11 tries , a dominant forward platform, and another masterful outing from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu , the world champions closed their campaign with emphasis, authority, and a statemen

This week’s Weekly Pulse  brings together the stories, successes and pressing realities shaping Potchefstroom and its surrounding communities. From determined civic action and youth achievements to critical municipal updates, creative showcases and moments of compassion, the region once again demonstrated its remarkable balance of resilience and progress. Each neighbourhood contributed its own heartbeat to the week’s narrative, reminding us that even amid difficulty, collabor

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) issued an urgent alert on 21 November 2025, notifying pet owners across South Africa of the recall of several dry dog and cat food products manufactured by RCL Foods. The recall affects more than 55,352 bags  of well-known pet food brands produced between 26–29 May , 4–5 June , and 17 June 2025 . Laboratory testing identified elevated levels of Deoxynivalenol (DON) , a naturally occurring mycotoxin in maize, in certain batches used durin

The week brought a mix of notable policing achievements, serious safety incidents, infrastructure concerns, and uplifting community milestones. This report summarises the main developments across law enforcement, utilities, health services, youth and sport, and upcoming events in Carletonville and the wider Merafong area. Law Enforcement & Safety Provincial recognition for visible policing A Carletonville visible-policing sergeant received Gauteng’s top Vispol award after rec

Across the country, animal shelters play a vital role in protecting vulnerable animals, often under immense pressure and limited resources. Yet in recent years, shelter staff have increasingly found themselves at the receiving end of relentless criticism, verbal attacks, and online hostility. This growing trend of public negativity not only affects the emotional well-being of these workers but also directly influences the quality of care animals receive. This article examines

The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence , observed from 25 November to 10 December , has officially begun, a period recognised globally and locally as a time for reflection, awareness, and united action against violence in all its forms. For communities across South Africa, the campaign serves as a reminder that safety, dignity, and protection are not privileges but basic human rights. A Time to Stand Together The start of the campaign marks an important

Carletonville Hospital has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to healthcare delivery, receiving a prestigious award at the West Rand District Health Services Excellence Awards  held on 22 November. The hospital was presented with the Chief Director’s Special Award , acknowledging its role as a trailblazer in driving progress and transformational change within the district. A Recognition of Dedication and Leadership Accepting the award on behalf of the institutio

Merafong City Local Municipality released its latest newsletter covering developments between 07 November and 21 November 2025. The publication highlights key service-delivery updates, departmental activities, community achievements, and an executive message from Municipal Manager Mr. Dumisani Mabuza. Together, these updates reflect the municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, support local communities, and enhance public services. Message from the Municipal M