The Potchefstroom University (nicknamed "Pukke") was formerly known as the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (abbreviated PU for CHE), but is now part of the North-West University . It is a medium-sized South African university. Tuition is mainly in Afrikaans on the Potchefstroom campus and in English on the other campuses in Mafikeng, Mankwe and the Vaal Triangle (situated in Vanderbijlpark).
History
Potchefstroom University developed out of the Theological School of the Reformed Churches in South Africa (Gereformeerde Kerke van Suid-Afrika in Afrikaans, abbreviated as GKSA), which was founded on 29 November 1869 in Burgersdorp . At the founding meeting, it was decided that education would also be offered to prospective teachers and to persons without any particular profession in mind.
Initially there were only five students and two lecturers.
In 1877 a "Literary Department" was established, with one professor, with the specific aim of educating students for academic degrees or as teachers.
In 1905, the Theological School, including the Literary department, was transferred from Burgersdorp to Potchefstroom.
In order to qualify for government subsidies, the Literary Department was separated from the Theological School in 1919 and the Potchefstroom University College for Christian Higher Education (Het Potchefstroom Universiteitskollege voor Christelike Hooger Onderwijs in Afrikaans, and usually abbreviated as PUK) came into being. It was decided that the PUK would be a higher education institute separate and independent from the GKSA, although the PUK would continue to train GKSA ministers.
In 1921, the Potchefstroom University College (without the "for Christian Higher Education" suffix), was incorporated into the University of South Africa; the PUK only got the "for Christian Higher Education" part of its name back in 1933.
The Potchefstroom University College for Christian Higher Education was officially recognised as an independent university and was renamed the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education in 1951.
The Vaal Triangle campus of the university was established in Vanderbijlpark in 1966 in order to provide that area with tertiary education.
In 2004 Potchefstroom University became one of the four campuses of the new North-West University (the others being in Mafikeng, Mankwe and the Vaal Triangle).
Faculties
Potchefstroom University provided courses in the following faculties, which the current Potchefstroom campus of North-West University still provides (the year in which the faculty was founded is given in brackets):
- Arts (1921)
- Natural Sciences (1922)
- Theology (1930)
- Education Sciences (1935)
- Economic and Management Sciences (1942)
- Law (1966)
- Engineering (1983)
- Health Sciences (1999)
Cultural
The university's "Alabama Student Company" musical revue group, which was formed in 1943, is well-known throughout South Africa.
Student numbers and statistics
In August 2004, the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University had 33,713 students. Of these, 13,021 were male and 20,692 female. Undergraduate students numbered 31,300 and postgraduate students 2,413.
Famous alumni
External link
