Potchefstoom, or ‘Potch’ to the locals, is an academic town that sits on the banks of the Mooi River. The North West University can be found in Potchefstroom in addition to five other tertiary education centres as well as 30 schools. It is overflowing with students and the nightlife that accompanies them - think restaurants and a fair number of pubs and bars.
The farmers here put in a hard day’s work which results in a strong farming economy as well as being the proud home of South Africa’s largest chalk factory. These factors, combined with Potchefstroom’s substantial hospitality sector, combine to form a unique but enjoyable atmosphere in the city.
The chalk factory is not the only record breaker in Potchefstroom though, it also holds the title of having the largest oak tree avenue in the Southern Hemisphere which is worth taking a stroll through. Its historical legacy continues with many national monuments and old buildings to be admired. These include the magistrate’s office, the old gun powder house and the Edwardian City Hall.
Other items on the ‘to see’ list is the OPM Prozesky bird sanctuary, home to 200 bird species, the Buffelsvlei Wild Animal Park, a monthly art market and the Sanlam Auditorium, which serves up some lovely theatre. Plus, once a year in late September, the town hosts an Afrikaans arts festival called Aardklop.
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The origin of the name Potchefstroom has three possible sources. The first is said to a culmination Potgieter+ Chef+ Stroom which refers to Andre Potgieter, a Voortrekker leader and town father. The term ‘Chef’ was a term used for the leader of the Voortrekkers and stroom referring to its positioning on the Mooi River.
Secondly, according to the South African writer Geoffrey Jenkins, the name is derived from the Afrikaans word 'Potscherf' which ‘means a shard of a broken pot’. This draws on the imagery of the cracker river bed of the Mooi River during drought.
Lastly, a Mr M.L Fick suggests that the name evolved from the original ‘Potgieterstroom’ to ‘Potgerstroom’ which eventually became ‘Potchefstroom’. However, the inscription on many official documents and pictures reads ‘Potjestroom’ which points to flaws in this theory.
Potchefstroom was the oldest town in the former Transvaal province, founded in 1838 by Andre Potgieter, the Voortrekker leader. It was established after he had defeated Mzilikazi’s Ndebele and driven them North.
