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New Rules for Workers in South Africa: A Simple Guide to the 2026 Earnings Threshold
Starting 1 May 2026, there is a big change coming for employees in South Africa. The government has increased the "Earnings Threshold", the specific amount of money that acts as a dividing line for your legal rights at work. If you earn less than this amount, the law automatically gives you a lot of protections (like guaranteed overtime pay). If you earn more than this amount, your rights regarding working hours and extra pay are decided by your contract rather than by the la

Karen Scheepers
4 days ago4 min read


New Route via Khuma and Vermaasdrift Implemented as Sinkholes Emerge on Stilfontein Diversion
Traffic management in the Stilfontein region has faced a fresh set of challenges following the discovery of two new sinkholes directly along the secondary route previously used to bypass the N12 highway. The City of Matlosana’s Directorate of Public Safety has confirmed that the ground subsidence occurred within Stilfontein town, rendering the primary diversion route unsafe for heavy and through traffic. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Localized Subsidence Disrupts Diversion R

Karen Scheepers
4 days ago2 min read


Earth Day 2026: Reclaiming "Our Power, Our Planet"
Today, April 22, 2026, marks the 56th anniversary of Earth Day, as millions of people across more than 190 countries mobilize under the global theme "Our Power, Our Planet." Moving beyond the policy-heavy discussions of previous years, the 2026 movement is defined by a shift toward civic mobilization and democratic action, emphasizing that the power to solve environmental crises resides within local communities, regardless of shifting political landscapes. Image: The Go-To Gu

Karen Scheepers
5 days ago3 min read


N12 Closed by Stilfontein Due to Midvaal Water Pipeline Burst and Emerging Sinkhole Risks on Potchefstroom-Klerksdorp Route
The N12 highway , a vital artery connecting the North West province, has been forced into an emergency closure following a major water pipeline burst and the detection of renewed geotechnical instability. On Monday, April 20, 2026 , a high-pressure bulk line managed by Midvaal Water ruptured near Stilfontein, creating a high-risk environment for motorists and prompting an immediate response from provincial and local authorities. Pipeline Status and Technical Intervention As

Karen Scheepers
6 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


Democratic Alliance Elects New Leadership at Historic 2026 Federal Congress
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has finalized its 2026 Federal Congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre, marking the formal conclusion of its internal leadership elections. The event, which hosted over 2,000 delegates, served as the platform for the party to transition its executive structure following the resignation of John Steenhuisen. Image: DA JB Marks Municipality - Potch/Ventersdorp The congress proceeded according to the party’s internal democratic systems, focusing o

Karen Scheepers
Apr 132 min read


Together for Health. Stand with Science: Reflecting on World Health Day 2026
On April 7 , the global community came together to observe World Health Day . The significance of this year's message has never been more relevant. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, the World Health Organization has centered this year’s mission on a powerful dual mandate: "Together for Health. Stand with Science." This theme serves as a vital reminder that our greatest achievements in human wellness have not been accidental, they are the result of rigorous inquir

Karen Scheepers
Apr 83 min read


Mission Accomplished: Shaun Completes Epic 2,600km "Beitbrug to Blouberg" Charity Trek
In a remarkable display of physical endurance and philanthropic dedication, cyclist Shaun has officially completed his 2,600km journey from the Zimbabwean border to the Atlantic coast. The expedition, which spanned nearly two weeks, concluded this morning, April 2, 2026, at the iconic "Yellow Frame" viewpoint in Blouberg, Cape Town. The final leg of the journey saw the athlete navigate the challenging terrain of the Great Karoo and the steep mountain passes of the Western Cap

Karen Scheepers
Apr 22 min read


Open letter to my fellow residents and all citizens of this beautiful country.
T he world is deeply concerned with the war in the Middle East as of March 2026 due to a severe escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has created a "structural shock" to the global economy. In a country with economic uncertainty, high unemployment, state of lawlessness corruption at its highest, low moral now ubuntu and a clear possibility of a mafia state we may become. This year, South Africa marks three decades since the adoption of our Constituti

Karen Scheepers
Apr 13 min read


Chaos Grips City of Matlosana as Recruitment Dispute Escalates
The City of Matlosana Local Municipality is facing a severe administrative and security crisis following two days of escalating unrest that has paralyzed local government functions. What began as a disruption of job interviews on Monday evolved into a high-stakes confrontation on Tuesday, involving the deployment of chemical agents, the evacuation of municipal headquarters, and the forced relocation of a high-profile council meeting. Disruption of General Worker Interviews Th

Karen Scheepers
Mar 312 min read


S A ’s "April Fuel Cliff" Averted: Emergency R3.00 Tax Cut Slashes Historic Price Hike
F ollowing a massive outcry and pressure from opposition parties like the DA, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana officially announced an emergency R3.00 per litre tax cut earlier today, 31 March 2026. Without this intervention, South Africans were looking at a catastrophic R6.00+ increase for petrol and a R10.00+ increase for diesel. The tax cut effectively "halves" the blow for petrol users, though diesel remains significantly more expensive. OFFICIAL FUEL PRICE UPDATE: 1 AP

Karen Scheepers
Mar 312 min read


A Century of Grace: Peggy Haagner Celebrates 100 Years in Potchefstroom
Tomorrow, April 1, 2026, marks a milestone that very few reach and even fewer navigate with such enduring spirit. Peggy Haagner , a lifelong resident of Potchefstroom, will celebrate her 100th birthday at the Potchefstroom Dienssentrum, surrounded by the echoes of a century well-lived. Born in 1926, into a world that felt much larger and moved much slower, Peggy’s life has been a front-row seat to the most transformative century in human history. From the challenges of the Gr

Karen Scheepers
Mar 312 min read


Through the Heart of the Karoo – A Birthday on the Pedals
The "Beitbrug to Blouberg" 2,600km cycle tour has reached the vast expanse of the Northern Cape, marking a grueling but milestone-heavy second leg of the journey. Since departing Potchefstroom on March 25, lead cyclist Shaun has traded the bustling roads of the North West for the legendary corrugated paths and "sinkplaat" gravel of the Karoo, pushing his physical and mental limits for the animals at Paws Haven. The trek through the interior has been defined by isolation and p

Karen Scheepers
Mar 303 min read


April Fuel Crisis: South African Motorists Face Historic Price Shock
South Africa is bracing for a "Black Wednesday" at the pumps this week, as a perfect storm of geopolitical conflict and fiscal adjustments converges to deliver the single largest fuel price increase in the country's history. Effective 1 April 2026, motorists and the logistics sector will be hit with double-digit hikes for diesel and a massive jump for petrol, driven largely by the near-total shutdown of global oil transit through the Middle East. The Global Chokepoint Crisis

Karen Scheepers
Mar 303 min read


Delivery at Botha Pump Station Triggers Local Traffic Disruptions
Motorists in Potch are advised to plan for delays today, March 26, 2026, as an essential delivery at the Botha Pump Station has resulted in significant traffic disruptions. The disruption is centered at a key local intersection and is expected to affect travel throughout the morning and early afternoon. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Location and Impact According to a public notice issued by the project’s Community Liaison Officer (CLO), the congestion is primarily situated

Karen Scheepers
Mar 262 min read


Potch Analyst Clinches National AFCON Title
The local sporting landscape has received a significant boost following the announcement that Khotso L. Choabi, a Potchefstroom-based performance analyst and technical advisor, has been named the winner of a prestigious national AFCON Analysis Competition. Organized by Football Insights in partnership with KickOff Magazine , the competition sought to identify the highest level of tactical acumen and data interpretation in South African football. Choabi emerged victorious aft

Karen Scheepers
Mar 252 min read


From Beitbridge to Potch: Shaun’s Gritty 1,000km Push for Paws
The first major leg of the "Beitbrug to Blouberg" 2,600km cycle tour has concluded with a triumphant arrival in Potchefstroom. Since rolling out from the Zimbabwean border at 5:00 AM on March 21, lead cyclist Shaun has battled extreme South African elements to complete the trek’s opening chapter, successfully navigating the transition from the Limpopo bushveld into the heart of the North West province. Day 1 The journey began with a high-intensity departure from Musina, but

Karen Scheepers
Mar 253 min read


Normalcy Returns to Klerksdorp and KOSH Area Following Taxi Agreement
Commuters and motorists in the City of Matlosana have seen a return to regular service, following the official termination of yesterday’s widespread taxi shutdown. Major transport arteries, including the N12, R30, and R503, have been cleared of debris and blockades, allowing for the free flow of traffic into the Klerksdorp CBD and surrounding townships. Image: City of Matlosana Resolution and Restoration of Services The restoration follows a successful high-level engagement h

Karen Scheepers
Mar 242 min read


Major Taxi Shutdown Paralyzes Klerksdorp and Surrounding Regions
A massive taxi industry shutdown has brought the City of Matlosana and surrounding districts to a virtual standstill today, Monday, 23 March 2026. The protest, which reportedly began shortly after midnight, has seen major transport arteries blocked, businesses shuttered, and thousands of commuters stranded as taxi operators voice their frustrations over infrastructure and administrative grievances. Widespread Disruptions and Road Closures The shutdown has effectively isolated

Karen Scheepers
Mar 232 min read


Weekly Pulse: Potchefstroom, Ikageng & Promosa (13–20 March 2026)
This edition of the Weekly Pulse captures a week of intense sporting rivalry, significant municipal updates, and critical community alerts. From the roar of the Fanie du Toit Stadium to the heated debates in the JB Marks Council, the Tlokwe region has been a focal point of activity as autumn settles in. Infrastructure & Governance: The Budget Aftermath The fallout from the JB Marks 2025/26 Adjustment Budget continues to dominate local discourse. Following its forced adoptio

Karen Scheepers
Mar 203 min read
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