With a pen in hand, first-year student Nompumelelo Mphoreng enjoyed the sunrise over the North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus as it created golden reflections on the river. As a fresh voice in the NWU community she found herself fascinated by the essence of her new home.
The result? A poem titled A Symphony of Knowledge and Unity, that blends the NWU’s dynamic personality, stunning scenery and academic excellence. For Nompumelelo, the inspiration came naturally. Something deep inside her was awakened by the energising spirit of first-year orientation, the warmth of new friendships, and the overwhelming sensation of belonging.
"Experiencing the university’s rich history, diverse culture and academic spirit moved me to capture its essence in poetry," she shares. "The poem reflects the respect for the NWU’s legacy, its cultural richness and the beauty of its surroundings."
After she had spent a day taking in the sights and tales of the NWU, she started writing and the words began to flow. Pure emotion was captured in the poem without any overthinking.
Nompumelelo found inspiration for the poem’s line, “Through open books and minds that spark ideas,” during their orientation visit to the Vanderbijlpark Campus Library and lecture halls.
“The tour made me reflect on a search for knowledge and the individuals who have already travelled the path I am about to embark on.”
The message conveyed by Nompumelelo’s poem speaks to the whole NWU family. It talks of pride, diversity, unity, belonging and the quest for knowledge – values that elevate the NWU above its status as an academic institution.
"The NWU is more than a university; it is a home where people from different backgrounds come together to learn, grow and support each other," she reflects. "I want readers to feel pride in the NWU’s history and achievements, to be inspired by its beauty, and to embrace the feeling of belonging."
When Nompumelelo performed the poem at the official first-year reception on 8 February, students and staff experienced a wave of nostalgia and unity. Several Student Campus Council (SCC) members said it brought back happy memories, reminding them that the NWU is more than just a location but a way of life.
For Nompumelelo, poetry serves as an outlet between individuals, feelings, and experiences, in addition to being an art form. "Poetry allows me to share complex emotions and personal experiences that others can relate to. It creates a safe space for connection, even among those with different backgrounds. Writing about my residence, for example, helps others feel part of that experience – it strengthens our sense of community," she expresses.
Her poem stands as a tribute to the diverse voices that make up the NWU’s student body, and is a reminder that the university’s legacy lives on in each person who walks its halls.
She hopes it will be remembered as a heartfelt expression of what makes the NWU special – its history, its people, and the lifelong imprint it leaves on every student.
"I hope it evokes nostalgia, especially for alumni, as a reflection of the university’s lasting impact. More than anything, I hope it captures the greatness of the NWU – a place that stays in your heart long after you leave."
Nompumelelo intends to continue expressing her thoughts through writing and taking readers on a journey: “Writing poetry is something I truly enjoy; it will always be a creative outlet for me to continue writing about the different places and my experiences,” she says.
With each word penned, Nompumelelo has not only authored a poem, but she has also imprinted a piece of the NWU’s soul into the pages of history. And just like that her words will stand the test of time, serving as a constant reminder to all NWU students – both current and former – that they will always have a place to call home. Read the full poem here: NWU Poem ~ Mpumi The Poet
Meet Nompumelelo “Mpumi”, the poet.
