The annual festival, which is presented by the NWU’s PUK Arts and the Student Council’s Art Council on the campus in Potchefstroom, took place from 10 to 12 May.

 

The overall winner of the contemporary performing division (winner of the Rector's Trophy) was Aobakwe Gwendeline Sehoole, who also won the contemporary solo vocal category.

 

Sibusiso Simelane scooped the Rector's Trophy as the overall winner of the classical performing division. He also won the classical vocal for solo performances category.

 

In addition to the performing arts categories, students were able to enter creative art works such as paintings, graphic designs, sculptures, poems and prose in the category for creative arts.

 

Gretchen Crots, the overall winner of the art and design category, also won the Vice-Chancellor's Trophy as the overall winner of the creative division, while Ernest Else won the original writing category for poetry and prose and the Protea Book Shop prize.

 

Constant van Graan, a lecturer in forensic accountancy on the NWU’s campus in Potchefstroom, walked away with top honours in the staff category.

 

Lizz Meiring, a doyenne of television, theatre and film, was the master of ceremonies in front of a lively and enthusiastic crowd in the Sanlam Auditorium.

 

Star-studded panel of judges

 

The judges included Mynie Grové, well-known singer and songwriter, Stefan Enslin, alumnus of the NWU and maker of the films Strikdas and Nul is nie niks nie.

 

Mynie was especially impressed with the talent of the students and the live orchestra. Stefan said he was amazed by the high standard of every performance. The judges of the contemporary categories included Nkosinati Tom, Louis Nigrini and last year’s winner in the staff category, Rochelle Langford.

 

Jaco van der Walt, director of NWU PUK Arts, thanked all the staff, students and members of the community who attended this year’s event. “We look forward to surprising everyone again next year with all the wonderful talent on campus.”

 

Now sit back and enjoy the performances of some of our category winners:

It was an evening of powerful performances, enjoyable classics and extraordinary talent. The 34th Pukki Talent Festival was not only a platform for students to showcase their talents but also for staff to shine with entertaining and inspiring performances