Social life returns to campus
With many students having returned to North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus in 2021, several student facilities reopened to ensure a campus life experience. However, the popular Drakenstein (Draak) restaurant is still closed.
Other campus facilities, like De Jonge Akker, Voorhuis, Dampad, De Wilgers and Minjonet dining halls are all open to students and staff, with strict Covid-19 protocols in place at the moment.
Enjoying breakfast on campus. Staff members and NWU students are more than welcome to enjoy the facilities that are open. (Picture: Lilitha Bodlani) 
Favourite student spot: The Draak has always been a popular place for both students and staff over the years, but it is still closed. (Picture: Lilitha Bodlani)
Residence and catering services manager Greg Roberts said the Draak will open as soon as they find a sub-contractor to run the restaurant. Roberts said there would be some changes at the Draak. “Due to the current risks associated with Covid-19, the entire Drakenstein restaurant will operate as a smoke-free area, in line with campus protocols, certified to accommodate 100 people within the venue,” Roberts said.
Some other facilities that are already open for staff and students, with Covid-19 protocols in place, include the Pukki Alumni shop and dining halls that are individually certified to host people. All these facilities Covid-19 safety protocol certificates at the entrances.
Excessive drinking is a problem under the Covid-19 protocols, because it leads to a disregard for these protocols. Director of student life, Dr Corrie Rheeder, said she has to make sure these issues are addressed. “We have a strict disciplinary system to address transgressions due to alcohol,” Rheeder said.
Aubrey Welken, senior manager of campus protection services in Potchefstroom, said, “the departments work together and support the tasks of the director of student life.” Protection services patrol the campus day and night looking for anyone who does not conform to the protocols set by the NWU. Students have to abide by the protocols.
Juandré Nell (21), a resident of Karlien Women’s Residence, said it is important to open these facilities. “Students are very engaged in campus social life and it’s sometimes hard to maintain the sanity of these students. Especially since there are first years coming in, you want to give them the best possible experience.”
Students enjoying campus life. Juandré Nell (right) and Vanessa Slingers (left) outside De Jonge Akker restaurant. (Picture: Lilitha Bodlani) 
Residence students enjoying lunch. Raymond Vos, Gerni Visser, Tian du Preez and Jacobus Cronje are enjoying the opportunity to eat together. (Picture: Lilitha Bodlani)
At Over de Voor Men’s Residence, Raymond Vos (19) and Gerni Visser (19) were happy to see the Voorhuis being operational again. “It’s been weird having just 10 people here as opposed to 50 or more. The Voorhuis has really been a place we like, to not only eat but also to socialise with other students and other residents,” Vos said.
Visser said accepting the changes brought about by Covid-19 brings a better student experience. “Having these facilities open really impacts on-campus students positively, as we can at least have a social experience.”