News & Events

South African Regional Conference

Date: 16-18 September 2005
The new Executive committee made an all expenses paid trip to Durban to attend the SA Regional Conference. Events kicked off with an 'Amazing Race'. Highlights such as workshops, featured speakers, like Judge Leona Theron, and a Gala Dinner, followed. This was a priceless learning opportunity that would not be forgotten soon.

Community Service 1

Date: 22 September 2005
The new Executive committees together with the Muslim Students Association of the North-West University made their firs visit to 'Sonder Water'. Little did we know how fitting this name was. A dry and sad picture laid stretched out before us.
We were able to give cool drinks and chips to round about hundred children that day, but we new that more had to be done. An interpreter spoke to the children and some of their mothers in their own language (Setswana) to find out what they need and how we can help them. We were able to find out that they are in desperate need of food, clothes and jobs.
We knew that we had our work cut out for us and therefore reassured them that we will be back to help and to bring them another message of hope.

Transition Meeting

Date: 7-9 October 2005
Training camp held at 'Raaswater' for the new executive committee officers of the North-West University chapter. This opportunity was used to develop a shared vision and to get to know one another. A calendar of events for the term 2005/2006 where brainstormed. Each committee member was also given a chance to present some ideas or plans she has in mind for her portfolio. Two of our advisors, Mr. H.P. Bütow and Mrs. C. Posma, were there to give us advice on some of the ideas.

Christmas Decorations for Make A Difference Day

Date: 18 October 2005
In order to raise money for Make A Difference Day, Chantelle, Portfolio: Community Service, made Christmas decorations.
Each decoration had a space or spaces on them where people could write their own message. A space could be bought for only R5.00, but extra donations were welcome. Some of the decorations were sponsored by businesses. Cell Guy, Klerksdorp, for example sponsored R1000.00.
The decorations were then used to decorate one of the trees in our Student Centrum. Inquisitive students even helped the committee to hang the decorations on the tree.
Christmas came early this year to Potchefstroom and helped to give the less fortunate a day that they would never forget.

Pre-Party for Make A Difference Day

Date: 19 October 2005
A pre-party for Make A Difference Day was held in the Heimat clubhouse to raise a caring spirit and to motivate people to take part. Posters were made and e-mails were sent out to promote this event. Hot dogs were given to each person who attended the pre-party. This was a great way to socialize with other members and to motivate them to be involved with the chapters' events.

Make A Difference Day

Date: 20 October 2005
Make A Difference Day this year was a major success. The North- West University Chapter's Executive committee in collaboration with the Muslim Students Association of the North-West University, made their way to 'Sonder Water' once again, but this time we brought along Christmas with us.
Santa Cause came all the way from the North Pole to make each child's dream come true. Fifty bags of chips, 100 lollypops, 50 soccer balls, 30 packs of crayons, 50 soccer balls, 50 schoolbags, 50 exam pads, 50 pens, 85 cool drinks and balloons where given to the children.
This time even the grown-up's Christmas wish came true. Thirty bags of maize, 30 bags of rice, 30 bags of soup beans and 85 plates of hot food where given to them.
A cheerfully spirit was in the air as the people of 'Sonder Water' celebrated their first ever Christmas. For at least one night sorrow and hunger would seize to exist and a feeling of hope would live forth in their hearts.

Date: 21 January 2006
The executive committee kicked the year off with tremendous effort. Information tables were held in the Student Centrum to inform prospective members, especially the first year students, about Golden Key and what they can benefit from becoming a member. Photos of activities held were displayed and information pamphlets were given out to people. The main goal of this exercise is to make people more aware of Golden Key on campus.

Date: 10 February 2006
The Executive committee of the North-West University decided to treat their Honorary Members to a breakfast in The Jonge Akker once again this year. This was a great way to socialize with the Honorary Members and to motivate them to be part of the chapter’s events. Dr Leon Wessels (Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission) and Prof A.L. Combrink (Campus Rector) was just some of the Honorary members that were present. Micole Froneman (Chapter President) opened the event by informing guests about the chapter’s upcoming events and by giving them a brief overview about what Golden Key stands for. A cheerful spirit was in the air and guests were welcomed with champagne.

Date: 14 February 2005
Look out for the Happy Valentines poster on Campus. The Executive Committee of the North-West University welcomes back all students and wishes them a happy Valentines Day. This poster was issued for potential member outreach as well as for campus awareness. "Love comes to you when you least expects it..."

Date: 15 February 2005
A pleasure cruise that should not be missed. The executive committee arranged for a Party Bus to take sixty people on a cruise through Potch. Tickets are available at the Golden Key office between 13:00 and 14:00 at the affordable price of only R20.00 per person. The bus leaves at 18:30 for 19:00. Drinks are available on bus, so bring along your money. If you have any questions, please contact Charnelle: 0833845285. This event will increase campus awareness and bring members and non-members closer together. There is lots of love to share, because love is in da air...
See photos below to share in the successes of the event.

Date: 16 February 2006
This time the executive committee took on a new challenge. Chantelle de Sousa (Portfolio: Community Service) contacted the Human Health Department of Potchefstroom to see if the committee could help them promote National Condom week . The Health Department agreed to give the committee condoms and pamphlets on how to prevent aids and other sexual related illnesses to distribute at Sonder Water. The whole executive committee also attended a meeting of the Human Health Department on the tenth of February 2006.
The executive committee then collaborated with Eikenhof Ladies Hostel and the PASV (The Pharmaceutical student representatives) of the North-West University to help distribute the condoms and pamphlets at Sonder Water. A translator also went along to communicate a message about protecting themselves against HIV/Aids, to the people of Sonder Water. Tins and packets of food, as well as tea were also handed out to the citizens.

Date: 22 February 2006
Once again the executive committee collaborated with Eikenhof Ladies Hostel , but this time the committee joined them at their community service project.
The Centre of Concern is the place that smiles and laughters can be found in abundance. This centre takes care of pre-school children during the day, when their parents are out trying to make ends meat. A hot meal is provided to the children every day and this is for some the main reason for attending each day. Some form of education is also provided to them.
The committee joined Eikenhof in handing out sweets and pictures that the children could colour in. The committee enjoyed the warm welcome so much that they decided to help with some of the colouring in work.
The meaning of the saying “a million dollar smile” was given new meaning and the executive committee left The Centre of Concern with a warm feeling in their hearts.

Date: 20 April 2006
Important and useful workshops will be held, like how to write a proper C.V. and information on your human rights. Each attendee receives a goody bag. There is also free pizza that one can enjoy. Everybody is welcome.

Date: 20 April 2006
Time: 5-8 pm
Place: G20 101on campus
Price: R20.00 if you want a goody bag otherwise just come for the free pizza and useful information.

Date: 24 April 2006
World book day is celebrated world wide on the 23 of April. UNESCO declared 23 April (Shakespeare’s birthday) as this annual event all over the world. This day is about celebrating literature – reading, writing, books and the distribution of books to those who can not afford it.
The ‘Centre for the Book’ in Cape Town is coordinating this event in South-Africa. This center helps to coordinate, promote and encourage all book-related activities in South Africa. As country-specific initiative, Golden Key Chapters will celebrate World Book day this Year.
The Chapter plans to distribute old books and magazines to the less fortunate. Your contribution would be welcome. Please contact the chapter if you would like to join us in our distributing quest to ‘Sonder Water’, or if you have old books or magazines to donate. The chapter is also celebrating this day by launching a poetry evening on the 24th of April. Prizes will be given to people who entered the poetry competition and also to the best lecturers in each faculty.
You are invited to join the Chapter in celebrating an evening dedicated to literature wile nibbling on a bite to eat and enjoying a glass of wine.