The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus is set to host Purple Con, a vibrant celebration of anime, gaming and pop culture inspired by the renowned Comic-Con.
Organised by the NWU Anime Student Society in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and the Sports department, this one-day convention will take place on 26 July 2025.
The convention aims to bring together students and the broader community, fostering an engaging and inclusive environment. “Our goal with Purple Con is to create a space where creativity flourishes and cultural appreciation takes centre stage. We believe in bringing people together through a shared love for anime and gaming,” says Sibusiso Hlongwane, a representative of the Anime Student Society.
The society has been dedicated to building a vibrant community where individuals with shared interests in anime, gaming and pop culture can celebrate their passions. Since its establishment in 2023, the Anime Student Society has expanded across campuses, recently winning the award for Best Newly Affiliated Society in 2024. They have participated in numerous events, including Comic-Con at the Nasrec Centre, thus proudly embracing their identity as OTAKU.
To raise funds for Purple Con, the society embarked on a fundraising initiative by doing shifts at RocoMamas. “Through our Shadow Shifts at RocoMamas, we managed to raise a total of R3 146,90 from 10% of the shifts' turnover,” says Sibusiso.
They also held various fundraising events, including a Game Night, which brought in enthusiastic crowds.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities at Purple Con, reflecting modern anime culture. These will include thrilling gaming tournaments featuring popular titles like FC25, Street Fighter, Tekken and Apex Legends. For those seeking adventure, there will be opportunities for virtual reality experiences, paintball in a military-themed forest setup, and even four-wheel go-karting.
Notably, the convention aims to involve local talent and businesses. Vendors such as Mettlestate, Majesty Comics and Dragon Fire will be present, alongside popular food brands like RocoMamas and Red Bull. “We are excited to showcase both well-known brands and student-run businesses. It is important for us to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to thrive,” says Sibusiso.
While specific guests such as voice actors or anime creators have not been confirmed, invitations have been sent to e-sports teams from various institutions, including the University of Pretoria and Wits University. Sibusiso says participation is open to everyone. “Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with gaming competitions, vendor stalls, performances and more. While general admission fees are yet to be announced, the society plans to offer promotions for free tickets, making the convention accessible to all.”
“We hope to deepen the engagement of the local anime community and position the NWU as a leader in inclusive, youth-centred events. We want everyone – regardless of age or background – to feel welcome at Purple Con. It is about celebrating what we love in an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.”
