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Potch Faces Widespread Utility Crisis Following Severe Weather
Significant portions of the JB Marks Local Municipality are currently grappling with a dual-utility crisis as severe storms have caused extensive power outages across the region, while scheduled maintenance and pipe repairs have resulted in water service interruptions. The disruptions, which began over the weekend, have affected a broad range of residential, agricultural, and industrial zones, including Wilgeboom, Ikageng, Mooibank, and the Central Business District. Critical

Karen Scheepers
Feb 22 min read


Carletonville News Digest: 30 January 2026
The final ten days of January have seen a dramatic escalation in local tensions. As infrastructure continues to fail, the community is demanding answers from a municipal leadership that has remained largely silent in the face of tragedy and geological threats. Infrastructure: The Reservoir Sinkhole Crisis On January 21, 2026 , a new sinkhole was discovered just four meters from the newly built Khutsong Reservoir . A Gaping Threat: While the surface opening is currently only

Karen Scheepers
Jan 306 min read


Matlosana Council to Table Annual Report at First Ordinary Meeting of 2026
The City of Matlosana is set to host its first major legislative gathering of the year as the Speaker of Council, Cllr Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya , officially convenes the 1st Ordinary Council Meeting of 2026 . The session, which members of the public are warmly invited to attend, is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, January 30, and serves as a critical milestone for the municipality’s governance and transparency efforts. Meeting Logistics and Schedule The proceedings will take pl

Karen Scheepers
Jan 292 min read


The "Too Good To Be True" Trap: The Rise of Online Purchase Fraud
The dream of finding a bargain, whether it’s a VW Polo for R45,000 or a cheap rental, is increasingly being used against us. From December 2025 into January 2026 , there has been a sharp spike in sophisticated scams on Facebook Marketplace and social media , leaving many South Africans with empty bank accounts and no recourse. The Mechanics of the Scam The scam usually follows a predictable, high-pressure pattern: The Bait: A high-value item (often a vehicle or electronic)

Karen Scheepers
Jan 292 min read


Merafong Infrastructure Upgrade: 10-Hour Shutdown Hits Welverdiend and Khutsong
Residents and businesses across several key sectors of the Merafong City Local Municipality are facing a scheduled 10-hour power disruption today, January 29, 2026. The outage, which began at 08:00, is part of a high-priority technical intervention at the Frikkie van der Merwe substation. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Technical Scope and Objectives According to a public notice issued by Municipal Manager Dumisani Mabuza, the primary objective of the shutdown is the commissio

Karen Scheepers
Jan 292 min read


Matlosana Mayor Inspects Tshepong Hospital as Floods Ravage Jouberton Households
The Executive Mayor of the City of Matlosana, Hon. Cllr Fikile Mahlophe, led a high-level delegation to Tshepong Hospital on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, following devastating torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding and power outages across the region. The severe weather, characterized by heavy thunderstorms and high winds, struck the city on Monday afternoon, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving several neighborhoods in Jouberton and Kanana submerged. Image: Of

Karen Scheepers
Jan 272 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


SAPS Launches Urgent Safety Campaign in Promosa Following Fatal "Scrap" Explosion
A tragic accident involving discarded military hardware has sparked an urgent public safety intervention in the North West. Following the death of a young man earlier this month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has moved to educate the community on the hidden lethality of unidentified metal objects. Image: SAPS The Incident: A Fatal Miscalculation The safety drive follows a "freak accident" on the evening of Saturday, 10 January 2026 . According to North West police o

Karen Scheepers
Jan 272 min read


Honoring Our Heroes: A Nation Thanks the South African Police Service on National Police Day 2026
Today, South Africa proudly observes National Police Day , an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and profound sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the South African Police Service (SAPS). As the nation reflects on the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining peace and order, this day serves as a heartfelt thank you to every officer who stands on the front line, protecting our communities. Image: The Go-To Guy

Karen Scheepers
Jan 273 min read


Matlosana Municipal Manager Effects Dismissal of CFO Following Disciplinary Verdict
The City of Matlosana Local Municipality has officially terminated the employment of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Maebe Phetla. The dismissal was confirmed by Municipal Manager Lesego Seametso on Friday, January 23, 2026, marking the end of a high-profile disciplinary process that has dominated the municipality's administrative agenda for months. Image: The Go- To Guy Creations The termination follows the recommendations of a disciplinary hearing presided over by

Karen Scheepers
Jan 262 min read


JB Marks Local Municipality Tackles Operational Efficiency and Infrastructure Repairs
The JB Marks Local Municipality marked a dual focus on administrative modernization and urgent infrastructure repair on Thursday, January 22, 2026. While the Corporate Services Department launched a strategic training initiative to digitize employee oversight, technical teams were deployed to address a critical water system failure in Ventersdorp. Image: JB Marks Modernizing Payroll: Time and Attendance Training The Department of Corporate Services commenced the first day of

Karen Scheepers
Jan 262 min read


Matlosana MMC Faces Multiple Criminal Charges Following Klerksdorp Arrest
The City of Matlosana Local Municipality’s MMC for Local Economic Development, Wesley Kgang, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning following a violent confrontation with law enforcement. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) case docket, the incident occurred on Leask Street when traffic officials intercepted Kgang’s vehicle. The encounter escalated into a physical altercation, leading to Kgang's detention at the Stilfontein Police Station after a

Karen Scheepers
Jan 262 min read


Varsity Cup 2026: A New Era of Rugby Rocks with the Groundbreaking "TAP" Rule
The FNB Varsity Cup, affectionately known as "Rugby That Rocks," has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional rugby, injecting innovation and excitement into the university game. As the 2026 season approaches, commencing on February 16th, the tournament is poised to unleash its most revolutionary rule change yet: the "TAP" rule. This audacious adaptation, drawing inspiration from the NFL’s strategic conversion choices, promises to redefine post-try dynamics and ampli

Karen Scheepers
Jan 269 min read


The South African Powerhouse, Dakar 2026 Final Review
For South Africa, the 2026 Dakar Rally was more than a race; it was a 7,000km showcase of local engineering excellence. South African-prepared machines have become the cornerstones of the entry list, with more than half of the cars in the elite Ultimate (T1+) Class boasting SA-born lineage. Image Credits: Dakar Rally The Flagship: Toyota Gazoo Racing SA (TGRSA) Operating out of their high-tech base in Barbeque Downs, TGRSA fielded a formidable four-crew line-up in the refine

Karen Scheepers
Jan 213 min read


Desert Queens: Women Boks Conquer Dubai
The Springbok Women’s Sevens have firmly asserted their dominance on the international stage, clinching the HSBC SVNS 3 title in Dubai with a flawless, unbeaten campaign. Under the clinical guidance of head coach Cecil Afrika, the South African side showcased a masterclass in tactical discipline and defensive grit, proving they are a force to be reckoned with as they climb the global rugby ladder toward the 2026 season goals. A Masterclass in the Group Stages The journey to

Karen Scheepers
Jan 192 min read


The Silent Engine of Modern Life: Why Reliable Transport is No Longer a Luxury
In the fast-paced rhythm of the 21st century, we often measure success by our productivity, our connections, and our ability to balance a myriad of responsibilities. However, there is a silent partner in this dance that often goes unnoticed until it fails: transportation . While we focus on the destination, the "how" of getting there has become a fundamental pillar of modern well-being. Reliable and safe transport is no longer just a convenience; it is an essential component

Karen Scheepers
Jan 162 min read


A Heartwarming Start to 2026 at PAWS Haven
As the clock struck midnight and the calendar turned to 2026, the team at PAWS Haven didn't celebrate with parties; they celebrated with action. The first two weeks of the year have been a whirlwind of bravery, community spirit, and life-changing milestones for animals in Potchefstroom. Image: PAWS Heroic Rescues Amidst the Fireworks The year began under the shadow of distress caused by holiday fireworks. Annelize, Willem, and a dedicated team of volunteers patrolled the st

Karen Scheepers
Jan 163 min read


New Year, New Home: The Season for DIY
The arrival of a new year often brings a renewed sense of energy and a desire for a "fresh start". This psychological phenomenon, known as the "fresh start effect," makes the beginning of the year a natural turning point where individuals feel motivated to leave behind old habits and tackle new challenges. For many homeowners, this motivation translates directly into home improvement and DIY projects, as they seek to align their living environments with their new year’s aspi

Karen Scheepers
Jan 162 min read


The Countdown to Kick-off: Why Pre-Season Preparation is Non-Negotiable
The wait is almost over. For the players of Potchefstroom Dorp Rugby Club , the 2026 season is no longer a distant date on the calendar, it is officially here. With the first warm-up games scheduled for early February, the window to transition from "holiday mode" to "match-ready" is closing fast. In a sport as physically demanding as rugby, showing up is only half the battle. The club has made it clear that to earn a spot in the squad, players must demonstrate their commitmen

Karen Scheepers
Jan 162 min read


Matlosana Officials Conduct Comprehensive School Readiness Assessments
The City of Matlosana has intensified its oversight of the 2026 academic year through a series of high-level school readiness evaluations. Led by key municipal figures, these visits aim to ensure that local educational facilities are fully prepared to provide quality education while addressing systemic challenges such as infrastructure needs and learner placement. Image: City of Matlosana Single Whip of Council Leads Readiness Programme On Thursday, 15 January 2026, the Offic

Karen Scheepers
Jan 162 min read
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