Research consistently shows that strong internal identity and visible culture significantly enhance engagement, commitment, retention, and the overall student and staff experience. Simply put, when people feel connected to their institution, they thrive - and so does the institution. Over the past few years, the NWU has taken deliberate steps to strengthen our culture, consolidate our identity, and advance our transformation journey. It is important that we anchor our shared values and pride in visible, practical ways across all campuses.
Following approval by the University Management Committee, every Friday is now officially designated as NWU Purple Friday.
Why Purple Friday?
Purple Friday is a weekly institutional practice where:
- Staff and students are encouraged to wear purple or NWU-branded attire
- Our brand, values, and shared identity are made visible across campuses
- Faculties, divisions and units may activate inclusive and locally relevant engagements aligned to the NWU spirit
Purple Friday is more than a colour. It is a symbol of:
- Our shared identity across Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark
- Our values in action - Caring and Inclusivity, Excellence, Ethics, Responsibility and Accountability
- A culture where people feel seen, connected, and proud to say: "I am NWU"
Therefore, henceforth Fridays at the NWU are an opportunity to:
- Wear purple or NWU-branded apparel
- Celebrate team spirit and community
- Integrate the NWU identity into existing activities and engagements
- Culture is not built by policies alone - it is built by everyday behaviours
- Each of us is a carrier of the NWU story
- Purple isn't just a colour - it's a statement
- Let's use Fridays to celebrate who we are, what we stand for, and the community we are building together.
You showed your Purple - do so again this coming Friday!
As we celebrate Purple Friday - every Friday - please continue to share your photos - email them to marelize.santana@nwu.ac.za.
Thank you to everyone - meet our Purple Friday ambassadors!
Lesedi Makapela
Prof. Abiodun Salawu
Maggie Jasson
Colleagues from the Research and Postgraduate Support with P&C Talent management & Organisational development
Eagi and office of the DVC: Student Life, Transformation and People & Culture
Brand Store - Potchefstroom
The Language Directorate
The Mahikeng Library team
Dineo Donga and her besties
The Student Accounts and Bursaries team
The SHE team in Mahikeng
The African languages team
The SHE team in Potchefstroom
Andiswa Msi
Bridget and Thato
Simone Peacock
Thato Lehutso