JB Marks Local Municipality: A Closer Look
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The JB Marks Local Municipality, located within the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, stands as the largest municipality in the district, covering nearly half its geographical area. Established in 2016 through the amalgamation of Ventersdorp Local Municipality and Tlokwe City Council, the municipality serves as a central hub for transport, agriculture, services, and manufacturing.
Key infrastructure, such as the N12 route and major railway lines, runs through Potchefstroom, one of its major cities. The city’s proximity to OR Tambo International Airport, at 145 km, combined with its own airfield, highlights its strategic significance.
Economic Landscape and Role of Potchefstroom
While gold mining is the primary economic driver in the surrounding district, Potchefstroom distinguishes itself with a focus on services and manufacturing. Ventersdorp, located to the northwest of Potchefstroom, maintains an agricultural economy, while Potchefstroom itself is home to the renowned North-West University, a significant contributor to the city’s services sector. With campuses also in Mahikeng and Vaal Triangle, the university plays a central role in shaping the city’s intellectual and economic landscape.
Potchefstroom's industrial zone is a hub of activity, housing major companies in steel, food, and chemicals. Well-known entities such as Nestlé, King Food, Chubby Chick, DENEL, and CFAM Technologies operate within the region. The city also supports around 600 businesses in its central area, contributing to the broader economic diversity.

Key Infrastructure and Services
The JB Marks Municipality offers essential services to its residents, ranging from utilities to emergency response services.
Key contact information is readily available to the public, ensuring smooth communication for various needs:
Traffic Department: 018 299 5330
Police (Emergency): 10111
Electricity Department: 018 299 5350
Fire Department: 018 293 1111

Vision and Mission
The municipality's vision is to be a transformed and integrated African world-class city, while its mission focuses on providing sustainable and affordable services to its community through accountable governance.
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