The Go-To Guy Weekly Diary – Week 16 Hello Potch! Another vibrant week has flown by, and what a mix of heartwarming moments, wagging tails, local support, and even some sky-high hobbies! Here’s everything The Go-To Guy and our teams got up to this week.

StroomStories: Stories That Inspire

The studio has been buzzing with energy again! From platforms empowering workers to pastors crossing borders and model planes filling the sky – this week’s interviews covered it all. 15 April – Flying High with Midwest Model Club

Our host Pieter visited Ayrton Siena from the Midwest Model Club, where remote-controlled aviation meets passion and precision. It’s not just a hobby – it’s an art! Kids and adults alike are building, flying, and having a blast.

16 April – Ruaan’s Mission in Africa

Pastor Ruaan shared his powerful journey of outreach across Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. An emotional and faith-filled story that reminds us of the difference one person can make.

17 April – JulukaWorx: A Platform With Purpose

We spoke to the founder of JulukaWorx, a digital platform helping service-based workers and handymen grow their visibility and find meaningful work. It’s safe, simple, and empowering for entrepreneurs who are ready to step up. Definitely one to check out!

SportStroom: Passion on the Field

SportStroom brought us a fantastic mix of action this week – from dedicated community projects and rising sports stars to miniature planes soaring through the skies.

15 April – Episode 20: Yolindi Botes – A Star in the Making

Meet Yolindi, a 15-year-old from Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom who’s been selected for the Elite Invitational Hockey Tour in the Netherlands! She’s talented, determined, and proudly representing Potch. Go, Yolindi!

17 April – Vriende van Ferdies with Jaco Esterhuizen

In this heartfelt episode, Jaco shares how Vriende van Ferdies is making a real difference at Ferdinand Postma High School. It’s about giving back, investing in learners, and creating real, lasting change. This is what community looks like.

Dream Team 2 in the Community

Our team was out and about again, bringing stories straight from the heart of Potchefstroom.

14 April – Tails of Hope at PAWS

We visited PAWS Potchefstroom, where every tail wag means a heart waiting for a forever home. Looking to adopt? This is the place! You can also support by buying dog food directly from them – local love all around.

15 April – Easter Vibes at DISMART

DISMART celebrated the long weekend with chocolate bunnies and festive specials! A sweet way to wrap up Easter.

17 April – Another Trolley Dash Winner at Pick n Pay!

Pick n Pay Canal Crossing drew yet another lucky winner for the Easter Trolley Dash! If you’ve spent R250 or more and dropped your slip in the box, you might be next!

New Clients – Welcome to the Family!

This week, we proudly welcomed three new businesses to The Go-To Guy community:

• SUPA Rubber – The ultimate waterproofing solution!

• UB60 Renovations – Trusted home and property repairs.

• Le Floss – Makers of the fluffiest cotton candy in town!

  
  

We’re excited to have you onboard and look forward to growing your visibility with us.

Community Update: Katryn’s Progress

Little Katryn is doing brilliantly in her Sign Language journey! This week she showed us the sign for “milk” – and her whole family couldn’t be prouder. Big milestones in small hands.

Together for a Cleaner Potch

We officially launched our new clean-up awareness campaign this week:Stop it, Pop it, Don’t Drop it! It’s all about taking pride in our community and cleaning up litter, one piece at a time. We’re calling on residents, schools, businesses, and local groups to join hands in making Potch cleaner and more beautiful.

Town of the Year – A Bittersweet Chapter

This week, Potchefstroom was nominated for Kwêla’s Town of the Year, and it stirred up a lot of feelings.

Some residents were all in, saying: “Let’s go for it! That R1 million prize could help patch up all these potholes!” But others weren’t convinced – pointing to sewage issues, broken streetlights, and roads falling apart.

The Go-To Guy helped share the story to raise awareness and build support. Unfortunately, we also experienced some unexpected backlash. One individual publicly challenged us, demanded to see our business plans, and even questioned our motives late into the evening.

It became personal, and honestly, it hurt a little. We stepped away from the debate, knowing that social media can sometimes bring out harsh reactions. Still, we truly believe this initiative is a good one – and we hope Potch can come together and benefit from it.

Big News: Potch Gazette Platform Migration

We’ve also had a major announcement from our platform provider – which means we’ll soon be moving our entire Potch Gazette (with over 30,000 articles) to a brand-new system.

It’s a big project, and yes, a little overwhelming, but we’re working hard to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for our readers. Keep an eye out for updates – we’ll guide you every step of the way!

Looking for Weekend Plans?

From craft markets to live music and family fun, there’s loads happening this weekend! Check out our full roundup here: What’s Happening in Potchefstroom

That’s it from us for Week 16! From powerful stories and honest conversations to sweet wins and growing partnerships – this is what The Go-To Guy is all about.

Until next time, Potch – stay kind, stay hopeful, and keep showing up for your town.

The Go-To Guy Weekly Diary – Week 15: Community Highlights and Updates

Greetings, Potchefstroomers! As we wrap up another eventful week, let's dive into the key happenings that shaped our community in Week 15.

Streamlining Our Social Media Presence

In our continuous effort to serve you better, we've restructured our Facebook presence. By creating dedicated pages and groups, we aim to provide more focused content without overcrowding our main page. This ensures that our primary platform remains a hub for customer advertisements and business news. Additionally, we've introduced corresponding WhatsApp Groups and Channels to keep you seamlessly connected.

On the Ground: Addressing Community Concerns

Our dedicated team, Dream Team 1, was actively engaged in the field, shedding light on pressing community issues:

• 11 April: Collaborated with DA Councillor Heinricha Hodgson of Ward 5 to address persistent sewage problems affecting residents' daily lives. The malfunctioning pump station remains a significant concern.

• 10 April: Partnered with DA Councillor Bertus Le Roux of Ward 25 to inspect a sinkhole at the intersection of Dwars and Eleaser Street, resulting from a collapsed sewage pipe awaiting urgent repairs.

• 8 April: Investigated sewage overflows on Jan Smuts Avenue, where residents face inundated properties, malfunctioning streetlights, and overgrown vegetation posing safety risks.

• 7 April: Highlighted the broader sewage challenges in Potchefstroom, emphasizing the health hazards and frustrations faced by numerous households.

• 7 April (Adventure Segment): Visited the submerged low-water bridge at Schoemansdrift, prompting discussions on other areas affected by recent rains.

• 9 April: Explored Gaanbos Trading at Canal Crossing, showcasing it as the go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality gear.

• 11 April: Covered the excitement at Pick n Pay Canal Crossing, where another lucky shopper won the Epic Easter Trolley Dash. Remember, spending R250 or more gives you a shot at next week's draw!

StroomStories: Voices from Our Community

Our studio, StroomStories, hosted a series of enlightening interviews:

• 10 April: Featured a South African walking champion on SportStroom, delving into her journey that began in grade 5 and has since blossomed into an 8-year athletic career.

• 9 April: Presented Episode 27 of Spiritual Talk with Pieter Conradie in conversation with Werner Broodryk, offering profound insights and encouragement.

• 8 April: Welcomed Bert Moolman on SportStroom, a key figure in Luiperd Welpie Rugby, sharing a decade's worth of experiences from 2013 to 2023.

Community Engagements and Heartwarming Stories

• Katryn's Progress: Young Katryn continues to inspire us all. With her new hearing aids and ongoing speech therapy sessions, she's on a promising path. Her cochlear implant surgery is anticipated for June. The community stands firmly behind her journey.

Things To Do This Weekend in Potchefstroom

Don’t forget to check out our Weekend Guide for 11–13 April – a roundup of markets, shows, and local entertainment happening right here in Potch!

Whether you're keen on browsing stalls, attending a live music event, or looking for something fun for the kids, we’ve got your weekend sorted.

As we reflect on the week's events, it's evident that Potchefstroom is a community marked by resilience, unity, and proactive engagement. Stay connected with The Go-To Guy for more updates, stories, and events that matter to you.

Until next week, stay safe and engaged!

The Go-To Guy Weekly Update - Week 14

StroomStories & SportStroom – Conversations that Matter

From the rugby field to the prayer room, we had some powerful chats this week:

• April 1st: Marius Pruis, team manager at Potch Dorp Rugby Club, joined us to talk about passion, team spirit, and why rugby is more than just a game.

• April 2nd:  Spiritual Talk with Pieter Conradie and Bennie Jonker—this one hit deep. They spoke about prayer as a Kingdom lifestyle, not just something we do, but how we live. Powerful stuff!

• April 3rd:  Burger van der Westhuizen, head coach of the NWU Eagles Varsity Cup team, shared the hard truths about performing at the top level. Success takes grit, vision, and relentless effort.

Where Was the Dream Team This Week?

PD and Micayla were on the go again, visiting local spots that make Potch shine!

• April 1st:  We were at Pick n Pay Canal Crossing for their EPIC Trolley Dash Competition! Spend R250 or more, drop your till slip in the box, and you could be racing through the aisles like a champ!
  

• April 2nd:  Manzini Plesier Plaas stole our hearts! From fishing and hiking to obstacle courses, school camps, and even wedding packages, this place is a full-on escape into nature. Highly recommended!

  
  

• April 3rd: We popped in at OppiCopy Printing and were blown away by their fast, high-quality printing services. From black & white to canvas prints, stickers, and magnets ,they’ve got you covered!

Workwear That Works – Jonsson x Go-To Guy

We gear up daily in Jonsson Workwear, and their latest Performance Golf Shirts are next-level awesome! Moisture-wicking 4-way stretch Built for durability And yes, logo embroidery included!

If you haven’t tried them yet, trust us—they’re a game-changer.

Community & Heart – Stories that Stay With You

This week reminded us that even in a fast-paced, digital world, community spirit still wins.

When a birthday gift delivery went wrong—intended for Tannie Willa’s 80th birthday—the people of Potch came together. No address, just a name and a city. But within hours, thanks to locals spreading the word, the gift reached the right Tannie… and the love reached even further.

Meanwhile, generous hands reached out to the elderly at Immergroen and Harmonie retirement homes, helping restore dignity where facilities were lacking. It’s small actions like these that make a big difference.

The Go-To Guy Online Store Is Now Live!

Yes, you read that right—we’re online! Now you can shop some of our favorites:

• Custom Canvases

• Bug Houses

• Ketties

• Can Crushers

• And more coming soon!

Browse, click, and support local , it's as easy as that. Keep an eye on our socials for more StroomStories interviews, local adventures with the Dream Team, and fresh drops from our online store.

And remember—if you’re not sure where to go, just ask The Go-To Guy.

The Go-To Guy Diary - Week 13 Time flies when you’re spending your days juggling stories, people, and a few cats! Here’s a look back at another jam-packed week with The Go-To Guy team – from inspiring interviews to hearts overflowing with love (yes Johané, we’re talking about you!).

StroomStories Highlights

March 25 – Dean from Dean’s DécorWe said goodbye to just furniture and hello to a powerful story of faith and new beginnings. Pieter sat down with Dean, the creative force behind Dean’s Décor, and it turned into a heartfelt conversation about taking brave steps and starting fresh. Dean’s Décor is more than just tables and couches – it’s full of soul.

March 27 – Spiritual Talk Ep. 25: “The Lost Self”Pieter and Bennie dug deep in this week’s Spiritual Talk episode, exploring the topic: The Lost Self – More than an Outward Image. A powerful reminder that who we are on the outside isn’t always the full story.

SportStroom – Sports with a Story

March 25 – Ep. 14: Dan “Popo” ViljoenIf you love rugby stories with a healthy dose of nostalgia, this one’s for you. Dan “Popo” Viljoen took us back to the glory days of Western Transvaal rugby – full of pride, passion, and incredible memories.

March 27 – Prof. Du Toit Loots (Part 2!)He’s back! Prof. Du Toit Loots returned with even more insights into sports supplements, nutrition, and the building blocks of a healthier lifestyle. If this doesn’t inspire you to hit the gym, nothing will!

Cat Therapy @ PAWS

We popped in at PAWS again this week – and what a joy! Their free-roaming cattery is a peaceful haven where cats roam freely while waiting for their forever homes. You can visit, cuddle some kitties, and maybe even meet your new furry best friend. Donations are always welcome to help give these animals the care they deserve.

We’re Hiring – Twice!

Live Stream & Content Producer - We’re looking for a confident, creative storyteller who’s comfortable on camera and excited about creating content. If this sounds like you – come join our fun, family-like team in Potchefstroom!

Sales Position - We’ve also opened up a new sales position for someone who loves chatting with people and helping clients find exactly what they need. Some things are just better in person – and that’s why this role exists!

Helping Hands at Harmonie & Immergroen

We visited our friends at the Harmonie & Immergroen Retirement Villages – only to discover that some of the elderly residents are without warm water due to broken geysers. But don’t worry – The Go-To Guy (and the community!) is already getting involved to help fix it. We’ve got your back, Ouma and Oupa.

Team Updates – From Babies to Bosses

Johane, our new mom, shared a touching update on the indescribable love she’s experiencing on her motherhood journey. If you weren’t already feeling mushy, you will now.

Katryn continues to challenge and inspire us as she learns and grows in her journey with deafness. Sign language is quickly becoming a second language in the Jansen van Rensburg house – and honestly, we’re all learning so much from her.

Oh, and one more thing – our boss Jan (a.k.a. Frans) is heading back to South Africa on the 7th of April! We can’t wait to have him back, although international travel never agrees with him – so we’re expecting the usual flu on arrival. Bring tissues, Jan!

That’s a wrap on Week 13 – stories, smiles, and so much heart. Until next week – stay kind, stay curious, and stay connected.

The Go-To Guy Weekly Diary - Week 12

Welcome back to another exciting edition of our weekly diary! As always, our team has been out and about, keeping their fingers on the pulse of Potchefstroom. Here’s what went down this week:

Out and About with the Dream Team

PD & Micayla took to the streets once again, visiting some fantastic local businesses:

• Dismart – The ultimate stop for all your essential needs.

• Flotek – Innovation at its best!

• The Green Door – A hidden gem in our community.

Our dynamic duo, PD and Micayla, had the pleasure of attending the OFM Raw Talent event this week. This platform is renowned for spotlighting emerging artists, offering them a stage to showcase their unique skills and connect with a broader audience.

The energy was palpable, with each performance highlighting the rich tapestry of talent within our community. Events like these not only entertain but also strengthen the bonds that make our community vibrant and diverse. We look forward to featuring some of these talented individuals in future StroomStories sessions.

StroomStories: Bringing the Community Together

This week in StroomStories, we had some incredible guests:

Karien from WilleTuin Privaat Akademie shared insights on their small-class, big-learning approach. If you have little ones, you won’t want to miss this one!

Spiritual Talk: Pieter Conradie sat down with Werner Broodryk to discuss personal growth and spiritual stimulation—an inspiring conversation for sure!

Introducing SportStroom

We had to bid farewell to our old name, Sportchefstroom, due to some unexpected feedback. There is already a page named Sportchefstroom and the owner brought this page. But fear not! SportStroom is here to stay, and this week, we kicked things off with Danika Malan, talking all things Action Sports, South Africa’s leading indoor sports provider.

We also had SportStroom featuring Terseus Liebenberg! 

He is a true master coach with over three decades of experience in athletics. Under his guidance, Marius Corbett and Sunette Viljoen reached incredible heights, winning international titles. His recipe for success? Hard work and lots of sweat!

Heartwarming Stories & Community Support

We got in touch with local artist Ta Lokii, who has been nominated for the Mzansi Artist and Media Award at just 22 years old! We’re hoping to get him in for a StroomStories interview before he becomes a superstar. Watch this space!

Tracy shared the sweetest update on Katryn, who is adjusting to life with hearing aids. To stop her from pulling them out, she wears an adorable hat—picture a mini Heidi, and you’re spot on! We’ll keep following her journey.

Our Packages Update

This week marked the final cutoff for cancellations and upgrades, as we refine our offerings to just three core packages—ensuring we deliver maximum value to our clients. While we had to say goodbye to some old clients, we also welcomed new ones, and we’re excited to build fresh relationships. And who knows? Maybe some of our past clients will find their way back to us!

Until next week, Potchefstroom—stay connected, stay inspired, and keep the stories flowing!

That’s a wrap for this week at The Go-To Guy—a mix of new adventures, heartfelt moments, and exciting changes. We’re constantly inspired by the incredible people of Potchefstroom and the stories that shape our community, whether through Stroom Stories, local events, or just chance encounters on the streets.

Keep an eye out for us, give us a wave, or better yet—come share your story! You never know where the next big conversation might lead.

Week 11 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

Hey there, fellow Potchefstroomers! What a whirlwind of a week it’s been at The Go-To Guy HQ. We’ve been busy with interviews, visits, new developments, and a whole bunch of reshuffling in the team—so let’s dive right in!

Meet the Team (and the Ones We’re Missing)

- Quintin is our technological wizard, making sure our websites, apps, and integrations run smoothly.

- Amanda handles all things events, from writing stories to managing our regional event calendar.

- Pieter and Micayla form Dream Team 1. They’re the faces behind our Stroom Stories interviews and video broadcasts around town. You’ve probably seen Pieter in videos galore, telling all the amazing stories Potchefstroom has to offer.

- Dream Team 2- Charlene, Karen, and Yolandi - runs our Potch Gazette stories, profiles, and ads, tackling everything from school news to must-visit spots in town.

- We’re missing Johané, our awesome journalist who’s on maternity leave, and Tracy-Lee, our finance guru. Tracy-Lee is on extended leave to care for her little girl Katryn, who’s deaf. We’re keeping everyone updated on Katryn’s journey—especially her new earpieces and how she’s adapting.

- Our fearless leader/investor is Jan Joubert, also called Frans (depending on who you ask!). He’s currently off making us all jealous by traveling in Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands.

StroomStories and Studio Adventures

Our Stroom Stories studio guests this week :

• Monday 10 March - Esmi’s Grooming, giving us the scoop on caring for our furry friends

• Tuesday 11 March - Elevation Ultimate Frisbee Club, who made us want to grab a Frisbee

  and join in!

• Wednesday 12 March -A spiritual talk session with Bennie Jonker, chatting about faith in big decisions

• Thursday 13 March - Jannie Klaasens, a legend in rugby circles .

Meanwhile, *Dream Team 1* headed out to visit:

- *Build-it*

- *Pick n Pay at Canal Crossing*

- *PAWS* (our local animal shelter)

- *Plumbers Dept* in honor of World Plumbing Day

- *Daly Ford*, showcasing Ford Ranger deals

- *Flo-Tek*, one of our earliest clients, revealing their new Kress power tool range

Advertising, Sponsorships &… Being Fired?!

We kicked off our *refreshed advertising packages* for businesses—down to three simple, easy-to-understand core options. We’re excited to see how our clients respond!

We also continued our sponsorship of the *Potchefstroom Rugby Club*—we’re platinum sponsors again this year, carrying on from the partnership we started in 2024.

In less sparkly news, we got *fired by a client* who felt our service didn’t meet their needs (ouch!). We refunded their monthly fee and sent over all the results of our work. It stings, but we’ll keep pushing forward!

Another client asked us to tweak our creative campaign for a better product fit, so we’re making those adjustments this week.

New Projects & A Few Switch-Ups

1. One Call Service

We launched a teaser for our upcoming *One Call* service, designed to simplify finding home contractors and quality suppliers around Potch. Keep an eye out for the full rollout soon!

2. Online Store Adventures

We’re taking baby steps into launching our *online store*. First up:

- Quirky “Insect Hotels” for your garden

- “Ketties” (slingshots) that every South African knows

- Canvas prints with our own custom artwork

- Vinyl records and reading books

We’ll be adding more products over the next few months—so stay tuned!

3.Hiring a Socialite & Sales Person

We’re on the hunt for a *socialite* to cover Potchefstroom’s many social events and help us expand our coverage. We’re also still searching for a *sales person* to represent The Go-To Guy out in the field. Applications, anyone?

4.Digital Guy Launch

We’re preparing to launch our affiliated *Digital Guy* company, focused on website design, chatbots, AI-driven tools, online services—you name it. Give us a couple of months, and we’ll be rocking the digital world!

5. Farewell Mini, Hello New Ideas

We had plans to brand an old Mini for The Go-To Guy, but we’ve decided to cancel that project. Time for a new, eye-catching ride—watch this space.

6. Dream Team 2 Restructuring & Potch Gazette Changes

The Dream Team 2 ladies (Charlene, Karen, Yolandi) shuffled their responsibilities to cover their Potch Gazette areas better. We also *removed the buy-and-sell section* to keep the Gazette’s quality high. We might bring it back someday if the community calls for it.

Heartwarming Stories & Community Support

Koos the Parrot continues his rehabilitation journey. Poor Koos came to us plucking his own feathers (likely from stress or abuse), but he’s healing and looking better each day.

Katryn, Tracy-Lee’s baby girl, is adjusting to life with her new earpieces. She’s still discovering when (and when not) to babble away, and we’re all cheering her on!

We received a generous book donation from Mariette—big thanks to her! We plan to distribute these books for various community causes, spreading knowledge and fun across Potch.

Until Next Week…

So that’s the roundup for The Go-To Guy this week: a few ups, a few downs, and a whole lot of excitement for what’s ahead. We’re grateful for our growing community, the support from everyone in Potchefstroom, and all the stories we get to share—whether in our Stroom Stories studio, out on the town, or in the pages of the Potch Gazette.

If you spot us around town, don’t hesitate to say hi. Who knows—maybe you’ll end up on one of our broadcasts!

Until next time, Potchefstroom—stay curious, stay kind, and keep sharing those incredible stories with us.

Warm wishes from The Go-To Guy Team

Week 10 - Diary from The Go-To Guy Dream Team in Action!

Big news from The Go-To Guy this week! Our dynamic duo, PD and Micayla, have hit the streets of Potchefstroom, bringing local businesses to life through vibrant video content. Their mission? To showcase the heart of our town’s entrepreneurs and connect them with the community like never before. Stay tuned for their latest features and behind-the-scenes moments!

Streamlined Services for Maximum Value

To enhance our service offering and ensure the best experience for our clients, we've refined our packages down to just three streamlined choices. This update allows us to provide premium quality, focused attention, and the best possible results for every business we serve.

Personalized Client Care

Customer satisfaction is our priority! To improve response times and efficiency, we’ve divided all client accounts among three of our top staff members: Charlene, Karen, and Yolandi. This ensures that each client gets the attention they deserve, with faster and more effective service.

Introducing Webbie Pages for Every Client!

We’re excited to announce that all our clients now receive their very own Webbie Page! This exclusive business page allows customers to stay updated with monthly news, share important updates, and engage with their audience more effectively. This upgrade is set to boost visibility and keep businesses connected with their communities. Tailored Marketing Packages to Boost Your Business We offer three carefully curated packages to suit businesses at different stages of growth. The Starter Package is perfect for those looking to establish their online presence with a business listing, monthly updates, and a Webbie advertisement. The Growth Package takes it a step further by adding a featured article in the Potch Gazette, extended Facebook boosting, and a professional introduction video to help build credibility.

For those seeking maximum exposure, the Premium Package offers a comprehensive marketing solution, including multiple Facebook boosts, customized advertisements, and access to Stroom Stories. No matter your business goals, these packages provide valuable visibility and engagement opportunities to help your brand grow

Celebrating Milestones

A massive thank you to our growing community! The Go-To Guy Facebook page has officially reached 62,000 followers! We are incredibly grateful for the support, engagement, and trust of our audience. Here’s to growing even bigger together!

Stroom Stories

We are thrilled to welcome Cindy and Drikus to the Stroom Stories Studio!

• Drikus is leading Sportchefstroom, covering the latest in local sports.

• Cindy brings insightful conversations with Potchefstroom locals, sharing their journeys, expertise, and unique stories.

• PD continues to bring depth to Stroom Stories through his Spiritual Talk segments, inspiring audiences with powerful discussions on faith and life.

Stroom Stories: This Week’s Highlights The Go-To Guy spoke with Kihara van der Linde about her experience as an au pair and everything young people needed to know before embarking on this adventure. Kihara shared her personal journey and why she believed it was important to make young people aware of the reality behind the glamour of the au pair life.

Things To Do & Events

Looking for something to do over the weekend? Why not take a look at our Events Calendar to stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Potchefstroom, or visit our Things To Do  segment.