The Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (abbreviated as PU for CHE) was a South African university located in Potchefstroom. Instruction was mainly in Afrikaans. In 2004, the university was merged with other institutions to create the North-West University.
Potchefstroom University developed out of the Theological School of the Reformed Churches in South Africa (Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-AfrikainAfrikaans, abbreviated as GKSA), which was founded on 29 November 1869 in Burgersdorp, Cape Province.[1] 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.[2]
Ferdinand Postma Library of the Potchefstroom University (an old postcard)
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 the Transvaal. 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 Christelijk Hooger Onderwijs in Dutch, 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.[3]
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.[4]
In 1993, Private Law status was established. In 1998, the statutes of the PUK were amended in order to enable her to better fulfill her role as part of the co-ordinated higher education system in South Africa according to her original mandate as an institution of Christian higher education. The Vaal Triangle Campus of the university was established in Vanderbijlpark in 1966 in order to provide that area with tertiary education. By 1996, the first online courses were offered. Students were offered interactive courses, the systematic application of multimedia. To facilitate the learning process, over 25 study centres were established country-wide.[5] On 1 January 2000, the Potchefstroom Onderwyskollege was incorporated with the Potchefstroom University's Potchefstroom campus.[6]
Prior to 1994 there were only two universities in South Africa where students could obtain a Baccalaureus degree in Pharmacy. It was at Rhodes UniversityinGrahamstown and here. These two universities did worldwide recognised research together and separately in the fields of pharmacy and chemistry.
In 2004 the Potchefstroom University became one of the three campuses of the new North-West University, the others being in Mafikeng (name later changed to Mahikeng) and Vaal (situated in Vanderbijlpark). The fourth campus, Mankwe, was closed by end of 2004.[9]
Rina Hugo [2], singer received her B.Mus. degree in 1970. She was a member of the "Alabama Studentegeselskap". She performed in all genres as soloist: Opera, Oratorium, Operetta, Musical theatre and popular Afrikaans music.
Christa Steyn, † 11 Junie 2012 in Pretoria, also past member of "Alabama Studentegeselskap"; a composer, pianist and Afrikaans singer known for her duette with Jannie du Toit.
Kobie van Rensburg[3] is an international operatenor who currently operates from Germany. He was a member of the Potchefstroom University Choir (1987–1994).
