Ask any NWU Vanderbijlpark student what makes this campus different, and you’ll quickly realise …it’s not just the buildings, the degrees, or even the views (though those are spectacular). It’s the culture. The people. The inside jokes. The shared language. The way this “institution by the river” quietly becomes your second home. 

At Vanderbijlpark, the spirit of campus life is alive in the little things. In the nicknames, the personalities, and the rhythms of daily life that only insiders understand. 

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The River that Runs Through Us 

Affectionately known as “the institution by the river”, the NWU Vanderbijlpark campus (NWU VPC) is nestled next to the iconic Vaal River, and that river is more than just a scenic backdrop; it’s our pride, the perfect spot to sit, reflect, and breathe during stressful exam weeks, and a reminder that even in the hustle of academic life, nature flows on. 

A Campus with Personality 

You don’t have to look far to find a bit of humour or warmth at NWU VPC. Our culture runs deep, and so do the nicknames! Take a walk through campus and you’ll hear: 

• “Membership!” - That’s how we lovingly refer to our security personnel. Always alert, always looking out for us. 

• “Abo Mamzo” and “Abo Daddy” - That’s how we call our campus transport drivers and helpers. If you’ve ever taken a late bus ride with them, you know they’re the real MVPs. 

• “Black Blazer” - That’s the name we give to every student leader. It’s more than a piece of clothing. It’s a badge of responsibility and respect. 

And it doesn’t stop there. Our campus leadership gets the nickname treatment, too: 

• Prof Bismark Tyobeka, our Vice-Chancellor, is known fondly as “Bizizi.” 

• Prof Linda du Plessis, our former campus DVC, is still affectionately called “Aus Lindiwe” or “Malindi” 

• Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, our Executive Director for Student Life? “Mabuda” to us. 

It’s all love. All part of the vibe. 

A Zoo? Well… Kind Of. 

Our campus is home to more than just humans. We share our space with a whole cast of animals that have earned their own reputations: 

• Springboks that roam the lawns like they own the place. We’ve even given them names like Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth. And yes, they live up to the hype. 

• Peacocks, AKA our unofficial on-campus res alarms because when they screech in the early morning, trust, you’re awake. 

• Monkeys, the cheeky last-borns of campus. They're mischievous, hilarious, and always plotting to steal a slice of your lunch. 

• Ducks that have zero boundaries. They’ll waddle right up like “what’s for lunch?” 

• And let’s not forget the beautiful fish ponds on your walk to the student centre. Peaceful. Calming. Insta-worthy. 

The Human Touch 

Vanderbijlpark campus has a heartbeat and it beats strongest in our people. Whether it’s in the way everyone greets each other like family, or how societies and student groups make it easy for you to find your place, this campus wraps itself around you in the best way. 

It’s a place where your lecturers might know your name. Where your res becomes your second family. And where laughing until your stomach hurts with your friends at the sports bar is just part of a regular Tuesday. 

This is NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus!

It’s smart. It’s soulful. It’s playful. And it’s proudly, uniquely ours. So whether you’re a current student or considering calling Vanderbijlpark home next year, know this: you’re not just joining a university, you’re joining a culture. One that dances, laughs, and sometimes yells “Membership!” just for fun. 

And that, right there, is the NWU VPC difference.