The Pulse of Potch: Key news events in Potchefstroom and the surrounding areas
Here is a summary of the stories that shaped our community over the last fortnight.
Community & Events
Momentum Aardklop Wrap-Up: The annual festival came to a close on Saturday, 3 October. Warm weather drew large crowds who enjoyed various productions, as well as the bustling feesterrein, which featured award-winning local entrepreneurs like Casper Matthee ("Die Broodman") and hairstylist Marietjie van Tonder.
DJ Zodi One Man Show Sparks Debates: Held at Trim Park from 3 to 4 October, the sold-out concert received mixed reactions. While many praised the entertainment and economic boost, others raised concerns about late-night noise and litter, though organizers conducted a extensive cleanup.
Oktoberfest & Arts Celebrations: The Bult Oktoberfest on 10 October at Cachetpark was a huge success, with attendees wearing traditional German outfits. Elsewhere, Saints’ spectacular "Imago Dei" production on 22–23 September and the "Clash of the Elements" Hip-Hop Picnic in Ikageng highlighted local creative talent.
Brain Sports Day: MHA Samuel Broadbent Retirement Village, in collaboration with ADASA, hosted Brain Sports Day on 26 September, encouraging dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness through fun, inclusive cognitive activities.
Santa Shoebox Needs Pledges: Although local pledges have risen from 24% to 42%, the project remains below the halfway mark. Residents are urged to support the campaign before the end of October to ensure every child gets a personalized Christmas gift.
General News & Governance
Young Innovator's App: Orefemetse Kholagano Seleke (15) from Redwood College has developed an app that makes information on websites easier to access. The young academic has already made waves internationally with Cambridge University surveys.
School Children's Daily Struggle: About 40 to 50 learners from New Dassie have been forced to walk a 14km daily journey to school in Ikageng through difficult terrain due to a lack of reliable transport.
Weeks Street Property Fire: On 4 October, JB Marks firefighters were called to a fire at an abandoned property in Weeks Street. Local residents continue to lobby for the building's demolition due to ongoing safety and health hazards.
Paws Haven Power Crisis: Paws Haven has been without municipal power for over two weeks, relying on generators at a cost of R650 in petrol per day. The animal shelter lacks a formal billing agreement with the JB Marks Municipality to resolve the issue.
Essential Maintenance & Upgrades: Motorists face major traffic diversions with the temporary closure of the N12 Industrial Interchange and Promosa Road upgrades from 13 October to 27 November. Furthermore, Ikageng Extension 11 experienced a three-day water outage from 13 October for repairs.
VC Addresses Medical Training & Legacy: NWU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka has questioned the viability of training doctors in Cuba given the high costs and reportedly difficult living conditions. NWU also paid tribute to legendary South African musician and activist Bernard "Babsy" Mlangeni, who passed away on 1 October.
Mediclinic Eye Care Outreach: Renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Harold Letsoalo and his team at Mediclinic Potchefstroom will undertake 30 pro bono cataract surgeries over three weeks to mark Eye Care Awareness Month.
JB Marks Debt Concern: Citizens are voicing worry over the JB Marks Municipality's financial stability, with audit reports showing rising Eskom and municipal service arrears alongside irregular expenditure.
Crime & Security
Bogus Police Officers Convicted: Cleopas Msipa (51) and Tshepiso de Beer (46) were convicted of theft in the Stilfontein Regional Court after posing as Potchefstroom police to rob victims who responded to fake Facebook vehicle advertisements.
R200,000 N12 Drug Bust: Public Order Policing arrested two suspects on the N12 on 7 October after recovering approximately 1,000 suspected Mandrax tablets hidden in their vehicle.
Quick Response to Robbery: Mooirivier Beskerming and SAPS arrested two suspects on 6 October shortly after they allegedly robbed a 21-year-old woman of her phone and headset on Silver Street.
Stock Theft Arrests: A local farmer, aided by security cameras and police, tracked down and apprehended three suspects in Ikageng following the theft and slaughter of a cow on a farm along Schoemansdrift Road.
Tragic End for Injured Horse: An injured horse found with an open fracture beside the N12 on 10 October had to be humanely euthanized by Paws Haven and Mooirivier Animal Clinic.
Sports & Achievements
High School Majorette Star: Kyla Mthethwa from Potchefstroom High School for Girls achieved Senior Protea Colours at the Majorette World Championships in Poland, earning multiple top-12 rankings.
Potch Primary Takes Bronze: Potchefstroom Primary's U13 soccer team finished third at the national Kay Motsepe Championship in Soshanguve, taking home bronze and a R300,000 cheque.
Music & Cricket Leadership: Local Amapiano artist Djy Tshepza won runner-up for Best Amapiano Artist at the national MAMA awards, while North West Cricket welcomed Tsholofelo Thulare as their new full-time CEO.
National Gliding Champs: The South African National Gliding Championships in Potchefstroom (3–10 October) saw international competitors take to the skies, with Adam Woolley (Australia) winning gold and former Gimmie Phillip Jonker placing second as the top-performing South African.
Stay informed, stay safe, and have a wonderful week ahead as we move further into October. Let's keep working together to support our local businesses, schools, and charity organizations!
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