Potch Weekly Pulse: Flood Risk, Campus Scams, Potch Confronts Crisis and Community Head-On
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
This week in Potchefstroom, tension and triumph walked side by side. From residents launching legal action over sewage spills to a record-breaking flood threat at the Vaal Dam, urgent infrastructure issues remain front and centre. Meanwhile, inspiring individuals, from student-athletes to clean-up champions, are stepping forward to uplift their city. Potch Weekly Pulse covers it all: civil courage, national athletics, scam warnings, spiritual growth, and community partnerships that prove safety truly starts with us.
News Talk
Potchefstroom Residents Take Legal Action Over Sewage Crisis
The JB Marks Concerned Citizens group (JBMCC) has formally initiated legal proceedings against the JB Marks Local Municipality and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality. This comes after an alarming rise in sewage overflows across Potchefstroom, with raw waste affecting parks, homes, and streets. The group is demanding accountability, infrastructure repair, and emergency responses to what they deem a public health emergency.
Pope Francis Passes Away at Age 88
The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died earlier this week at the age of 88. Known for his humility, environmental advocacy, and emphasis on mercy, Francis served as the first Jesuit pope and the first from South America. Tributes have poured in from global leaders and religious figures, recognising his efforts to bridge divides and bring the Church closer to the marginalized.
A Century of Afrikaans: More Than Just a Language
This week, we reflect on the journey of Afrikaans, a language that found its voice and identity over the past 100 years. From a small farming dialect to one of South Africa’s official languages, the story of Afrikaans is also the story of its speakers, rich, complex, and often controversial.
Crackdown on Campus Scams: NWU Issues Public Warning
With scam activity on the rise nationally, North-West University (NWU) has ramped up public awareness campaigns after several financial scams targeted students and families. The university is urging the public to verify payment requests, avoid suspicious third-party vendors, and report any fraudulent activity immediately.
Vaal Dam Opens 10 Sluice Gates – Major Flood Risk for Downstream Areas
The Vaal Dam is now releasing water through 10 open sluice gates, following days of heavy rainfall across its catchment area. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) announced the move after rapid increases in inflow. Residents downstream are advised to stay on alert as flood risks escalate along the Vaal River system.
Read these full stories and more here:
Sports Talk
SA Senior Athletics Championships Kick Off in Potchefstroom
Day 1 of the 2025 South African Senior Athletics Championships was packed with action at Puk McArthur Stadium, featuring sprint heats, jumps, throws, and long-distance showdowns. Athletes from across the country are competing for national titles and qualification for international events.
What’s Ahead: 25 & 26 April
The championships continue into Friday and Saturday with a full schedule of track and field events. Expect finals in sprinting, hurdles, and relays, plus exciting contests in high jump, javelin, and the decathlon.
Read these full stories and more here:
Stroom Cares
Support Ronaldo de Lima’s Rugby and Academic Journey
At just 20 years old, Ronaldo de Lima has been accepted into two specialised training and education programmes aimed at developing young rugby talent. With dreams of turning pro, his family is calling on the community to assist with fundraising for tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses.
Community Focus
Potchefstroom CPF – Building Safer Streets Together
Established in the 1990s, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) continues to be a cornerstone in linking SAPS Potchefstroom and residents. This week, CPF leaders shared updates on patrols, neighbourhood watches, and security partnerships aimed at improving local safety and trust in law enforcement.
Read these full stories and more here:
StroomStories Weekly Wrap
Where the everyday becomes extraordinary.
Tuesday – Stroom Stories: One Man’s Rake Sparks a Movement
What started as Peter Sebati cleaning a neglected park has become a citywide ripple effect. His message is simple: “Don’t wait. Just start.”
Wednesday – Spiritual Talk Ep. 29: Becoming a Living Sacrifice
Bennie Jonker joins Pieter Conradie to reflect on what it truly means to live sacrificially, offering not just time or tithes, but one’s whole being in pursuit of divine purpose.
Wednesday – SportStroom Ep. 23: Shaun Bownes , Hurdling Greatness
From barefoot beginnings to Olympic stardom, Shaun Bownes shares his story of grit, grace, and gold in one of SportStroom’s most inspiring interviews to date.
Thursday – Stroom Stories: Safety Starts With Us, The CPF in Potchefstroom
Herman and Fanie from the CPF explain how real safety is built from the ground up, by neighbours who care, communities that act, and partnerships that work.
Read these full stories and more here:
That’s your wrap-up from Potch Weekly Pulse – Edition 4.
From flood alerts to faith journeys, athletics to activism, Potchefstroom proves once again that it’s a town full of voices, vision, and heart. Join us next week for the Afrikaans edition as we continue covering the stories that shape our streets, spark our passions, and strengthen our city.
Got a lead or photo? We’d love to hear from you, after all, Potch news starts with you.
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