News Talk: Fresh Beginnings, Community Action & Upcoming Excitement.

Welcome to this edition of News Talk! We bring you the latest updates from Potchefstroom – from the buzzing energy of first-year university students to important community news and upcoming events. Stay informed and connected with everything happening in our town!

First-Year Students Kick Off Their University Journey with Energy and Excitement

Excitement filled the air as first-year students arrived for the start of their university experience. Despite cloudy skies and occasional rain, nothing could dampen their enthusiasm. Orientation week provides a vital introduction to campus life, offering new students a chance to explore their academic environment, make friends, and engage in social activities. Here’s to an exciting and successful journey ahead!

Stage 3 Loadshedding After 10-Month Break

After enjoying 10 months of uninterrupted electricity, Potchefstroom residents faced Stage 3 loadshedding last weekend, following an urgent warning from Eskom. The power utility cited multiple unexpected breakdowns as the reason for the increased risk. As repairs continue, residents are urged to stay prepared for potential further power interruptions.

Community Protest Update: Memorandum Handed Over, Awaiting Response

On February 4, 2025, the Promosa community staged a peaceful protest against alleged unfair hiring practices in appointing a new school principal at Promosa Primary School. Protesters handed over a memorandum to the MEC for Education, demanding action within seven days. The protest remained well-organized and peaceful, with community members satisfied that their concerns were officially recognized.

School News: Weekly Highlights

ES le Grange School’s Blood Donors Make a Difference: On February 4, students and staff donated blood, making a life-saving impact. A special mention goes to Uil Marx for his remarkable 78th blood donation!

Baillies Archery Team Aims for Gold: Baillies is hosting a fundraiser on February 8 at Pick 'n Pay Vanderhoff Park to support their top-performing archery team’s travel expenses. Their 2024 achievements include earning North West colors and ranking as South Africa’s third-best school archery team.

Gimmies Shine at Interhouse Swimming Gala: Standout performances from Christiaan Nel, Wian Bartleman, Irma Kotze, Minke Bester, and Mathilda Liebenberg led Gimmies to a triumphant gala.

PCS Grade 1s Start Their Journey with a Bible: Parys Christelike Skool welcomed its Grade 1 learners with personal Bibles, emphasizing faith and strong character-building values.

Stroomstories Live Streaming for 2025

This week marked the launch of the 2025 season of live streaming on Stroomstories, featuring exciting new content:

Sportchefstroom Episode 1: Hosted by Dircus and The Go-To Guy, this brand-new sports platform replaces the former RugbyRaas segment. The first episode featured Hoërskool Ferdinand Postma’s sports leaders, including Charles Louw (Sport Director) and Donnavan Serfontein (Rugby Organizer and First Team Coach), discussing the school’s strong sporting culture and achievements.

Sportchefstroom Episode 2 : This episode welcomed guest Pastor Errick Coetzee from CRC, who shared insights into the motivational evening with Pierre Spies. Beyond this event, CRC Potchefstroom continues to make a lasting impact on the community through initiatives such as providing daily meals for 1,200 people in need, supported by volunteers and community members.

Spiritual Talk – Episode 1: Hosted by Pieter Conradie, the first episode of Spiritual Talk’s 2025 season featured a conversation with guest Bennie Jonker. They discussed the theme “Leef totdat Christus gevorm is: ‘n Koninkryks Perspektief”, focusing on how faith is a transformative journey rather than a single decision. Referencing Philippians 1:21 and Galatians 4:19, they explored what it truly means to grow in faith and let Christ be formed in one’s life. A thought-provoking discussion for all viewers seeking deeper spiritual understanding.

Upcoming Events

Little Love Bugs by Messy Mayhem

Date: February 8, 2025
Location: Potchefstroom
Cost: R170 per child
A morning of creative, messy play to engage little ones in fun sensory activities!

EPSA – Perform Basic Fire Fighting Level 2

Date: February 10, 2025
Location: Potchefstroom
Cost: R980 per person
Enhance your firefighting skills with this essential training course. Contact finance@epsa22.com to book your spot.

Die Grap van die Huwelik - Comedy & Relationship Show

Date: February 11, 2025
Location: Dagbreek Landgoed Uitbreiding 1133, Potchefstroom
Cost: VIP R300 per person, R220 per person
Hosted by sex therapist and comedian Timothy Kieswetter, this hilarious yet insightful couple’s show tackles the realities of marriage with humor and honesty. Expect laughter and a fresh perspective on relationships. Tickets available at itickets.co.za.

Rise - Called to Be a Champion with Pierre Spies

Date: February 13, 2025
Location: Dagbreek Estates, Potchefstroom
Cost: Free Entry
Join former Springbok rugby player Pierre Spies for an evening of motivation and inspiration. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this event will empower you to rise above challenges. Doors open at 17:00, with the event running from 17:45 to 19:30. RSVP by February 7 to secure your spot!

Golden Week - Campus Invasion at Impala

Welcome Back Students FT Dekstir – February 10, Free Entry, Impala Club
Free Flow Tuesday – February 11, Free Entry for Students, Impala Club
Jack Parow Live at Impala – February 12, R80 online, R100 at the door

Valentine’s Events

Die Dromers Mark Valentyns-Aand

Date: February 14, 2025
Location: Plaas Rietvlei Potchefstroom
Cost: R150 per person, R250 per couple (kids under 12 free)
A romantic evening under the stars with live music, delicious food, and dancing.