top of page
The Gazette
Search


Potch Braces for Wet Weekend: A Guide to Flood Safety and Preparedness
As the final weekend of April 2026 approaches, residents of Potchefstroom and the greater JB Marks Local Municipality are keeping a close eye on the horizon. According to the latest forecasts from the South African Weather Service, a significant weather system is moving across the interior, bringing a high probability of precipitation to the North West province. With scattered rainfall predicted for Saturday, April 25, and isolated showers continuing into Sunday, April 26, lo

Karen Scheepers
2 days ago2 min read


JB Marks Municipality Records Significant Recovery in Reservoir Levels
The JB Marks Local Municipality has released a service delivery update for the morning of Thursday, 23 April 2026, reporting a substantial recovery in water reservoir levels across the region. The latest data, issued at 09:03 AM, indicates that a potential supply emergency in the Ventersdorp area has been successfully averted following intensified community water conservation efforts. Ventersdorp Cluster Moves Out of Emergency Status According to the report from the Office of

Karen Scheepers
3 days ago2 min read


MPAC Flags Governance Crisis and Administrative Non-Compliance at JB Marks Local Municipality
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) of the JB Marks Local Municipality has officially voiced profound dissatisfaction regarding what it describes as a persistent breakdown of accountability and legislative disregard within the municipal administration. In a comprehensive media statement, the committee detailed a series of logistical failures and scheduling conflicts that have reportedly obstructed its constitutional mandate to oversee public funds and performance.

Karen Scheepers
Apr 152 min read


Planned 132kV Maintenance Postponed
The JB Marks Local Municipality has officially announced the postponement of the large-scale electricity supply interruption that was originally scheduled for this coming Sunday, 12 April 2026 . In a public notice issued on Thursday, 09 April, the municipality cited "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason for the sudden change in the maintenance schedule. The planned work, which involved critical upgrades to the 132kV distribution power line , is now on hold until further no

Karen Scheepers
Apr 102 min read


Normalcy Restored as Ventersdorp Road Pump Station Returns to Full Capacity
In a swift turnaround for local service delivery, the JB Marks Local Municipality has officially announced the successful restoration of the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station . Following an emergency shutdown on Tuesday, 07 April 2026, caused by severe flooding from persistent rainfall, municipal technical teams and contractors have managed to clear the facility and stabilize operations . Successful Technical Recovery and Pumping Status The flooding, which initially threatened to

Karen Scheepers
Apr 92 min read


Planned 132kV Maintenance to Trigger Major Sunday Power Outage in Potchefstroom
The JB Marks Local Municipality has issued a formal notice to the public and business community regarding a widespread electricity supply interruption scheduled for Sunday, 12 April 2026 . This planned shutdown is required to facilitate essential maintenance on the 132kV distribution power line , a critical artery of the local energy grid. Technical teams are expected to begin work in the early morning, with the outage projected to last from 08h00 until late evening . Image:

Karen Scheepers
Apr 82 min read


Ventersdorp Road Pump Station Flooding Halts Water Supply to Key Sectors
The JB Marks Local Municipality has confirmed that a major water supply disruption is currently affecting several prominent areas within Potchefstroom following the flooding of the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station . The facility, a vital node in the municipality’s water distribution network, was overwhelmed by persistent rainfall that has characterized the region's weather patterns over the past several days. Damage Assessment and Emergency Response Municipal technical teams, a

Karen Scheepers
Apr 82 min read


Mayor Ka Qhele Issues Easter Call for Unity and Road Safety
In an official address marking the 2026 Easter season, the Executive Mayor of the JB Marks Local Municipality, Cllr. Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele, has extended a message of reflection and civic responsibility to the residents of Potchefstroom, Ventersdorp, and surrounding areas. The communiqué serves as both a spiritual acknowledgement of the holiday and a strategic appeal for public safety and administrative excellence within the North West province municipality. A Call for Commun

Karen Scheepers
Apr 22 min read


JB Marks Municipality Hosts Inter-Departmental Easter Service and Multi-Sectoral Economic Initiatives
The JB Marks Local Municipality has concluded a series of high-impact events aimed at spiritual reflection, economic empowerment, and public safety. Spanning from March 26 to March 27, 2026, these initiatives brought together government departments, law enforcement agencies, and local entrepreneurs to address the diverse needs of the Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp communities. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the municipality continues to pri

Karen Scheepers
Mar 303 min read


Potch Central Residents Face Low Water Pressure Due to N12 Pipe Burst
The JB Marks Local Municipality has issued an urgent public notice regarding a water pipe burst along the N12 Road on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The infrastructure failure is currently impacting water supply across the city's central business district and surrounding areas. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Impact on Water Supply and Pressure According to the municipality’s Communication Unit, the burst pipe is causing widespread service disruptions. Residents in most areas of P

Karen Scheepers
Jan 271 min read


New PR Councillor Sworn into JB Marks Local Municipality Council
In a formal ceremony held at the Potchefstroom Magistrate Court , the JB Marks Local Municipality officially welcomed a new member to its council chambers. Cllr. Matthys Wilhelm Christiaan Rossouw (Senior) , representing the Freedom Front Plus, was sworn into office on Friday, 9 January 2026 . Image: JB Marks The Swearing-In Ceremony The legal proceedings were presided over by Chief Magistrate Tshadi Leshomo , who administered the oath of office to Cllr. Rossouw (Senior). The

Karen Scheepers
Jan 162 min read


Critical Infrastructure Upgrade: Planned Water Outage for Potchefstroom
The JB Marks Local Municipality has officially announced a scheduled water supply interruption affecting several key sectors of the Potchefstroom Region. This planned shutdown is a strategic move to facilitate essential infrastructure upgrades at the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station , ensuring long-term water security for the community. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Purpose of the Shutdown The temporary suspension of service is required to allow onsite contractors to install a

Karen Scheepers
Jan 162 min read


Ventersdorp Libraries Pioneer Critical Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health
Ventersdorp Libraries, operating under the JB Marks Local Municipality , successfully hosted a vital Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Mental Health Dialogue on 10 December. The essential event, which took place at Tsholofelo place in Ventersdorp , served as a critical platform, fostering a safe space for community discussion, awareness, and support in a region grappling with complex social challenges. The dialogue brought together community members, prominently featuring an ol

Karen Scheepers
Dec 11, 20253 min read


Home Affairs Deploys Mobile Services for Smart ID Applications in Potchefstroom
Residents of Potchefstroom will have access to mobile Smart ID services from 2 to 4 December 2025 as the Department of Home Affairs brings ID card processing directly to local community halls. The outreach programme is coordinated in partnership with JB Marks Local Municipality and aims to reduce long queues at Home Affairs offices and improve service accessibility for residents across the region. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Purpose of the Mobile ID Campaign The initiativ

Karen Scheepers
Dec 1, 20252 min read


JB Marks Launches Arrive Alive Festive Campaign to Promote Road Safety
The JB Marks Local Municipality has announced the launch of its Arrive Alive Festive Campaign, a seasonal road safety initiative aimed at reducing accidents and encouraging responsible driving during the busy holiday period. The programme forms part of the municipality’s broader efforts to improve community safety across Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom, supported by the Department of Community Safety, Roads & Transport Management. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Leadership Behin

Karen Scheepers
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Planned Water Shutdown Scheduled for PRV Installation Along MC Roode Road
The JB Marks Local Municipality has issued a public notice confirming a planned water shutdown in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. The interruption is required to install a new Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) on MC Rhoode Road, following ongoing supply challenges attributed to a defective existing valve. Residents across multiple neighbourhoods are advised to prepare for the temporary disruption and store adequate water ahead of the scheduled maintenance. Image: The G

Karen Scheepers
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Swedish Delegation Embarks on Benchmarking Visit to JB Marks Municipality
JB Marks Local Municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the North-West University (NWU), is hosting an international delegation from Sweden as part of a week-long benchmarking and knowledge-exchange visit. The programme has been designed to highlight local strengths, showcase community-driven development, and deepen international partnerships focused on sustainable growth. Image: JB Marks Showcasing Local

Karen Scheepers
Nov 19, 20252 min read


JB Marks Municipality Confirms Correct Fittings Secured for Continued Louis le Grange Street Pipe Repairs
The JB Marks Local Municipality has issued a new update regarding ongoing repair work to the burst water pipe on Louis le Grange Street near the Waste Transfer Station. The latest notice, dated Thursday, 13 November 2025, confirms that the correct fittings required to complete the job have now been secured. Repair operations will resume today, Friday, 14 November 2025, starting at 08:00. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Significant Progress Achieved on Burst Pipe Repairs Munici

Karen Scheepers
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Thuntsha Lerole Service Delivery Programme Brings Economic Opportunities to JB Marks Municipality
The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) extended its Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme to the JB Marks Local Municipality on 7 November. The programme aims to stimulate local economic activity, support small enterprises, and expand community development initiatives across the province. Image: DEDECT Sod-Turning Ceremony for Dunlop Wheel and Alignment Project The programme’s activities included a so

Karen Scheepers
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Residents Warned of Payment Scam Targeting JB Marks Municipality Customers
Residents across the JB Marks Local Municipality are urged to remain alert following reports of a payment-related scam circulating via phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp messages, and emails. The fraudulent activity involves individuals impersonating municipal officials and demanding immediate payment of outstanding municipal accounts to fake bank accounts . Image: The Go-To Guy Creations How the Scam Operates: The scammers typically contact residents claiming that their municipal

Karen Scheepers
Nov 12, 20252 min read
bottom of page
