IS NWU LOSING ITS CREATIVE STUDENT HISTORY?

Abygail Smit. 

@abysmit06.

The North-West University (NWU) was officially established on 1 January 2004. With 21 years of sport, culture, art and fun, it is no secret that the NWU has some memorable stories to tell. Most of these stories proudly stand out on our campus in the form of art, but sadly our history is being removed spot by spot.

In the beginning of this semester, it was noticeable that the roof of our beloved West-Campus “Duikweg” is being repainted. Although it is a small start, the concern is very realistic for many students. The roof of our “Duikweg” held many memories from residences all over campus. Handprints from students back in 2015, Sêr winners, residence family names and many more special moments captured with art. Sadly, the repainting didn’t stop there. Hidden on the main campus of NWU Potchefstroom is a treasured “poetry wall” which contains beautiful pieces of poetry as well as small art pieces, created by students. This was also completely removed and now remains only a memory for NWU students who had the privilege to see this wall. 

The topic of Graffiti has been popular for years without end, but according to students, our art has always been loved by all. The common drawings and poetry are what makes our campus unique, it is what unites us as students. Most importantly, the art we see every day is a reminder that our university has a rich history that is not only captured creatively but also serves as a drawing card for NWU visitors. Alumni of NWU come to visit their residences’ previous artwork and memorabilia, they show it to their next generations and so the tradition builds on. 

How can tradition live on if there is no proof of it? Yes, we can start afresh but why ruin a good thing? Our “Duikweg” tells stories that tread back to the first years of this campus. The poetry wall not only inhabits beautiful poetry pieces but stood tall as an unofficial NWU campus sight. Sadly, not all history can be kept. Maybe this is an opportunity for new students to create memorabilia, but the question remains – why would we remove our beloved student history?

The roof of the Duikweg painted plain white (Source: Abygail Smit)

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo