The Final Diary Entry of 2024: A Year to Remember

As the final days of 2024 wind down, we at The Go-To Guy find ourselves reflecting on a year that has been nothing short of extraordinary. It’s been a journey filled with laughs, tears, challenges, and triumphs, all of which have contributed to the vibrant tapestry that makes up Potchefstroom and its surrounding areas. This year has been a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

A Year of Connection

We’ve had the incredible privilege of attending numerous events that brought our town together. From the bustling crowds at the Potch Geesfees to the colorful festivities of the Bult Oktoberfest, each event was a testament to the spirit of Potchefstroom. We immersed ourselves in these moments, not just as observers but as active participants, sharing the joy, camaraderie, and unique stories that emerged.

Our role extended beyond attendance; we were proud to participate in competitions and even launch some of our own. These initiatives not only showcased local talent but also reinforced the sense of togetherness that defines our community. Every competition, every story, and every interaction added another layer to our collective experience.

Milestones Achieved

This year marked several milestones for The Go-To Guy, achievements that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our loyal followers. Your engagement, feedback, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts. Whether it was highlighting local businesses, covering community events, or bringing attention to important issues, your support has made it all worthwhile.

We also had the honor of collaborating with remarkable individuals and organisations. From the inspiring work of Blossoms of Grace to the innovative spirit of Orka Solar, these stories reminded us of the incredible potential within our town. Each collaboration was a testament to the resilience and creativity that thrive in Potchefstroom.

Looking Ahead

As we bid farewell to 2024, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Thank you for allowing us to be your storytellers, your event guides, and your go-to source for all things Potchefstroom. Your trust and support have been the foundation of our success, and we are deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve this amazing community.

The year ahead promises even more excitement. In 2025, we’ll continue to bring you engaging content, interesting stories, and a closer look at the vibrant life of our town. We are committed to celebrating the people, places, and events that make Potchefstroom so special.

Warm Wishes

As the festive season unfolds, we would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this time be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Let’s step into 2025 with renewed energy, optimism, and the shared goal of making Potchefstroom an even brighter and more connected community.

Here’s to more stories, more milestones, and more moments that bring us together. From all of us at The Go-To Guy, thank you for an unforgettable year. See you in 2025!

Week 49 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

Things are really quieting down at The Go-To Guy as we head into the Festive Season, but it was still a productive week for our team. 

51 000 Followers!

In less than a week, we’ve grown with one thousand followers on Facebook. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our followers who helped us achieve this incredible milestone! 

Stroom Stories

Our livestream for 2024 has ended and we will be back in January 2025! Watch this space, as there are a few exciting new developments in the pipeline for this feature. We would like to thank each and every guest who came on the shows; whether it be Stroom Stories, Skool Kompas or Spiritual Talk. We appreciate each one of you, and it was wonderful to tell and share your stories with the Potchefstroom community. We look forward to welcoming new, even more interesting people in the new year. And a thank you goes out to everyone who tuned in week after week. 

Walk With Us

Our Museum Series continues, and this week featured Venterskroon Inn. Take a look at this historical building by clicking on the video below. 

Between all of the commercial videos, Liggiefees is in full swing and we are stopping by to chat to the artist. Click below to take a look at ‘Behind the Scenes’ with Rooksein. This week Drikus Viljoen will be talking to Chris Steyn, aka Plakkies, and Pieter will get a chance to talk to Dirk van der Westhuizen after his performance o Saturday. Keep an eye on our social media pages, as we will be uploading these interviews with the artists on there as well. 

WoudWandel

Not only is WoudWandel starting on the 4th of December, it is also our featured event of the week. Taking place from 4 - 7 December, this route at Hartspad Adventure Trails, this is another great outing for the family. Christmas lights, festive music and food await visitors. Tickets can only be purchased online, so simply click here.

Garden Master Competition - Winners announced

A huge congratulations to Esmi Bronkhorst who took first place in our Garden Master Competition in collaboration with Flo-Tek. Elmari Solomon took second place for her beautiful garden! These gardening gurus really showed their green fingers and blew the judges away with their breathtaking gardens. We look forward to hosting this competition again next year, so start preparing your gardens early on. Head on over to our Facebook page to take a look at the pictures these gardeners submitted which earned them their prizes. 

Pick ‘n Pay Canal Crossing

2 December saw the first day of Pick ‘n Pay Canal Crossing’s Shop, Save & Win competition. On Friday, 6 December, they picked the first winner from the lucky draw. Don’t forget to enter this great competition - draws will take place every Friday until the 20th of December. 

How to enter: 

• Spend R500 or more at Pick ‘n Pay Canal Crossing

• Write your details on the back of your slip and throw it in the Entry Box outside the store

What’s up for grabs: 

• R 5000 voucher for the winner to spend at any shop at the Canal Crossing shopping centre

• R 5000 towards a charity of your choice

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. 

See you next week for our last diary entry of 2024!

Week 48 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

A massive milestone

50,000 Followers – we did it! What an incredible milestone! We’re beyond grateful for each and every one of you who has supported us on this journey. To celebrate this amazing achievement, we treated ourselves to iced coffee frappes from Brayat.

In less than a year, our page grew with more than 40 000 followers, which is unfathomable. A huge thank you to each and every one of you who helped us reach this milestone. Here’s to more growth, energy, and exciting moments together. Thank you for being part of this journey! 

Stroom Stories

We kicked off the last week of livestreaming with Ilse Lotz, a band member of INK. They were recently nominated for an Afri-Indie Award for their song, “Winterhuis”, and already have more than 20 000 streams on Spotify. Take a look at the stream by clicking on the image below.

On the final episode of Skool Kompas, Drikus Viljoen talked with two grade seven students from President Pretorius about their primary school career, the highlights, and the exciting high school chapter that lies ahead. If you missed this sweet livestream, click here. 

In this week’s inspiring episode of Spiritual Talk, Pieter talked to André Bouwer about how your relationship with the Lord can shape and transform your work life and personal life. The right focus brings calm, even in a busy workplace or challenging personal circumstances.

Rugby Raas saw Hennie Pretorius as Drikus’ guest. After breaking his leg in three places during the Potch Volkies Gimmie Clash two years ago, Hennie’s road to recovery was long but remarkable. Through rehab and hard work, he earned provincial colors in U17 fishing and became the SA junior U19 arm wrestling champion. Take a look (and listen) to this young man’s journey by clicking here. 

We finished off the week with an episode of The Safety Line. Cindy Purén talked to Ruan Cato, Medical Manager at Mooirivier Beskerming, about how residents can stay safe during the upcoming holiday season. If you missed this episode filled with tips, simply click here. 

Walk With Us

Pieter took a walk on the wild side this week. He visited Barbosa K&K Wildlife Sanctuary, where he spent some time with the wild cats they have at the sanctuary. He also stopped at Boesmansgat Guesthouse and Lodge. Take a look at those videos below:

Our Museum Range is still in full swing, and on this week’s radar was the well-known Vredefort Dome Heritage Site. The Jonsson Workwear Hero competition is also well underway, with the closing date being tomorrow, 30 November. 

Abraham Kriel Liggiefees Gala Evening

On Wednesday, 27 November, our CEO, Frans Joubert, attended the annual Abraham Kriel Liggiefees Gala Evening. It was an evening filled with lights, laughter and good food. GP van Rheede van Oudtshoorn and his band, Ginger Snaps, entertained the crowd throughout the evening, and the attendees were able to enjoy the lights and festive motives without large crowds. 

Black Friday 

One of the most anticipated days of the year is officially here! Black Friday sees amazing discounted prices on a lot of products - both in the shops and online. If you’re planning on braving the shops, be vigilant! Don’t forget to head on over to our Facebook page to take a look at some of the specials at Canal Crossing Pick ‘n Pay. 

Liggiefees Officially kicks off

It’s the first day of Liggiefees 2024 and we are tickled pink! Not only will visitors be treated to fantastic music, but new food vendors AND new motives will also be on display. Be sure to head on over to Quicket to get your tickets or purchase them at the gate. Take a look at the great line-up below.

As the year is winding down, we are all getting ready for the holiday season. Our offices will be closed from the 13th of December until the 6th of January, but not to worry - we will still keep you updated with interesting videos and happenings. 

See you next week!

Week 47 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

The year is drawing to a close, and although things are slowing down, there are still a few exciting things happening in and around town.  

Stroom Stories

We had a very special stream on Tuesday. Anjanette was in the ‘hot seat’ as we spoke to her about her new endeavours that lay ahead, her time at The Go-To Guy, and what she’ll remember most about working at the company. 

Skool Kompas saw Martin Botha, the founder of StudyXpress. Martin shared more about StudyXpress’s unique approach to education, where Biblical values and out-of-classroom learning opportunities play a major role. Click on the image below to listen to this episode. 

During Wednesday’s episode of Spiritual Talk, Pieter talked to Bennie Jonker about the theme: The success of your identity. They delved deeper into how humans are prone to tackle everyday challenges from our identities. But what happens when that identity is not rooted in Christ? Obstacles can look more intimidating if you’re living from the wrong perspective, with the wrong identity. They spoke about how you can deepen your relationship with God, and root your identity in Him, in order for you to face every challenge with faith and confidence. 

During Anjanette’s last Stroom Stories, she spoke to musician Ayrton. This 20-year-old rising star is taking the world by storm. With his debut single "I Will Go Far" amassing over 25,000 streams on Spotify and YouTube in just a month, Ayrton is making waves with his original, heartfelt songs. They talked about his musical journey, creative process, and what’s next for this talented artist. If you missed this rocking episode, simply click on the below image. 

We wrapped up the week with a recap during episode 6 of Newsline. From the approaching Rollover Date for prepaid meters, and Fraud Awareness Week to Martha Stewart’s attempt at a Milktart, we covered the whole shebang. Take a look at the recap below in case you missed the episode. 

Walk With Us

It was another busy week for Pieter, as he popped in at various businesses and provided us with some entertaining content. First up was Jonssons Workwear to promote their Hero Workwear Competition which is currently underway. Next up was Orka Solar where he gave the community a look into this well-established name in Potchefstroom; for any and all your alternative energy needs, Orka Solar is the place for you! On Wednesday he teamed up with Quintin and Micayla to attend Potch Academy’s Student Work Exhibition, where the students had the opportunity to showcase their work from the past year. It was a spectacular evening with impressive art pieces and good company. 

It is World Toilet Day on the 22nd of November, so it was a no-brainer to pop in at Plumber’s Depot to take a look at some of the specials on their favourite brands. The week ended at Canal Crossing’s Pick ‘n Pay. Pieter took a stroll through the aisles and gave viewers a sneak peek of some great Black Friday Specials that will be hitting the shelves next week!

To take a look at any of the above-mentioned videos, click here to be redirected to the Walk With Us segment on our website.

Matric Farewell Winning Couple Announced 

A huge congratulations to Attie and Amily for being crowned the winning couple for our Matric Farewell Couple Competition! This lucky couple walked away with some incredible prizes. Thank you to everyone who entered, and thank you for every like, share and comment on the post. A huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors who contributed to this competition with some stunning prizes! The winning couple was selected from the Top 5 by our sponsors. Enjoy your fantastic prizes, Attie and Amily!

Garden Master Competition

If you think that your garden is the most beautiful one in Potchefstroom, then this is the competition for you! Our Garden Master Competition will end on the 25th of November, with the winner being announced on the 7th of December.

How to enter:

1.Buy any eligible gardening products from R100+ at Flotek North West, 1 Delta Street.

2.Send up to 3 garden photos and your receipt before 25 Nov.

3.Send your entries to theguy@thegotoguy.co.za or WhatsApp to 083-209-1870.

Prizes include:

1st Place: INGCO Battery Operated Trimmer

2nd Place: 1,000L Water Tank

3rd Place: Guano Boost Product

For more information on the competition, click here.

Abraham Kriel Liggiefees Sponsors

With the much anticipated Abraham Kriel Liggiefees a mere week away, we started promoting the sponsors who made this annual highlight possible. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, as we will be uploading a sponsor every day until the 13th of December - that’s a lot of sponsors! 

And speaking of Liggiefees, a last minute artist joined the line-up. Ray Dylan will be taking to the stage on the 11th of December. Remember to purchase your tickets on Quicket or at the gate - we can’t wait to see you at the Liggiefees from 29 November until 31 December, 18h00 - 22h00 every evening. 

Bon Voyage, Anjanette

It is with a heavy heart that our team said goodbye to Anjanette on Thursday. She and her fiancé will be heading to KwaZulu-Natal to teach. Anjanette has been a part of our team for nearly a year, and during this time she has made a lasting impression and set the standard quite high for the next Stroom Stories presenter. Her empty seat leaves an empty space in our hearts, but we wish her only the best with this new endeavour. Anja, thank you for all the laughs, tears, and coffees we got to enjoy with you. You will always be a part of The Go-To Guy team. We hope Pongola has a drive-thru coffee shop!

See you next week!

Week 46 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

Another milestone

We have officially reached 48 000 followers on Facebook! A HUGE thank you to all of our followers - old and new. To celebrate this milestone, we were treated to some delicious pizza from Pizza Hut. If you haven’t noticed, we are quite the pizza lovers. Thank you so much for supporting us on this journey, we look forward to creating more content you love, and bringing you the stories of Potchefstroom to Potchefstroom. 

Stroom Stories

We kicked off the week with a visit from DA Ward Councillor, Bertus le Roux, who has been involved with the DA since 2006. He shared some insights about our town, some challenges he faces in this position, and the exciting projects ahead. If you missed this very interesting episode, do not fret - simply click here.

Skool Kompas Episode 14 saw Tinike Viljoen and Lieb du Plessis, two grade 11 learners from Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom. They spoke about the learners’ school careers, the challenges they face during exams, and about how they handle stress during the end of year struggles. Head on over to Stroom Stories on our website and click on this episode.

On Spiritual Talk, Pieter Conradie and Bennie Jonker had an insightful conversation about the ‘instant culture’ and comfort in our spiritual lives. We live in a world of instant solutions and instant gratification, which we often expect in our relationship with God. True spiritual growth requires commitment, time, and the patience to sacrifice our comfort for a deeper connection - something that instant solutions can’t replace. Click on the below image to listen to this short, powerful message.

During Thursday’s episode of Stroom Stories, we welcomed the Director of Childline North West, Melindi van Rooyen, in the studio. Here, Melindi and Anjanette spoke about the important work that Childline is doing in our community. It was a conversation about hope, safety, and the future of our children. Click here to take a look at this inspiring episode.

On episode 26 of Rugby Raas, Drikus chatted to Tshiamo Pieto, a player for Potch Dorp Rugby Club’s second team. Tshiamo shared his journey, from his days as a Gimmies rugby player to his involvement at Potch Dorp Rugby Club, and they also spoke about how rugby formed his life and the lessons he learned on (and off) the field. Click on the image below to listen to Tshiamo's story.

We ended off the week’s livestream with another episode of Newsline, where we recapped the week’s events, spoke about our local school stars, and events to look forward to this weekend. If you missed the recap, simply click on the image below. 

Walk With Us

This week was another busy one for Pieter, and he was all over town. He stopped at Jonsson Workwear to promote their Workwear Hero competition which is currently underway, and reminded the Potchefstroom community about Homestead Butchery’s birthday on Friday, 15 November. Later the week, he got a good workout when he visited BodyLab EMS, and he stopped at Childline North West to talk with Director, Melindi van Rooyen, about the incredible work they do.

Pieter is fortunate to drive around with the Ford Puma this month, and of course he had to do a review of this fantastic car. He ended off the week by visiting the Totius Huis Museum as part of our newest Museum Series. 

Head on over to the Walk With Us segment on our website to take a look at these videos!

Matric Farewell Couples Competition - Top 5 announced 

The public voting has closed, and our sponsors are busy voting for their favourite Matric Farewell Couple. The results will be announced on Monday, 18 November, where the winning couple will walk away with an amazing price worth more than R15 000! A huge thank you to everyone who entered the competition.

Business of the Week

Nestled beside the tranquil river in Potchefstroom, River Café offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning waterfront views, this local favourite invites guests to unwind and enjoy a refreshing escape from the everyday hustle. Their menu features delicious, wood-fired pizzas and savoury rizzoles that pair perfectly with their signature selection of locally crafted beer and expertly mixed cocktails, adding a unique, artisanal touch to the experience.

Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to catch up with friends or a romantic riverside dinner, River Café delivers with its warm ambiance, friendly service, and a menu that celebrates the local flavours.

Homestead Butchery Turns 3!

Can you believe that it’s been three years since Homestead Butchery opened its doors?! Ever since then, they have made their mark in Potchefstroom with A-grade quality meat, delicious biltong and droëwors, not to mention the lovely snacks on offer. The Go-To Guy team spent the day at the butchery where we interacted with the community, saw Pieter give away some prizes, and got some great content. Keep an eye out for an article about this special birthday celebration, and take a look at the video's on our Facebook Page.

Lulu Lalla opens its doors in Potchefstroom

After two successful branches in Klerksdorp and Kathu, Lindie Badenhorst decided to expand her business to Potchefstroom, and on 15 November Lulu Lalla Gift Shop officially opened its doors at Vyfhoek Shopping Centre. We look forward to seeing how this new addition to our town grows and blossoms. 

Find Lulu Lalla Gift Shop between Westpack and Tops.

See you next week!

Week 45 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

We started off the week with some scorching hot weather here in Potchefstroom! Nevertheless, we knew it was another week where opportunities were waiting for us. 

Stroom Stories

Our Safety Line presenter, Cindy Purén, hosted this week’s Tuesday episode of Stroom Stories. Here, she spoke to Santi Britz from iDUC (Initiative for Dedicated Upliftment and Care). iDUC is a non-profit organisation in Potchefstroom that supports individuals who have been victims of abuse. As described on the Facebook Page’s biography ‘’The iDUC project is based on the touching story of Santi Britz who, by the grace of God, used her pain from a rape trauma to touch the lives of many.”

Santi founded iDUC to create awareness, and to support victims. They provide counselling, resources, and educational programs to combat violence against women and children. 

During Episode 13 of Skool Kompas, Drikus Viljoen talked to Hettie Conradie, the principal of Hasie Hop Pre-Primary School. She told our viewers more about the school itself, along with how they encourage these youngsters to love learning in a safe, healthy environment. If you missed this episode, simply click here. 

Pieter’s guest on Wednesday was Bennie Jonker. This inspiring, fifteenth episode covered the topic about how we become so comfortable with our routine and environment that we miss the voice of God - the voice that wants to lead us to a better life. Based on John 10:27-28, they examined the dangers of worldly comfort and how we can refocus on a deep spiritual connection. 

Thursday’s guests in the studio was the team from Love Potch. They spoke about this new initiative, and talked about how they are looking forward to changing the narrative of Potchefstroom, and transforming our town into the thriving, safe city it once was. Read more about the initiative here or listen to this episode by clicking on the image below.  

On the latest episode of Rugby Raas, Drikus sat down with Frank Lee Jackson, captain and fly half for Potch Dorp Rugby Club; he is also a Leopards player. The men talked about Frank Lee’s rugby career, his role on the field, and what it means to him to represent the community.  Head on over to our Stroom Stories segment on our website, and simply scroll down to Episode 25 of Rugby Raas. 

Newsline ended off the week’s live streams here at The Go-To Guy. We recapped what happened in town this past week, shared some international news, and informed the viewers about various events taking place in and around Potchefstroom this coming weekend. To take a look at the latest episode, simply click on the image below. Remember to visit our Events Calendar on our website for any event happening either in Potch or surrounding areas. 

Walk With Us

We have kicked off a brand new set of videos - the Museum Series! In collaboration with Heritage Potchefstroom Erfenis, we will be exploring a new museum in town every week. During this series we will share unique stories, insights about what makes Potchefstroom so special, along with a valuable history 'lesson'. This week's museum was the Reformed Church Museum. Take a look around by visiting our Walk With Us segment on our website.

To arrange a visit to this site, contact Carmie Huiman at 21149895@nwu.ac.za

New seasons call for new candidates

We have officially started the interview process of possible candidates for our three vacancies, which is an exciting new season for all of us. Keep an eye out for updates on our newest team member(s). 

Ikageng Gazette

Our Ikageng Gazette spokesperson, BK, attended a few events last weekend. The first was a fundraising event for the Ikalafeng Special School in Ikageng, and the second was a celebration, with the theme ‘Garden’/Lifestyle at Lyon’s Paradise. Here he spoke with the organiser of the event to gain some insight of what it entails. Head on over to our social media pages to take a look at these events, and the lively vibes that went along with it. 

Matric Farewell Couples Competition draws to a close

The matric farewell couples competition is drawing to a close, and the voting will end on Monday, 11 November. There is still time to vote for your favourite couple, so you better hurry up! Head on over to our Facebook Page, go to the competition post, scroll through the photos, and vote for your favourite. The Top 5 will be announced next week, whereafter our main sponsors will select the top 3, with the winning couple walking away with a huge prize worth more than R15 000! 

Looking for the greenest fingers in Potchefstroom

Do you consider yourself a gardening king or queen? Does everything you plant simply flourish under your care? Is your garden a picturesque haven, filled with a rainbow of flowers and does it smell like Spring for two seasons long? Then we want to hear from you! Enter our Garden Master competition which is currently underway, and stand a chance to win a fantastic prize from Flo-Tek, along with the title (and trophy) of Potchefstroom Garden Master. Read more about the competition here. 

Happy birthday, Yolandi!

On Thursday, one of our team members, Yolandi Botes, celebrated her birthday! We hope your day was filled with blessings, love, and birthday cake - all in absolute abundance. May this new year be filled with light, adventures and love, Yolandi!

Frivolous Fridays 

This week, we teamed up to compete in a round of 30 Seconds. Congratulations to Quintin & Anjanette for taking home the victory this week! Anjanette is on a streak, she can't be stopped! It was good fun, and a great way to end off this hot, humid, and fast week. Laughter truly is the best medicine. 

See you next week!

Week 44 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

Mile(stone) after mile(stone)

Potchefstroom, you did it again! You helped us reach 48 000 Facebook followers! This is truly mind boggling to us, and we can only stand in awe… ‘Thank you’ seems so insignificant, but we are honestly so extremely grateful for each and every like, share, comment, and follow we receive - not only on Facebook, but across all of our social media pages. We’re nearly at the magical 50 000 mark, so here’s to more relatable content that you love. 

Stroom Stories

On Tuesday’s episode of Stroom Stories, Anjanette sat down with the ladies from Solidariteit Helpende Hand, Suzanne de Swardt and Sunet van der Merwe. They gave a bit of background about Solidariteit, and shared their exciting, special Ladies’ Morning coming up. This morning is exclusively for the lovely women in and around town. Here they will spend the morning with motivational speaker and TV star, Lindie Strydom, all whilst being spoiled. This special event will take place on the 9th of November at the Potch Dienssentrum. Get your tickets here.

The headmaster and vice principal from Sonskynhoekie Pre-Primary School, Ms Annelene Kotzee and Ms Hendrehette Jonker, were Drikus’ guests on the twelfth episode of Skool Kompas. Here, the teachers spoke about the school, as well as how they are creating a positive start to the educational development in young children. If you missed this episode, head on over to our website, select Stroom Stories, and scroll down until you see Episode 12. 

Wednesday is Spiritual Talk day. In this inspiring episode, Pieter talked to Bennie Jonker about the connection between the brain and the heart in our faith - as described in Romans 10:9-10. They delved deeper into how brain and heart coherence can strengthen our relationship with God and direct our spiritual path. If you missed this inspiring episode, click here. 

On Thursday, Anjanette was joined in studio by the organizers of the Promosa Drug Awareness Campaign. They told us more about their latest awareness weekend taking place on the 2nd of November, in collaboration with Minister’s Fraternal, Freedom Recovery Centre, and YADSA. This outreach will include schools, the community, and several churches to make a difference together in the fight against drugs. 

Jan Naudé, centre for Potch Dorp Rugby Club, was Drikus’ guest on this week’s episode of Rugby Raas. Jan's game on the field is just as strong as his presence in the team, and he plays a big role in the team's attacking strategy. If you missed this episode, simply click on the image below. 

As per usual, Newsline ends off our week, and this episode was no different. Just in case you missed the past week’s recap, simply click on the image below to get an overview of what happened this week - from Potchefstroom to Pennsylvania. 

Ikageng Gazette - Welcoming BK

Our newest journalist, BK Votyeka, is the face of the Ikageng Gazette! With his vibrant smile and comfortable personality, he fits in well with the rest of the team. The few videos he has done have already made an impression on our audience members, and with him doing the videos in Tswana, it broadens our audience that much more. 

Keep an eye on our social media pages for updates from this vibrant, young man.

Walk With Us

It was another busy week for content capturer, Pieter. He visited Daly Ford to show all of the vehicles on display. He also stopped at the iconic Standard Bank building, which was on auction. His next stop was at Kyalami Motors, Mr Meat Mr Biltong, and he ended the week off at Made by Mosaic. To take a look at any of these videos, simply head on over to our Walk With Us segment on our website. 

Growing, growing, growing

Our team is expanding, and we started advertising positions for the following: Temporary Socialite, Sales Representative, and a Studio Broadcaster. While we will be bidding farewell to one of our beloved colleagues, at the same time we as a team are extremely excited for the ventures that await this individual. With that being said, there will be a few internal shifts taking place at The Go-To Guy, as well as external appointments - exciting stuff! It’s a bittersweet feeling, though.

Should you be interested in any of these openings, send your CV over to theguy@thegotoguy.co.za with the position title as your subject line.

Frivolous Friday - Guess the Sound 

For this week’s team building event, the team had to finely tune their ears, as our music knowledge was tested. The easiest way to describe it is ‘Noot vir Noot’. Of course we had to dress for the occasion - from the 80’s all the way to Afrikaans, the genres/eras were displayed in great detail with the costumes. A huge congratulations to Anjanette for claiming the Office Trophy for the third week in a row! 

See you next week! 

Week 43 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

Things have been slowing down a bit, and we are grateful for the small ‘break’ before Liggiefees. Although it’s been one of the quieter weeks, there was still a lot going on behind the scenes. 

Another milestone

It hasn’t even been one full week, but we have reached yet another milestone! The Go-To Guy officially has 47 000 Facebook followers! A huge thank you to our ever-growing audience, we appreciate each and every one of you so much. You are what keeps us motivated, especially during this final stretch of the year. To celebrate, we were spoiled with some delicious hot beverages from All Rise Coffee Court. 

Nampo Alfa

Pieter and Quintin visited the third Nampo Alfa, which was held in Bothaville over the weekend. Nampo Alfa focuses on hunting and outdoors, as opposed to Nampo where the focus is on farming, farm implements, and tractors - to name a few. Head on over to our Facebook page to take a look at the interesting people they met. 

Stroom Stories

During the first stream of the week, Anja talked to Bennie and Marwica from the Potchefstroom Service Center for the Elderly. They told the listeners more about the essential support they offer to the elderly, and how the center helps to keep members independent and active. We also learned more about the exciting Market Day that takes place at De Land on the 25th.

During episode eleven of Skool Kompas, Drikus talked with Franco du Preez, the marketing manager, and Ms. Welma Pieters, teacher and girls’ boarding school mother at Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom. They talked about the school’s culture, achievements, and the important role the school plays in the lives of its students - past and present.

Rassie Fourie was Pieter’s guest on Wednesday’s episode of Spiritual Talk. The two of them spoke about how one finds inner peace in such a chaotic world. If you missed this episode, head on over to our Stroom Stories segment on our website or click here.

Thursday’s Stroom Stories livestream saw Wikus van Aswegen talk to Anjanette where they talked about Wikus’ impressive rugby career up to this point, and the big event that awaits him - the national ‘Bokkieweek’ in Spain. They also spoke about the Back-a-Buddy fundraiser they are launching to make Wikus’ dream come true. If you would like to make a contribution towards Wikus’ fundraiser, please see the details below: 

R. Erasmus

Capitec Bank (Savings Account)

1352685599

Reference: Wikus van Aswegen

For more information, please contact the following persons:

Rykie Erasmus: 072 133 8480

Elmore Kruger: 078 233 0647

Our usual Rugby Raas took another route when Drikus spoke to Justino Lucas and Lockey Monay, the directors of Future Stars Academy (FSA), an academy focusing on developing soccer skills. They talked about how this institution is developing young talent in the soccer world. To listen to this episode, simply click on the image below.

During the second episode of The Safety Line, we explored how neighbourhood watch groups, WhatsApp communication, independent security, and local council members all play key roles in keeping our communities safe.

This week, Cindy was joined by Santi Britz, a former council member with valuable insights into collaboration between watch groups and local government. Learn how to set up an effective watch group, use communication platforms efficiently, and work with security services and local councils to enhance safety.

Walk With Us

This week we took a closer look at the new bakery in town, Die Spens. They have some delicious baked goods, but don’t just take our word for it - take a look at the video and go experience it for yourself. Pieter also stopped at Panarotti’s to take a look at the newly renovated premises, along with the super fun play area! The last stop for this week was at Buco to see why they're the ultimate destination for all your indoor and outdoor needs! 

To walk through these businesses with us, head on over to our website.

Matric Farewell Competition

Voting has now officially started. The winning couple will be announced on the 11th of November. Click here to be redirected to the Facebook post, and vote for your favourite couple today!  

Garden Master Potchefstroom

Calling all green fingers and gardening enthusiasts in Potchefstroom! Our gardening competition is in full swing. Read full details on how to enter for this competition here.

Event of the Week

CANSA & ReboundSA Bounce-a-Thon

For those in Potchefstroom, you’ve got choices! Kick off your day at:

1. Tree of Life Fitness in Faith at Reform Gym, Baillie Park (7 Parys Ave, Shop 20)

2. Jumping Queen's Rebound Fitness, located at 3 Retief Street

Both spots offer a chance to get fit and have fun with an energising one-hour rebounding class. The classes cater to all levels—whether you're new to the bounce or a pro jumper. And the best part? Every bounce helps raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Read more here.

See you next week!

Week 42 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

Things are quieting down a bit, which we are also thankful for! Nonetheless, it was another productive week for the team at The Go-To Guy.

Celebrating 46 000 followers!

Another milestone! Wow, wow, wow. A huge thank you to our 46 000 Facebook followers! We continue to be overwhelmed by the speed with which our followers are growing.

Stroom Stories

During Tuesday’s Stroom Stories, Anjanette spoke to Janca and Roné from the organisation, Pink Trees for Pauline. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and they joined us in the studio to talk about this initiative. Pink Trees for Pauline not only creates awareness, but raises funds for cancer patients to receive their treatment. To take a look (and listen) to this conversation, simply click on the image below.

In this week's episode of Skool Kompas, Drikus Viljoen talked to Mr. Morné Smit, headmaster of Ferdinand Postma High School, and Mrs. Mariëtte Geldenhuys, one of the school's teachers. They shared the school's challenges and successes, and what their vision is for the future of the learners. They also touched on the 100% matric pass rate for the past 24 years - which is an incredible achievement!

During episode twelve of Spiritual Talk, Pieter Conradie talked to Werner Broodryk and Quintin Groenewalt about the impact they have in society, especially among young people. They shared some incredible testimonies, and how they change lives and bring hope to others. This was an inspiring conversation about service and the power of faith. To listen to this conversation, click here.

Thursday’s Stroom Stories kept with the theme of breast cancer awareness month when Quré du Plooy was our guest. Being a breast cancer survivor, Quré shared her testimony and inspiring journey with our listeners. She also shared a few of the many challenges that cancer presents, as well as her journey to healing.

Rugby Raas saw Nico Els, the well-known coach of the Future Griffons Rugby Academy, in the studio. Nico coaches more than 800 players at the academy, which is a concept that is nearly unfathomable. He shared his experience and vision for the development of young rugby players.

We ended off the week with the second episode of Newsline. We covered the past week’s main stories, focused on our featured car and event of the week, and also talked about the events taking place this weekend. If you missed the recap, click on the image below.

Walk With Us

This week Pieter visited Potch Eish, and Vaal Towbars. He attended numerous meetings with prostective clients, and during the week he also secured Orka Solar as a new client for The Go-To Guy; well done, Pieter! To take a closer look at these businesses, as well as other businesses in and around town, head on over to our Walk With Us segment.

Frivolous Friday - Trivia Thursday

We held our Frivolous Friday team building activity on Thursday, and boy was it fun! We participated in two Online Trivia Games, which caused some great laughs. After the two warm-up rounds, it was time to get serious. After two intense rounds, we finally had a winner - Anjanette! She’s two for two, having won last week’s bake-off as well. Talk about girl power!

Matric Farewell Competition Closed

Our second matric farewell competition closed on Friday, and we will be communicating the ‘directions’ soon. The couples who entered are in the draw for a grand prize worth more than R15 000! Keep an eye on our social media pages on how to vote for your favourite couple.

“Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you”

Our colleague and campaign manager, Micayla, is getting married on Saturday! We would like to wish her and her fiancé a wonderful day and marriage ahead. May it be abundantly blessed, and may your love continue to grow daily.

See you next week! 

Week 41 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

It’s been one of the busiest weeks at The Go-To Guy!

Celebrating 45 000 followers!

As we’re inching closer to the magical 50K, we still celebrate every milestone, and this week was no different. As part of our Facebook page reaching 45 000 followers, we were treated to some delicious, Italian gelato from Munchies. The growth that we are experiencing is something we have never seen before, and we are ever grateful for our loyal, and new, followers. We thrive to keep you updated, better ourselves, and continue to make a positive impact in our community. 

Stroom Stories

Tuesday’s Stroom Stories guest was Alet Visser from Empowering People SA (EPSA). 

EPSA helps businesses and employees by providing practical training that improves their productivity. They focus on empowering people with the right skills for success in various sectors. If you missed this episode, head on over to our Stroom Stories segment on the website to learn more about what training EPSA has to offer. 

On the ninth episode of Skool Kompas, Drikus talked to Santie van der Westhuizen, head of Little Saints Nursery School and Loise Kock, one of the HOD’s (head of department) at Saints Christian School. They had informative discussions about these two local schools, the importance of school education and how it shapes children's future.

On Wednesday, Pieter spoke to Ruan Viljoen on another episode of Spiritual Talk. Here they talked about the deep relationship between God’s Word, the plans we make, and how we trust God regarding our hearts and emotions. It was a deep, inspirational conversation about the importance of leading and trust in our spiritual journeys. 

Marietjie Gerber from Wilgeboom Aarbeie talked with Anjanette on Thursday morning’s session of Stroom Stories. She spoke about how Wilgeboom Aarbeie came to be, the fun initiatives that they are implementing nearly every weekend, and what the future holds for this humble family business. 

On episode 21 of Rugby Raas, Drikus spoke to Charisane Pruis, a talented Potch Dorp Women's Rugby player. She spoke about her path to success, along with the challenges and highlights she experienced along the way. Rugby runs through this family’s veins, as her husband, Marius, is also a rugby player for Potch Dorp. 

Friday saw the very first episode of News Line. Here, we talked about what happened in Potchefstroom the past week, as well as some exciting events taking place this upcoming weekend. Head on over to our Events Calendar to take a look at the variety of events, and if you missed this recap, take a look below.

Oaktober Fun Run

Start your Saturday morning with a 4.8km Fun Run. This is to celebrate the trees in the oak avenue and Potchefstroom Central School’s centenary (for those who don’t know what a Centenary is, it’s the hundredth anniversary of a significant event or institute.)

Do a candy hunt as you run, walk, or stroll through the oak avenue. This is sure to be a fun-filled day. And afterwards, you can reward yourself by attending the Bult Oktoberfest or Rum & Gin Festival.

Click on the below image to purchase your tickets:

Oktoberfest is FINALLY here!

It feels like this has been the biggest build-up EVER! But we know that the hype will be worth it. Oktoberfest is FINALLY here and we couldn’t be more excited for this festival. Throughout the week, we have been promoting the artist who will be taking the stage at the third annual Bult Oktoberfest, which only added to the excitement. We also had our lucky draw for Oktoberfest, and our winner ended up winning a table for themselves and nine friends - congratulations! Keep an eye on our social media, as we will be covering this event on the day as well.

Click on the image below to be redirected to Quicket for ticket purchases:

Rum & Gin Fest

In addition to Bult Oktoberfest, it’s also the highly anticipated Rum & Gin Fest which will be taking place at The Roots. As with Oktoberfest, we have been promoting the performing artists throughout the week. If you enjoy the finer things in life, then this festival is definitely the one for you! 

Click on the image below to be redirected to Quicket for ticket sales:

Walk With Us

Pieter was in and out of the office - as per usual. He visited quite a few new places, including Cyclo DNA and Wildman. On Friday he attended the official opening of the astro hockey fields at Volkies, and stopped at the newly opened Vida e Caffe, which is already a hit! Be sure to head on over to our Walk With Us segment to take a look at all these wonderful, new places. 

Frivolous Fridays - Office bake off

Cake Wars came to our office on Friday, and what a sweet surprise! The pressure was on as the three teams had to impress our ‘judge’ (tannie Linda) to see who would walk away with the trophy this week. In keeping with the Spring theme, all of the cakes were beautifully decorated with edible flowers, and the variety of flavours was delicious. 

Amanda and Quintin opted for a rich chocolate cake, Micayla and Pieter chose a decadent vanilla spongecake as their ‘weapon’ to take into this battle, and Anjanette and Johané headed down the rainbow route. 

The competition was stiff, and it came down to the detail of each design. At the end of the day, Anjanette and Johané were crowned as the winning Cake Team! 

See you next week!

Week 40 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

Cold fronts in September & October

This week Potchefstroom residents experienced a few very cold days - in the middle of Spring! Monday and Tuesday were the coldest days, but luckily the temperature increased as the week progressed, and by Friday, it felt like Spring again.

Stroom Stories

On Tuesday we talked to Ferdi Joubert from Daly Ford about what makes this icon in Potch so special! From popular models like the Ford Ranger to incredible promotions and service, Daly Ford Potchefstroom has everything you need! 

In this week's episode of Skool Kompas, Drikus Viljoen talked to Zuanda Wessels and Loretha van Dyk from SmartBrain. They explained how SmartBrain helps children to read better and how they use phonetic sounds to improve children's reading skills and vocabulary.

Pieter and Bennie Jonker’s conversation on Spiritual Talk was another inspirational episode. This week’s topic - Think outside the box about yourself and your work. They talked about how we often get stuck in habits and familiar routines, but God calls us to think bigger and explore new possibilities.

Thursday’s episode of Stroom Stories was a smashing one! Anjanette spoke to Danie Strydom, the owner of Vloermoer Smash Room, and they talked about how this unique business came to be, along with the exciting plans in the pipeline. All we’re saying is Splash Room and Axe Throwing. Head on over to our website to take a look (and listen) to this episode or click here.

Thursday saw a very special episode of Rugby Raas, as Kutlwano Dlamini and Abarham Sebe joined Drikus in the studio. Kutlwano Dlamini is a deaf/mute player who plays for Potch Dorp Rugby and does not let his disability stand in the way of higher heights. Abraham Sebe is Kutlawano's interpreter on and off the field. This was truly an inspiring episode. If you missed it, head on over to our Stroom Stories segment on our website, or click on the image below. 

Pink Trees for Pauline

We decorated a few pots and one of our walls this week for a good cause. We purchased some pink material from Janca, from the Pink Trees for Pauline Foundation, and wrapped the pots in support of Pauline’s fight against cancer, especially with October being breast cancer awareness month. Read the full article about Pauline and the foundation here.

One-on-One Meetings with our Operational Officer

On a more serious note, we had one-on-one meetings with our Operational Officer this week. During these meetings, Quintin talked with each of us and what our roles entailed at The Go-To Guy. He also wanted to ensure that we have a clear indication of what the long term plan looks like. It's good to keep the team on track and the goal before eye.

Walk With Us

Pieter was very busy this week, and he showed the community some interesting businesses. He visited Morvet on MC Roode street, where we were pleasantly surprised when we saw all that was on offer. He also popped in at Van Schabbies for all your financial needs, Cotton Cloud, a pet groomer, and Mbrace Pilates. He also visited the brand new coffee shop, All Rise Coffee, at 94 Retief Street. Seeing as the weather is warming up, he ended the week on a suited note - by visiting Munchies Ice Cream Shop on The Bult. From mango frozen yogurt to Fererro Rocher flavoured gelato, the Munchies flavours DO NOT disappoint!

News Talk 

Introducing a new livestream - News Talk. Tune in every Friday at 11h00 for a weekly recap of what’s happening in and around Potchefstroom, any upcoming events, and all things Go-To Guy related. 

Marketing for Liggiefees started

With the year already on its head, we started the official marketing of the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Liggiefees. This festival of lights takes place every year, from 29 November until the 31st of December. All proceeds go toward the children’s home, and is definitely the home’s biggest fundraiser. Each night, the grounds see thousands of visitors to take a look at the spectacle of lights that brighten and transform the premises into a magical wonderland.

There are some fantastic artists who will be performing this year, and as usual, the delicious food stalls will serve up all the Liggiefees classics - from curry and rice to rib rolls, chip sticks and everything in between. Our team is currently busy promoting the artists, along with the festival itself. Ticket purchases are available on Quicket.

Oktoberfest

The final countdown has begun, and we received the final line-up of performances during this year’s Bult Oktoberfest. It promises to be a day filled with great music, happy festival goers and, of course, beer. Surround yourself with the sound of Oompah Bands, local artists, and the smell of freshly made pretzels, and festival goers parading around with traditional German clothing. Don't forget to get your tickets here!

Rum & Gin Fest

The Rum & Gin Fest is fast approaching, and the excitement is palpable! Taking place on the 12th of October at The Roots, this festival will feature designer rum and gin for attendees to enjoy, along with some great music. The gates open at 12h00 and the event will continue until 22h00, and will feature artists Elandré, Demi Lee Moore, and Ivan Roux. Tickets are still available on Quicket.

Frivolous Fridays

This week’s office activity was another good one - Beer/Juice Pong. The team’s aim was challenged with this week’s activity, and everyone had a blast. A huge congratulations to Amanda who emerged victorious, and will bask in the win when the trophy takes its rightful place on her desk. 

Getting ready for the Sun Run 

It’s an eventful weekend in Potchefstroom with various markets and events taking place. One of the important ones is definitely the Sun Run, organised by Rouan Knoesen Biokineticist. The funds raised during this event will go towards Abraham Kriel Children’s Home in Potchefstroom. The race will take place at Lekwena Wildlife Estate, with the 10km starting at 06h30, and the 5km will start at 07h00. To enter for either the 5km or 10km, click here.

Free-roaming cat colony updates

The free-roaming cat colony residing at P.A.W.S has some exciting new developments. Vee Erasmus, along with the help of Darren Kruger from P.A.W.S., are busy renovating and expanding the premises for the cats. They have already built an additional shelter, laid some extra astro turf, and are busy clearing the rest of the allocated terrain which will see more shelters. Darren is also busy building a cat gym for the ‘residents’ to enjoy. 

“Max, Max, Max, Super Max”

On Friday, 4 October, our own Super Max ran all the way from Parys to Potchefstroom as part of his fundraising campaign for Abraham Kriel Children’s Home. We talked with him after he arrived at the children’s home & he shared his experience with us. It was an emotional, gruelling 54 kilometers, but the children motivated him the whole way. Read the full article here.

Celebrating the bride-to-be

One of our colleagues, Micayla, will be tying the knot on the 19th of October, so we surprised her with a small office ‘kitchen tea’...well, more like a ‘pong and platters party’. The delicious platters were purchased at Spicy Affair. Micayla is our campaign and marketing go-to person who definitely knows her stuff! We would like to wish her and her fiancé, Sergio, nothing but the best for this super exciting endeavour and new season they are about to embark on. 

See you next week!

Week 39 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

It’s a short, but busy week here at The Go-To Guy. We had the pleasure of enjoying an extra long weekend, and of course celebrated Heritage Day along with the rest of South Africa on Tuesday, 24 September. 

Aardklop

We kicked off the week when we visited Aardklop at the NWU RAG Farm. We visited a variety of stalls over the span of three days, and talked with some of the vendors, as well as festival goers. There is something for everyone, so if you haven’t been to the festival yet, be sure to purchase your tickets on Ticketpro or at the gate, and head to the NWU RAG Farm grounds for a festival filled with foods, drinks, and the most interesting products. 

Head on over to our Facebook page to take a look at some of the stalls we visited, and festival goers whom we talked with. 

Baillie Park T10 Cricket Challenge

The annual T10 Cricket Challenge got underway on Friday, 20 September. This event is one of Baillie Park Primary School’s biggest fundraising events. The challenge consists of eight to ten cricket teams competing against one another in elimination rounds. Each round consists of ten overs, and the team who accumulates the most runs, wins. Over two days, the teams faced off against each other, and a winning team emerged victorious. A huge congratulations to Hennie’s who walked away as the overall winners from this year’s challenge. We look forward to seeing new companies compete in next year’s T10 Challenge!

Stroom Stories

This week was very relaxed, seeing as it’s school holidays. Wednesday’s Spiritual Talk with Pieter and Bennie Jonker was another insightful episode. They spoke about how our thoughts and words are intertwined, and how thoughts gain power in the words we speak. The episode delved deep into how our thoughts affect our lives, and how words can shape our reality.

Three team members of a honours group joined Anjanette in the studio on Thursday morning. They spoke about their upcoming fundraiser, Barrels & Bids, what the proceeds will go towards, and information about the event itself. It was wonderful to see and hear these young people step up their game to contribute towards farmers in need. If you missed this episode, click on the image below.

Frivolous Fridays - Office Olympics

Inspired by the hit show, The Office, the team kicked off our first Frivolous Friday with none other than Office Olympics. We competed in paper plane folding, sticky note relay, and paper clip chain activities. It was a day filled with fun and laughter, and encouraged some camaraderie among the team members. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be participating in various office activities, and introduce the public to the members of our Potchefstroom office. 

Matric Farewell Competition

Our second matric farewell competition is in full swing. This time around it’s all about Potchefstroom’s favourite couple. This couple stand a chance to win a combined prize worth more than R15 000! Be sure to head on over to our Facebook page for more information on how to enter for this competition, and stand a chance to win this fantastic prize!

Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit. ... “A toast to cheer and good times".

Bult Oktoberfest is fast approaching, and we couldn’t be more excited! The third annual Oktoberfest will be taking place on the 12th of October at Cachet Park, Die Bult. Get ready for a day filled with good beer, better music, and a jolly good time. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. Head on over Quicket to get your ticket today - it’s a day you definitely don’t want to miss.

Rum and Gin Fest

In addition to Bult Oktoberfest, we are also counting down the days to the Rum and Gin Festival, which will also be taking place on the 12th of October. So, if beer and Oompah bands aren’t really your thing, head on over to The Roots instead for a day of distilled rum and crafted gin. Click here to buy tickets today.

See you next week!

Week 38 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

It was another busy, busy, busy week for the team at The Go-To Guy. 

Unbelievable milestone

Guys, we did it! We have officially reached one of our major milestones - 40 000 followers on Facebook! We knew this would be an incredible milestone celebration, so we did it in style...with a deliciously, decadent, Death by Chocolate cake from Pesto’s. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all of our followers, old and new. It’s such a privilege to be your go-to business for anything and everything in and around town. 

Stroom Stories

Tuesday saw a very special guest in the studio - Buksie Reiners from Pret & Proe. Buksie spoke about how Pret & Proe came to exist, the exciting ventures ahead, and what the community can look forward to when visiting their premises. Remember to visit our Walk With Us segment on our website to take a look at this amazing place on the Modderdam Road. 

Ms Elisia Smit and Mr Antonio, teacher and sport organiser from Potchefstroom Primary School, joined Drikus on Tuesday’s episode of Skool Kompas. They shared more about the school, their approach to education and teaching, and they had a few laughs in between, as one should. 

Pieter spoke with Mikael Gouws on Wednesday’s Spiritual Talk. The topic for today’s inspirational episode was ‘The people who touch our lives contribute to our growth, wisdom and spiritual development.’ This episode delved into how interactions and relationships shape our life journey. If you missed this episode, fear not. Simply click on the image below which will redirect you to the episode.

Thursday’s guest on Stroom Stories was Johaleen Graaff. She is currently a freelance teacher at the Military Base’s After Care Centre. They are busy with the preparations for their concert, which will take place on the 18th of October. The centre does not get any funding from the government, nor the Military Base, so they have no choice but to pay for supplies out of their own pockets. With the concert fast approaching, they are asking for donations in the form of: 

• Tutu’s for the girls (6 tutu’s, any colour)

• Ribbons (any colour)

• Hula Hoops (for both the concert and the school)

• White shirts for boys and girls (sizes have been provided)

• Decor for the stage (the theme is Love)

• A few drapes (around 2 meters long, any colour)

• Lucky/sweet packets for the kids

• Any type of military/navy hats for the boys

Thursday’s Rugby Raas episode saw Drikus talking with Johan Bornman, vice-president of Leopards Rugby. During this episode they reflected on the 2024 season, discussed the different leagues, along with the general challenges they faced this past season. They also spoke about what the future looks like, and what the community can expect from the team and club in 2025, as well as the future of club rugby. Take a look at this episode by clicking on the image below.

The countdown to Aardklop

The countdown to the 26th annual Aardklop Festival is officially underway, and the town of Potchefstroom is getting ready for this week of performing arts, good music, and even better food. From the 24th until the 29th of September, our vibrant town will come alive with visitors, as we all head to the NWU RAG Farm grounds where Aardklop will be held. The daily line-ups are jam packed with amazing talent, and the various venues across town are already busy setting up.  Be sure to head on over to Ticketpro to get your tickets to avoid disappointment or visit their Facebook page for more information on the artists, performances and the variety of activities.

Prost!

Not only are we getting ready for Aardklop next week, we are officially less than one month from Bult Oktoberfest - another fantastic festival to look forward to! The day promises to be filled with the sounds of Oompah bands, Kyle Cassim, Francois van Coke, and Chunga Monkey, to name but a few. Make sure you purchase your tickets from Quicket to avoid disappointment.

Matric Farewell Competition

The second matric farewell competition was launched this week, and we couldn’t be more excited! The winning couple from this competition will walk away with an overall prize worth more than R15 000. Head on over to our Facebook page for more information on how to enter for this great competition

Cleaning up our town

As part of the Potch Geesfees’ theme of this year, Beautify our Town, we took hands with ALS, Kooperasie, Meerkat Online Auctions, and Q Stud where we headed to the N12 for a clean-up initiative. It was great to see such commitment from the community, as everyone came together to create a cleaner town.

See you next week!

Week 37 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

It was another good week at The Go-To Guy. We got to meet a few interesting people, host Stroom Stories, and visit new places, so let’s dive in and take a look at the week’s recap!

Celebrating 39 000 followers

We can hardly keep up with our Facebook page’s growth! This week we hit the 39 000 follower mark - which is absolutely mind-boggling to us… We had a few cooler days this week, so we celebrated with some delicious, warm pancakes from Baillie Park Spar - shout out to them for making the best pancakes in Potchefstroom! To all our followers, thank you doesn’t even begin to express our gratitude. You are simply amazing, and you inspire us to thrive for greatness on a daily basis.

Stroom Stories

Martie Bothma from the Snowflake Market joined Anjanette in the studio to talk about this popular market that takes place every first Friday and Saturday of each month. From homemade products to local foods and produce, this lively market has something for everyone on offer. Not only does Snowflake host the monthly markets, they are more renowned for the rustic look and feel of the venue, hosting a variety of events - from fundraisers to weddings, and everything in between. Be sure to keep an eye on their social media pages for upcoming events and concerts.

Skool Kompas saw a special episode when Drikus sat down with headmaster Willie van der Merwe, and Sport Director, Jacques Botes from Potchefstroom Gimnasium. Mr Willie gave our viewers a bit of background about Gimmies, for both alumni and prospective students. The school year 2025 will go down in history as the year with the most admissions, which speaks volumes of the school’s success on both academic and sporting levels. Jacques Botes, a former professional rugby union player, briefly spoke about Gimmies’ narrow one-point win who took home the title at the end of the season, along with the importance of sport in schools.

Bennie Jonker is a regular at the office now, and he and PD spoke about the theme “What we consume, determines who we become - physically and spiritually. The message at the end of the day was ‘let us choose each day to feed our bodies and minds with what brings life and positive change’. If you missed this inspiring episode, head on over to our Stroom Stories section on either our website or app, or click on the image below.

On Thursday, Sister Elize Haagner from Nourish & Nurture Wellness Clinic joined us in the studio. Elize talked about the services on offer, preparing moms-to-be for labour, delivery, and recovery afterwards. Nourish and Nurture’s goal is to provide a safe space for mothers and babies alike, to give mom’s that sense of relief if they want to pop in for a quick consultation (measuring blood pressure, testing sugar levels or weighing your baby).

Elize is also a lactation specialist, and she prepares moms-to-be from before birth, and these moms can even call her if they’ve just given birth and need a specialist in that area. She also offers prenatal classes. These ten lessons stretch over five weeks, covering important topics including how to take care of yourself after birth, what to pack in your hospital bag, and first aid for babies. She also spoke passionately about her future plans for the wellness clinic, which will include baby massages, baby hydrotherapy, and immunisation. 

Drikus hosted episode 17 of Rugby Raas on Thursday afternoon. Abby de Jager was his very entertaining guest. This youngster, who is currently studying Sport Sciences at the North West University, is the current centre for both the Leopards and Potch Dorp Women's Teams. She spoke about her passion for sports in general, her trip to Paris during the 2024 Paris Olympics, and her ultimate dream of wearing the green and gold. 

The Go-To Guy presented the first episode of The Safety Line in collaboration with Mooirivier Beskerming. In this pilot episode, they talked about the growing threat of vehicle theft syndicates with expert insights from Christiaan Haefele (Mooirivier Beskerming) and Connie Sieberhagen (PSG Wealth). They dove into the latest trends, theft hotspots, insurance challenges, and how members of the community can protect their vehicles.

To catch up on any episode, simply head on over to the Stroom Stories segment on our website. 

Walk With Us

Pieter was all around town for our Walk With Us segment this week. One very interesting place he visited this week was, without a doubt, Pret & Proe - a new restaurant/petting zoo that opened just outside of town. Here, visitors have the opportunity to feed some animals and get to enjoy a beverage or snack at the restaurant afterwards. On the 11th of September there was a by-election that took place for Ward 7, 22 and 24, and Pieter spoke with a few ward councilors from the Democratic Alliance who encouraged registered citizens to vote in this important by-election. He also introduced the Potchefstroom community to Billies Biltong & Braai butchery, showcasing their variety of products on offer.  

Potch Dorp Rugby Club

The Go-To Guy team added two special pieces of memorabilia to our office this past week, when we were gifted with two signed and framed shirts from the Potch Dorp Rugby Club. These will hang proudly in our new studio, which is currently under construction - another project we can't wait to finish!

A huge thank you to Potch Dorp Rugby Club for the rugby jerseys, and Raamhoekie for your excellent services in framing these special gifts.

Klop-klop Aardklop

Can you believe that it’s that time of the year again? Aardklop will be bringing its vibrant colours, smells, and sounds to Potchefstroom and we couldn’t be more excited. From 24 - 29 September, the RAG Farm will be filled with stalls and a few stages where artists, famous and local, will take to the stage to entertain young and old. Be sure to head on over to Ticketpro to get your tickets to avoid disappointment or visit their Facebook page for more information on the artists, performances and the variety of activities during the Aardklop week. 

Potch Social

Keeping with the Snowflake theme, our Socialite visited the September Snowflake Market, where he took viewers through the venue, showed them the variety of stalls, and stopped to talk to a few visitors and vendors.

It's the weekend, baby!

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. 

See you next week!

Week 36 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

What a busy week at The Go-To Guy! It was a week filled with livestreams, interviews, and content creation, with the highlight of the week being the Flo-Tek Spring Day.

The celebrations continue!

Yet another milestone was celebrated this past week when we reached an impressive 38 000 followers on our Facebook page! The amount of followers, along with the loyalty and engagement from the community is absolutely incredible, and we are left speechless week after week. Seeing as it’s warming up (and we decided to switch things up a bit), we were treated to some McFlurry’s from McDondals - it was definitely a sweet celebration. We look forward to growing and celebrating with you. 

A breath of fresh air in Potchefstroom

Our Potch Gazette interviewed Sister Elize Haagner, owner and founder of Nourish & Nurture, a Maternity Wellness Clinic that opened on the 2nd of September. This clinic is set to become a vital source for expecting mothers and new parents in Potchefstroom. There are various classes on offer, and Sister Elize is also a Lactation Specialist. View the full article here or visit their Facebook page for more information. 

Stroom Stories

Anjanette sat down with Yolandi Marx on Monday’s episode of Stroom Stories. Yolandi, who is the owner and founder of Lifestyle Club, is also a seasoned fitness and wellness coach. They talked about all things health and fitness related, and why it’s so important to incorporate activity in our day to day. Yolandi also shared some useful tips to improve your lifestyle and overall health.

On Episode Five of Skool Kompas, Drikus sat down with retired principal, Mr. Daan Viljoen. Here he shared his rich experience and insights regarding the challenges and successes of a special needs school. Be sure to tune in to Skool Kompas every Tuesday at 15h30. 

On Wednesday’s Spiritual Talk, Pieter’s guest was Willie Henning. We also talked with Christie Saayman, the principal of Abraham Kriel Children’s Home. Christie shared his experiences at Abraham Kriel, the work they do, and the children they take into care. Abraham Kriel is well-known within the community, and the Liggiefees is an annual event and highlight in Potchefstroom. But beyond the marvellous lights, the true heartbeat of Abraham Kriel, its children, are the true stars of this home. Watch the interview here:

Keeping with the sombre feeling after Christie’s visit, Max Williamson joined us in the studio on Thursday, where he spoke about the challenge he will be partaking in when he runs from Parys to Potchefstroom to raise funds for the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home. We’re rooting for you, Max! Thank you for taking this challenge upon yourself to help children in need.

Drikus finished off the week’s official streaming when he spoke to Nadine van Reenen and Lizzy Diseko, the wing and captain, and hooker of the Leopard Women's Team respectively. They shared their experiences about women’s rugby, and discussed the challenges and successes on and off the field.

Walk With Us

This week Pieter visited Jonsson Workwear, and FBP Services in our Walk With Us series. To keep up with Pieter and his videos, be sure to head on over to our website, click on our Walk With Us segment and take a virtual look around the interesting businesses in our vibrant town.

Ikageng Gazette

Florah Votyeka, our Go-To Guy representative in Ikageng, attended the Spring RNB & Soul Family Picnic event this past weekend. She captured the highlights from the weekend, and spoke to various attendees. Keep an eye on our social media pages for the videos or head on over to the Ikageng Gazette to take a look at what the day delivered.

Flo-Tek Spring Day

Flo-Tek’s Spring Day, which took place on the 6th of September, was a huge success; with a turnout of 18 stalls and 14 potjies that were made. It was a day filled with sun, networking,  and loads of prizes! Nearly every client who entered the giveaway, walked away with a prize that day - from a 1000 liter water tank all the way to a biltong hamper, with cash prizes and various vouchers in between. 

A huge congratulations goes out to the Flo-Tek North West team on hosting this wonderful event.

Oktoberfest & Rum and Gin Fest

October is around the corner, and we are getting ready for Oktoberfest! The weekend of 12 October will be an eventful one, especially in Potchefstroom. Not only will the German flags be flying high at Cachet Park, whilst festival goers enjoy pints of beer accompanied by the sound of the Oompah Band, there will also be a Rum & Gin Festival taking place at The Roots. So if you enjoy the finer tasting things in life, the Rum & Gin Fest might be the event for you. Be sure to mark your calendars for 12 October, it’s going to be a good one!

To purchase tickets for either of these events, simply click on the images below to be redirected to the ticket sales websites.

See you next week!

Week 35 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

What a busy week at The Go-To Guy! It was a week filled with livestreams, interviews, and content creation, with the highlight of the week being the long-awaited Potch Geesfees.

Hitting milestones 1000 followers at a time

We are growing at a rapid pace, and this week saw two huge milestones - we reached 36K and 37K followers, both within a few days of each other. We were spoiled with delicious pizzas from Duke’s Pizza, and some amazing donuts from Krispy Kreme. A HUGE thank you to all of our followers, you are our biggest supporters and we appreciate you so much!

Stroom Stories

Monday saw a very special episode of Stroom Stories when we sat down with Onalenna Constantin, the second runner-up at the Miss South Africa Pageant. Onalenna is such a down to earth woman and proud ‘Potcher’. Take a look at the full interview by clicking on the image below or read the article.

Tuesday saw another emotional episode of Stroom Stories when Carien Möller from Mosaic stopped by the studio to talk about what the incredible women from Ikageng are doing for the foundation, and shared some success stories with the viewers.

On Wednesday’s Spiritual Talk, Pieter’s guest was Bennie Jonker. Here they talked about the power of emotional intelligence. They also discussed how you can handle the pressure of others around you, and find peace and balance in your life. 

Ankia Nel joined us in the studio for Thursday morning’s session, where she shared valuable insights and practical tips for those looking for growth and transformation. Ankia is the owner and founder of Heal Grow Prosper, and started this initiative to help women achieve personal growth and healing through her unique approach to life coaching and spiritual development. She has helped countless people unlock their full potential and live a life of fulfillment. For more information about Ankia and her foundation, read the full article here.

During Rugby Raas, Drikus Viljoen talked to coaches Angelo Jacobs and Jackie Kriel, from Potch Dorp and Leopards women’s rugby. They spoke about how the sport is evolving not only in the North West province, but across the country as well.

Walk With Us

Pieter was out and about this week, and he visited a lot of places in and around Potchefstroom. He took a quick tour around the ITCA Campus and popped in at the Library. He also headed to Kitso Ya Boleng Academy, where we all got a better insight into what this technical college has to offer. To keep up with Pieter and his videos, be sure to head on over to our website, click on our Walk With Us segment and take a virtual look around the interesting businesses in our vibrant town.

Potch Social

Our Potch Socialite, Drikus Viljoen, recently visited the VARSMark that takes place every Saturday. Here, he talked with all of the stall owners, found out more about their products, where to reach them or for those who didn’t visit the market, where they could find it otherwise. 

He also paid a visit to our neighbouring town, Parys, where he walked through the main street (Bree Street), popping into various shops and stores, and showing viewers exactly what these businesses are about. Be sure to take a look at these videos on our Facebook page.

Pass the Ball Promotion Ends

Our Pass the Ball Promotion has officially come to an end after travelling through town the past month. The last businesses that received the ball were Ocean Basket and PG Glass. The winner of the R500 Excelsior Leather voucher was chosen by our spinning wheel, and a huge congratulations goes out to Bundu Log Meubels! We would like to thank all of the businesses who participated in our Pass the Ball promotion. Watch this space for similar promotions in the future.

Potch Geesfees

The Potch Geesfees kicked off in style on Friday, August 30th, at Lekwena Wildlife Estate, with an exciting lineup of performances by Dirkie Visagie, Richann Brüssouw, and John Rock Prophet. The day’s highlight was the Talent Competition, where Stephan Fourie emerged as the winner. Visitors also enjoyed exploring the vibrant vendor stalls, offering everything from baby outfits to unique brandy and delicious food. The festival set the tone for a fun-filled weekend, with more updates and highlights to come on social media.

Day two of Potch Geesfees was packed with excitement as visitors enjoyed a full day of entertainment at Lekwena, starting with a performance by Alchané and featuring acts like Oppi-Stoep Dansorkes, Stephan Fourie, Pieter Smith, and Andriëtte. The crowd was also energized by a fun rugby ‘geesvang’ mini competition and the thrilling Springboks vs. All Blacks match, which ended in a 31-27 victory for the Springboks. The day concluded with lively performances by Jan Rhaap and Wentzel. Throughout the day, The Go-To Guy captured the festival's spirit, engaging with festival-goers, vendors, and the Master of Ceremonies, Matie van Graan. The festival continues with more to come!

Sunday at Potch Geesfees began with a vibrant 5km Color Run, setting a lively tone for the day. After the run, participants enjoyed more festivities, including performances by the Outoppies, Wynand and Cheree, and Janine. It was also the final opportunity for visitors to shop at the vendor stalls, filled with unique crafts and treats. The day concluded with a celebration of the festival's success, with thanks to the management team, vendors, and musicians. The event was a joyful celebration of community, and excitement is already building for next year’s Potch Geesfees in 2025! 

Read the full article here.

Keep an eye out for next week's update from The Go-To Guy's offices, it's sure to be filled with loads of new content, promotions, and different events where we will be involved.

Week 34 - Diary from The Go-To Guy

A Wild Week for The Go-To Guy Team

This week at The Go-To Guy Potchefstroom ended on an adventurous feat, as a few of our team members took a walk on the wild side when they enjoyed a game drive at Lekwena Wildlife Estate. Here’s a deeper look at everything that happened this week, neatly organised for easy reading.

Celebrating Milestones

35,000 Facebook Followers

We reached another major milestone this week with 35,000 followers on our Facebook page. To celebrate this achievement, we were treated to a fan favourite - Roman’s Pizza. A huge thank you goes out to all of our followers. To quote the legend herself, you’re simply the best! We are already creeping closer to 36, 000 which is just incredible!

Expanding Our Live Streaming and Content Offerings

Stroom Stories

Tuesday morning saw Heleen Humpel, founder and coach of the Panthers Netball Club, sitting down with Anjanette, where she shared a bit more background about the club, the challenges and what the future holds for this proud pink team. It was a special episode of Skool Kompas as Drikus sat down with his mother, Sunette Viljoen. Sunette, who was a remedial teacher for 46 years, talked about where the inspiration to go into remedial teaching came from, along with all her challenges, highlights and various impacts that teaching children with special needs had on her life. 

Hendri Hofmeyr, who is no stranger to the spotlight, was our guest on Spiritual Talk. During this session, PD and Hendri talked about the inspiring, important role of a father in today’s society. Hendri, as a father of four, absolutely adores his family and takes his role as head of that family very seriously. He shared some shocking statistics relating to fatherless households, and the impact that these children experience whilst growing up without a father. 

The week ended on a high note, as Anjanette talked with Murray Deacon, a member of Oppi-Stoep Dansorkes during the morning session of Stroom Stories. Here, he entertained our viewers with anecdotes from the band’s journey thus far. This band will also be performing at this year’s Potch Geesfees, taking place from 30 August until the 1st of September at Lekwena Private Wildlife Estate. Be sure not to miss them, along with other big names in the music industry performing on the 31st of August. Head on over to Tixsa to purchase your tickets for Potch Geesfees. 

Drikus ended his week’s live streaming with Rugby Raas during Thursday’s afternoon session. His guests were none other than Matthew Proudfoot and Chris Erasmus, and man oh man, what a great stream that was! If you missed it, be sure to head on over to our Facebook page or website’s Stroom Stories segment to take a look at the conversation. Matthew Proudfoot is a South African rugby union coach and former player who represented Scotland. He is currently the head coach at the Leopards Rugby Team. Chris, on the other hand, is currently the backline coach for the Leopards.

Potch Socialite

The first official video from our Potch Socialite has been uploaded to our social media pages, and we think that Drikus did an excellent job, given it’s his first time behind the camera, as we’ve seen him in front of the camera for the majority of this year. Head on over to our Facebook Page to take a look at his first event coverage - M.L. Fick Primary School’s Open Day or take a look at the video here:

Ikageng Gazette

The Ikageng Gazette also officially kicked off with Florah Votyeka talking with Ikageng residents amidst the protests and riots that took place on Monday, 19 August. With her comfortable and inviting personality, she’s able to connect and talk confidently with members of the township.

In this video, Florah brings us valuable insight from Ikageng, showing how the local community came together to protect one of the tuckshops during Monday's protests. The protests, initially sparked by municipal rate hikes and poor service delivery, escalated, leading to looting of local tuckshops. But in this video, you'll also see a heartwarming display of unity as residents stand up to protect their community.

Walk With Us

Pieter was very busy with content creation this week. He visited Lenmed Mooimed Private Hospital, Car Service City, Jonsson’s Workwear, and Platō Coffee, just to name a few. Explore these businesses with us by heading over to the Walk With Us section on our website.

Community Campaigns and Partnerships

Geesfees Campaign

As we inch forward to the much anticipated Potch Geesfees, the excitement is starting to build in and around town. In addition to the countdown, the Top 9 local artists have also been announced, and we are excited to see them take to the stage on Friday, 30 August where one will be crowned as the winner of Potch Geesfees 2024. We are also busy promoting all of the vendors and sponsors for that weekend, and we are creating awareness regarding all of the activities for the whole family. Be sure to get your tickets on Tixsa or at the gate.

The Go-To Guy as Musician

We also wrote a song using AI mixing with our Lyrics for the Geesfees, which is the background to our summary of all the things around Potch Geesfees, you can view the video as well as the song we did in the video below

Pass the Ball Promotion

Since we launched our Pass the Ball Promotion, the leather ball from Excelsior Leather, has visited nine businesses in Potchefstroom! This is a great initiative to create awareness amongst locals and bring exposure to businesses that some residents might not have heard of before.

Our Pass the Ball promotion, in collaboration with Excelsior Leather, is in full swing. This fun campaign sees a leather rugby ball being passed from business to business every second day, creating a sense of unity and community spirit. This unique event celebrates our vibrant business community, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and friendly competition. The prize? A R500 voucher for Excelsior Leather, where the winning business can create a customized item of their choice or pick already available products. (View Article Here)

Event Planning and Local Partnerships

Bult Oktoberfest and Rum and Gin Fest

We are counting down the days until the 12th of October! This is a big day for Potchefstroom, as our town will see two big events taking place. Bult Oktoberfest and the Rum and Gin Fest are two very different events, catering to two different demographics. Regardless of your preferred choice of drink, you’ll be sure to have your thirst quenched at either one of these festivals. 

Client Campaigns

As Spring approaches, the anticipation of Flo-Tek’s Spring Day, taking place on the 6th of September, grows with each passing day. This promises to be a day filled with prizes, vendors, a variety of stalls, along with a Potjiekos Competition taking place on the day. The foods from the competition will also be sold to the public, so be sure to grab your lunch or dinner at 1 Delta Street, Potch Industria.

Something BIG is coming

By now, you should know that we are continuously growing and testing waters of all sorts. We are very excited about a new Go-To Guy venture that will be coming to the Potchefstroom community. Watch this space for updates on our newest project that will be hitting the streets soon.

It’s been an incredibly busy week at The Go-To Guy Potchefstroom, filled with growth, new initiatives, and ongoing commitments to our community. We look forward to continuing this momentum and sharing more exciting updates in the weeks ahead!