Every campus has a heartbeat, a place where milestones are celebrated, memories are made, and history unfolds. At the North-West University Mahikeng Campus, that place is The Great Hall, also known as Building A6.
It is more than just a building. The Great Hall is where the NWU spirit truly comes alive. It’s where thousands of students gather to mark achievements, fight for their lives writing exams, showcase talent, and connect as one university community.
The story of The Great Hall dates to the late 1980s, when university planners envisioned a space large enough to bring the entire campus together. In 1989, this dream began to take shape when funding of R8 million was secured from several donors. Construction started in August 1989 and was completed just over a year later. On 14 February 1991, the hall was officially opened, a fitting Valentine’s Day gift to the university community.
Designed to seat up to 5,000 people, The Great Hall remains one of the largest indoor venues in the North West Province. Its versatility allows it to host a wide range of events, from graduation ceremonies and academic gatherings to concerts, cultural festivals, and sporting activities.
Inside, facilities include courts for badminton, netball, basketball, and indoor soccer, as well as spaces for martial arts and aerobics training. The Hall also houses the Robinson Room, named after Sir Albert Robinson, who played a key role in securing the funds for its construction.
Whether it’s a student expo, Africa Day celebration, or a public lecture, the Great Hall’s flexible design makes it a hub for both campus and community engagement.
Over the decades, The Great Hall has hosted countless defining moments in the lives of NWU students. It’s the place where first-year students experience their first taste of university community spirit, and where graduates walk the stage, cheered on by friends and family.
Beyond academics, it’s a place where sport, culture, and unity intersect. It’s where new friendships form, where dreams are celebrated, and where NWU’s values of diversity, excellence, and innovation are lived out.
From its bold architectural design to the memories it holds, The Great Hall stands as a symbol of pride for the NWU Mahikeng Campus. It represents the university’s growth, resilience, and commitment to providing a holistic experience for its students. As new generations pass through its doors, one thing remains constant. The Great Hall is, and always will be, the beating heart of NWU Mahikeng.
