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Arts and Entertainment

THE RISE OF PHYSICAL MEDIA

James Klusener @jamesklusener   The quote, “Sooner or later, everything old is new again,” attributed to Stephen King, aptly captures the resurgence of physical media that gained momentum in 2024 and 2025.   One of the most notable examples of this revival is vinyl records. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales generated approximately $1.4 billion in revenue by the end of 2024 — a figure not seen since 1984. This raises an important question: What […]

todayFebruary 9, 2026 46

Arts and Entertainment

WICKED: HOW THE SONGS SHAPE THE STORY

Amari Maré @amari.mare   Wicked, starring Ariana Grande as Galinda (later Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, brings the beloved Broadway musical to the screen, using music as a powerful storytelling tool. The film explores how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be and reimagines the world of Oz by giving depth, motivation and humanity to characters long known only by their reputations.   Rather than simply retelling The Wizard of Oz, Wicked fills in emotional and narrative […]

todayFebruary 9, 2026 25

News

DEPARTMENT REVIEWS NWU READINESS FOR 2026

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, and delegates from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) conducted an oversight visit to the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus on Friday, 6 February, along with representatives from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).   This follows a similar assessment by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela at the Mahikeng campus on Tuesday, 3 February. These visits form a core component of […]

todayFebruary 7, 2026 25 2 2

Arts and Entertainment

RED BULL BASEMENT: TURN YOUR IDEA INTO REALITY

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   We all have had that one idea—the one that pops into your head while you’re staring at the ceiling at 02:00 or hanging out with your friends and having fun. It is like a spark in a lightbulb, where you think, “Why hasn’t someone invented this yet?”   Usually, those ideas fade away by morning, but what if you could take that spark and give it some serious tech muscle? What if all you need is […]

todayJanuary 23, 2026 97

Arts and Entertainment

THE IMPORTANCE OF R&O: WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

Abygail Smit @Abysmit06   As the first-years of 2026 begin packing their bags, purchasing household essentials and saying their goodbyes, North-West University (NWU) is preparing to welcome a new group of students. Many first-years look forward to the university’s annual Reception and Orientation (R&O) programme, which provides information about the campus, Potchefstroom and student life in general.   Although R&O is popular among new students, it is not compulsory, and some choose to skip the programme and return only when […]

todayJanuary 22, 2026 86 6 3

Arts and Entertainment

THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Simoné de Witt & James Klusener @simone_de_witt & @jamesklusener   Christmas trees are a familiar marker that the festive season has arrived. They are decorated and displayed in homes across the world, yet few people stop to ask why this tradition exists. Why do we cut down trees, or buy artificial replicas, and bring them indoors for a few weeks each year? Here is a brief history of the Christmas tree and where the tradition truly began.   Pagan Roots […]

todayDecember 25, 2025 47

Arts and Entertainment

THE BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

Megan Grobler megan.gro_bler   Have you ever wondered how the Christmas we know today came to be? How Santa Claus, Christmas trees, festive meals and worldwide cheer became associated with the holiday season?   While modern Christmas is often characterised by warmth and celebration, its origins are far more complex. Across history, different cultures marked midwinter in vastly different ways, many of which predate Christianity and influenced the traditions we now associate with Christmas.   Early Winter Celebrations   Long […]

todayDecember 25, 2025 176 3 2

Arts and Entertainment

HOLIDAY RECIPES: STUDENT EDITION

Amari Maré @amari.mare   Celebrate the holiday — especially the food: Student Edition. Add flavour to the table with these easy and affordable meals and desserts. Whether you are searching for new breakfast ideas that fit into your budget or something new to add to the table, there is something for everyone!   Babbelas Mix     Babbelas mix is perfect for when you have a babbelas or leftover food. This dish is a mix of leftovers, eggs, and sauce. […]

todayDecember 24, 2025 19 2

Arts and Entertainment

HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING GUIDE

Awethu Khumalo @awe2s_righttoe   The festive season is a time for giving, receiving and navigating the often stressful task of finding the right gift. While Christmas shopping can feel overwhelming, choosing a meaningful present should be an enjoyable experience rather than a daunting one. The challenge lies in striking the balance between thoughtfulness and practicality — avoiding generic options while still finding something that feels personal.   This guide offers gift ideas tailored to different personality types, budgets and interests, […]

todayDecember 24, 2025 21

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