Big Prims planned for 1 August

The North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus will host its annual Big Prims event from 1 August 2022. This three-day event will feature a Hunger Games theme, just in time for the trailer release of The Hunger Games franchise’s fifth film. 

During the Big Prims event, the Primari of the campus residences do not eat for 48 hours while staying in a glass case in the amphitheatre. This event aims to not only give Primari a platform to raise money for their respected residences’ Prim Funds, but also to give them a chance to reflect on the reality of some students of the NWU. During these three days, they are only provided with basic needs, including water, a mattress, and shower facilities. 

According to Vernet Eyberg (23), BEd honours student who is responsible for arranging this year’s Big Prims event, the event creates an opportunity for both students and Primari to truly understand the plight of underprivileged students. 

This event is coordinated by the student campus council (SCC) finance portfolio committee members whose responsibilities included choosing a theme, arranging entertainment, compiling a program, and making sure that the event will go according to plan. 

Eyberg said that The Hunger Games theme was chosen as it fits in with the spirit of Big Prims. “I think it is really relevant, as the prims are going to be very hungry for three days and it will be required of them to play games and compete for prizes.” 

Eyberg organised a local band that will serve as the main entertainment. Ou Tekkies has become a favourite for NWU-hosted events and together with their performance, the Big Prims programme will be filled with a great variety of activities to distract the Primari from their hunger. Some of these distractions include a flash mob, games like powder fight, musical chairs, and bow and arrow, as well as having to sit at a set table for lunch, without being able to eat. 

Heinrich Botha (23), former Primarius of Excelsior men’s residence, said the Big Prims event of 2021, which was hosted during Covid-19, was tough, especially without being able to eat. “Overall, it was a good experience. It teaches you a lot about what people go through.” 

Wihan Botha, fourth-year quantitative risk management student at the NWU and member of Ou Tekkies, wishes the Primari of 2022 good luck with the event. “What comes out of this is far greater than any of us.”