BEHIND THE SCENES OF BECOMING PRIMARIA/PRIMARIUS

Megan Grobler

 

There are many traditions and procedures associated with becoming the Primaria/Primarius (Prim) of a residence at the North-West University (NWU). Though many of these traditions are mostly kept under wraps, a few newly appointed ‘Prims’ have given Wapad a glimpse of the process behind reaching this esteemed position.

 

Caitlin Begg, Primaria of Dinki for the 2024/25 term, told Wapad that her love for her residence was the catalyst for why she wanted to become Primaria. “In my previous HC term, I got to know the ladies involved in my portfolio on deeper levels, building strong relationships, and I saw what a major difference a little bit of kindness and love makes. I then decided that I want to inspire the ladies in the residence and lead with love so they can love each other as well”, she said. She also described her Primaria experience as a “rollercoaster” thus far, but despite this, she loves what she does as it allows her to learn a great deal about herself in the process. 

 

Begg goes on to say that the Primaria election is a “democratic process” wherein candidates are required to have completed an HC term, before then being allowed to campaign during a process called “circuses”. She stated that only the residence parents are allowed to know who the Primaria will be before the announcement. She lastly explained that there is “a very special tradition”, wherein the Primaria is introduced to the first years before returning to the residence where she is then greeted by her parents and loved ones. The Primaria also receives a “Prim Ring” from her Deputy Primaria, signifying a gift of honour from the House Committee (HC).

 

When asked why she wanted to become Primaria, Wiana Botha, current Primaria of Vergeet-My-Nie Ladies’ Residence, stated, “I want to serve the residence and have recognized the potential for growth in every candidate.” She goes on to say that the role offers her the opportunity to “grow personally” while “contributing to the development of the residence”. Botha expressed that she aims to take the residence to new heights, “especially during this crucial transition and adjustment year.” Her experience so far, she expresses, has been “a lot more challenging than people realise from the outside”, as there is a lot that happens behind the scenes, a lot of difficult decisions that need to be made for the residence’s benefit, and countless unseen responsibilities.

 

Botha said that another requirement for becoming Primaria is getting approval from the student life office, which assesses your academic standing and ensures you meet their requirements. As for those allowed to know who the Primaria is before the announcement, Botha states that the ETC (electoral committee) which in addition to the residence parent, consists of the previous Primaria as well as one member of the senior bond. Vergeet-My-Nie, according to Botha, has a “Prim teddie” which has been passed on from the very first HC-group to every group since. She told Wapad that an aspect of becoming Primaria which surprised her, was the amount of behind-the-scenes work, as well as the criticism that came with the title.

 

Andre Moore, current Primarius of Invictus Men’s Residence, said that he stood for the position of Primarius because he felt that he didn’t achieve what he wanted to in his HC term in 2023/24 and went on to say, “I knew that in this position I could make a bigger difference to get the residence to where it can be.” In his experience so far, it has been very disheartening at times as, “you do a lot behind the scenes that people don’t see and never thank you for”, he said.

 

However, he explains, “I love doing my job regardless, and I enjoy doing it to the best of my ability.” Another contributing factor to being elected as Primarius according to Moore is, “You need to be able to convince the residence why they must vote for you during the circuses as well as to explain your plans for the residence.”

 

Something that surprised Moore about becoming Primarius was just how busy his schedule could become. “Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I had to learn quickly how to manage my time to still have a personal life with my primarius job.” Moore’s favourite Prim tradition, according to him, is the Prim introduction where you sing your residence song and do a chant with your entire residence. “It was a really proud moment for me”, he told Wapad. 

 

Edited by Kyle Bauermeister