Founded

Potchefstroom University developed out of the Theological School of the Reformed Churches in South Africa (Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika in Afrikaans, 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]

Progression

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]

Independent university

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]

Changes through the years

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]

Politics

• Frederik Willem de Klerk, State President of South Africa (1989–1994); Vice President of South Africa (1994–1996)^[12]
• Marike de Klerk, former first lady of South Africa and leader of the National Party's women's wing. She studied commerce at the university.
• Pieter Mulder a South African politician and former leader of the Freedom Front Plus.
• Johan Heyns an influential Afrikaner theologian and moderator of the general synod of the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK). He played a role in dismantling support for Apartheid in the NGK.
• Niekie van den Berg, past DA parliamentarian and an-ex radio personality.
• Dr Johan van Zyl, former CEO of Sanlam

Academia

• Tomasz Kamusella, Reader in Modern History at the University of St Andrews
• Johan D. van der Vyver, I.T. Cohen Professor of International Law at Emory University School of Law

Music

• Erica Eloff, singer.
• Karen Hougaard , singer
• Rina Hugo , 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 is an international opera tenor who currently operates from Germany. He was a member of the Potchefstroom University Choir (1987–1994).
• Martin Watt a South African composer.

Sport

• Andre Markgraaff, South African rugby union lock, and controversial Springbok coach. He was also in charge of the PUK rugby Institute started in 2000.
• Henno Mentz is a former Springbok rugby player.
• Godfrey Khotso Mokoena, silver medal winner in long jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• Justine Robbeson a South African athlete who specialises in the javelin throw.

Business

• Douw Steyn (born 1952), South African billionaire businessman^[13][14]

Writers

• Cor Dirks, youth male writer of youth books, like "Die Uile" series