It was a bright Tuesday morning as staff members of the School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education came alive with excitement, arriving in their blue matching jackets for the opening of their new building. A red carpet stretched across the entrance, while balloons added a sense of celebration that matched the day's mood. There was a quiet pride in the air, the kind that comes from seeing something long-awaited finally become real.
Official building openings at a university are always meaningful moments, but this one carried a deeper sense of achievement. It marked not only the completion of a building, but a visible step forward for teaching, learning and research within the school.
At the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus, that moment came with the official opening of the B7A building on 9 June, bringing together university leadership, academic staff, students and guests from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The atmosphere shifted quickly from formal to joyful when a playful comparison was shared. Staff have affectionately nicknamed the new building “Sandton”, a light-hearted reference to their former facilities, once jokingly called “Alexandra”. The comment drew smiles and laughter, but it also reflected a shared journey of change, patience and progress.
Prof. Sukie van Zyl, deputy school director of the School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, welcomed everyone and described the day as a proud and emotional moment for all involved. She said the building represents the heart of the school and is a space where science and humanity meet – where future teachers are equipped to inspire their learners one day and prepare them for jobs that do not yet exist. Her words reflected appreciation for the people who had worked towards this moment and the journey that led there.
Khumo Musi, laboratory assistant at the school, gave a short historical overview of the building and what it represents. She described it as a symbol of excellence, innovation and opportunity. She also paid tribute to those who came before, noting that the building stands on a history of effort and dedication. At its core, it supports student-centred learning, research and professional development, creating a space where both knowledge and confidence can grow.
Prof. Magda Kloppers, school director, spoke about the difficult realities STEM fields once faced, especially the lack of proper facilities and laboratories. She said those limitations shaped teaching and learning for many years, but are now part of the past.
Reflecting on the site itself, she noted that a swimming pool once stood where the building now rises. She used this memory to draw a strong contrast, saying that while water once helped people stay afloat, the new centre will help keep innovation and knowledge alive. She added that the building will not only teach students what to think, but how to think, a shift she described as deeply important.
Dr Paul Iwuanyanwu, deputy subject chair for Natural Sciences Education, and Prof. Kudzayi Tarisayi, subject chair for Geography and Environmental Education, shared a message filled with excitement and hope. They spoke about students who had waited for improved facilities and who would now finally have a space that matches their ambition. They described the building as a meaningful investment in students’ futures and a place where potential can grow.
Prof. Lloyd Conley, executive dean of the Faculty of Education, encouraged staff to return to the core purpose of education by always asking “why”. He said a good teacher does not simply transfer knowledge but creates moments where learners discover answers for themselves. He also spoke about new laboratories being developed at the Mahikeng Campus and thanked NWU leadership for working towards fairness and equal access to quality learning spaces across campuses.
Masego Sela, representing the DBE, said the opening reflects the national vision of building a stronger education system. She added that the partnership between the DBE and NWU is important because it helps prepare future educators who will shape classrooms across the country.
In his keynote address, NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka said the day represented far more than the opening of a building. He described B7A as a bold investment in knowledge, discovery, innovation and the future of society.
He spoke about universities as places where curiosity is nurtured, ideas are shaped and future leaders are prepared for the world ahead. He added that the new building is designed not only for learning, but for active engagement, where students can experiment, collaborate and grow in confidence.
The formal proceedings ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Prof. Conley and Prof. Tyobeka, followed by the unveiling of a granite plaque marking the official opening.
Guests were then taken on a tour of the B7A building, where they explored the new teaching and learning spaces, including modern laboratories designed to support hands-on scientific work in Life Sciences Education, Physical Science Education, and Geography and Environmental Education.
