TEAM TOMORROW: INSPIRING CHANGE IN POTCHEFSTROOM

Lesiba Dikhoba

@lesiba.dikhoba

In Potchefstroom, a group of dedicated individuals has come together to form Team Tomorrow, an initiative aimed at inspiring and uplifting the community. The group has quickly grown and gained recognition for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around them.

 

Team Tomorrow was launched in April by Hanro Potgieter and Calvin Walster, who had a collective desire to create meaningful change. The core of the group’s mission lies in addressing socio-economic issues that are prevalent in Potchefstroom.

 

In an interview with Wapad, co-founder Hanro Potgieter stated that it started with a casual conversation with Calvin Walster about how they could make a difference in the world. “It all started with a conversation about how we could give back to our community, we wanted to move beyond just talking about issues and actually do something that would have a real impact,” Potgieter explained.

 

Team Tomorrow was deeply impacted by the growing number of individuals struggling to make ends meet, many of whom are seen daily on the streets seeking help. This harsh reality sparked the group to take action.

 

Spending a lot of time on social media, the team realised that these platforms often display only the best in life, ignoring the sad parts. Going outside and seeing people standing next to road signs, begging for money, takes something out of you, and that inspired Team Tomorrow. “Every day, we see people at traffic lights, holding signs, and asking for assistance. It’s a constant reminder that there are so many individuals in need, and we felt compelled to do something about it,” said Potgieter.

 

The group embraces the concept that consistent efforts can lead to significant change. Their motto, “We inspire today to ensure tomorrow,” reflects their commitment to encourage others to take positive, even small, steps in their lives.

 

When asked about their most rewarding moment so far, Potgieter mentioned their recognition by the Golden Key Honour Society. However, their journey has had its challenges, particularly critics around their decision to document their efforts on camera. “People ask, ‘Why do you do it on camera? Why do you want to showcase the good you’re doing? Why not do it behind cameras?’ It’s difficult because as students, we don’t have a reputation, but you want to protect the one you’re building. You always get negative feedback, but we just ignore that,” said Potgieter.

 

A pivotal moment for Team Tomorrow was meeting a former student of North-West University (NWU) who had fallen on hard times and had become homeless. This encounter resonated deeply with them, underscoring the importance of their mission. Potgieter reflected, “It was a powerful reminder that anyone can find themselves in a difficult situation and strengthened our resolve to do whatever we can to help those who need it most.”

 

Going forward, Team Tomorrow has exciting plans. Potgieter revealed that the group is preparing a visit to a small town in Litchenburg, about 120 kilometres from Potchefstroom. “Hopefully, in the next 20 to 30 days, we’re going to visit that town. The situation there is dire—people are living in caravans and, even worse, in tents. We want to document their lifestyles and showcase the reality they face. While some people are wasting money, others are living in these conditions. We want to communicate with these people and show that they’re just like us—they simply didn’t have the same opportunities. We aim to raise awareness about their situation.”

 

As the group aspires to expand their influence and continues to grow, their commitment to creating a better future for everyone in Potchefstroom remains evident.

 

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo