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NWU Traditions Shine at Annual RAG Farm B’RAG Day 2026
The North-West University (NWU) RAG Farm was transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and creativity on Saturday, 14 February 2026 , as the annual B’RAG Day festivities took center stage. From 09:00 to 16:00, the public was invited to witness the culmination of weeks of intensive labor, craftsmanship, and residence pride. This year’s event was notably accessible to the community, offering free entry to view the intricate float exhibitions and enjoy various open-air markets a

Karen Scheepers
Feb 162 min read


A Deep Dive into the 2026 State of the Nation Address
On February 12, 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa stood before a joint sitting of Parliament at the Cape Town City Hall to deliver a State of the Nation Address (SONA) that many analysts are calling a "pivotal moment" for the Government of National Unity (GNU). Under the central theme of "Turning the Corner," the President attempted to bridge the gap between a stabilizing macro-economy and the gritty, often violent reality of daily life for millions of South Africans. While th

Karen Scheepers
Feb 134 min read


Shockwaves in Matlosana: La Hoff Double Murder and Orkney’s Sewerage Crisis Define Early February
The first eleven days of February 2026 have seen The Pulse of Matlosana beat with an intense, often turbulent rhythm. From a high-stakes constitutional showdown in the council chambers to tragic violence in the suburbs, Klerksdorp has been at the center of national attention. 1. The Mercy Phetla Standoff: High Court Intervenes The most explosive story of the month reached a climax on February 10 . Despite being dismissed for gross misconduct in January, the Matlosana Council

Karen Scheepers
Feb 126 min read


Carletonville News Digest: 11 Feb 2026
The first eleven days of February saw a community balancing the grief of past tragedies with the immediate demands of modern-day safety, law enforcement, and local celebration. 1. Safety & Enforcement: The Scholar Transport Drive Scholar transport safety has become a central focus for the Merafong community and Gauteng provincial authorities following a series of tragic incidents. Intensified Inspections: On February 8, 2026 , the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibon

Karen Scheepers
Feb 124 min read


Gauteng Unites to Tackle Provincial Water Emergency
The water security landscape in Gauteng has reached a critical juncture, prompting a massive intergovernmental intervention to prevent a total system collapse. While local municipalities like Merafong are currently battling extreme localized shortages,with several reservoirs hitting 0% capacity and a R1.4 billion debt to bulk suppliers, the crisis has now escalated into a province-wide emergency. In response, the Gauteng Provincial Government has moved to centralize operation

Karen Scheepers
Feb 112 min read


NWU and JB Marks Local Municipality Formalize Strategic Alliance for Regional Development
The landscape of local governance and tertiary education in the North West province marked a significant milestone this week as the North-West University (NWU) and the JB Marks Local Municipality convened to solidify a long-term developmental partnership. The strategic engagement, held at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, served as a formal platform for senior leadership from both entities to align their institutional capacities toward the socioeconomic advancement of the region.

Karen Scheepers
Feb 103 min read


DA Elects New North West Leadership and Names Professor Theo Venter as JB Marks Mayoral Candidate
Following the Democratic Alliance (DA) North West Provincial Congress held this past weekend, the party has officially set its leadership and municipal strategy for the 2026 election cycle. As of February 9, 2026, the party has transitioned from its convention to active campaigning, centered around a newly elected provincial executive and the mayoral candidacy of Professor Theo Venter for the JB Marks Municipality. Image: DA New Provincial Leadership Confirmed The congress, w

Karen Scheepers
Feb 92 min read


Multibillion-Rand Renewable Energy Portfolio Set to Transform Khuma and Matlosana
A massive shift toward renewable energy is underway in the City of Matlosana as several multibillion-rand solar and energy storage projects move into their implementation phases. These developments, including the Project Naos PV plant and the Mulilo Battery Energy Storage Project , are being positioned as a primary solution to the regional challenges of unemployment and energy insecurity. The initiative involves a strategic partnership between the municipality and four major

Karen Scheepers
Feb 52 min read


The Weekly Pulse: Potchefstroom, Ikageng, and Promosa 30 January 2026
As we close out the first month of 2026, the Tlokwe region is a landscape of stark contrasts. From the polished academic halls of the "Bult" to the dusty, resilient streets of Ikageng and the high-stakes athletic tracks of Promosa, the heartbeat of this community is stronger than ever. This report provides an in-depth archive of the stories, struggles, and celebrations that defined the window of 15 January to 30 January 2026 . Infrastructure & Civic Pride: The Rebirth of Madi

Karen Scheepers
Jan 304 min read


Justice, Reform, and Resilience: Feeling The Pulse of Matlosana This January
As the first month of 2026 draws to a close, Klerksdorp, the historical and economic anchor of the Matlosana region, finds itself navigating a landscape defined by deep-seated calls for justice and a hopeful push toward administrative renewal. January is traditionally a season of fresh starts, but for this community, it has also been a period of solemn reflection. From the emotional weight of high-profile court proceedings at the local traffic court to the bustling energy of

Karen Scheepers
Jan 306 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


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


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


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


Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Courage ACS Foundation Opens Leadership Roles for 2026
The Youth Courage ACS Foundation has officially launched its "Call for Head of Portfolio," seeking visionary volunteer leaders to spearhead transformative community programs. Under the banner of "Lead, Inspire, Empower," the foundation is inviting passionate individuals to step up and drive change across several key sectors of social development. This initiative is looking for visionary leaders to step up and make a lasting impact right here in Potchefstroom . This recruitm

Karen Scheepers
Jan 262 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


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


Mukhanyo Teologiese Kollege Betree Nuwe Era van Akademiese Uitnemendheid en Kerklike Vennootskappe
Die akademiese en kerklike landskap van Potchefstroom het onlangs 'n betekenisvolle verskuiwing ondergaan met twee groot aankondigings vanuit die Mukhanyo Teologiese Kollege (MTC). Vir 'n stad wat lank reeds as die hartklop van Gereformeerde teologie in Suid-Afrika beskou word, bring die nuwe vennootskap tussen MTC en die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (GKSA), tesame met die aanstelling van die bekende professor Henk Stoker, vars momentum na plaaslike teologiese vorming.

Karen Scheepers
Jan 233 min read


Carletonville News Digest: The First 20 Days of 2026
The beginning of 2026 has been a period of intense activity for Carletonville. While the region celebrated a "gold rush" of academic success with the release of the 2025 Matric results, it simultaneously grappled with a deepening municipal leadership scandal, a series of violent house robberies, and a literal crumbling of infrastructure in Welverdiend. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Academic Excellence: The Class of 2025 Shines The release of the National Senior Certificate

Karen Scheepers
Jan 217 min read
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