It’s mid-morning on Potchefstroom Campus. The student centre buzzes with life – backpacks thud, laughter echoes across the amphitheatre, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee drifts from the cafés. But just off to the side, something else is stirring. Something exciting.

Stacks of crisp, freshly printed newspapers rest in the arms of the Wapad team. Fingers brush against bold headlines. Photos glint under the light. And in a matter of minutes, they’re gone. Handed out. Page-flipped. Page-kept. Students grin as they spot familiar faces, ideas, and voices in ink.

That was the scene during the Potchefstroom Campus Open Day. A day when the NWU learned: Wapad, NWU’s beloved student newspaper, is officially back in print.

“I’ve never believed the idea that ‘print is dead,’” says Shanell Binedell, Wapad’s current editor-in-chief. “Books are still sold; students still prefer writing notes by hand – and there’s something undeniably personal about holding something physical.”

And when the green light came from Katlego Nkwe, PUKFM’s Station Manager, Shanell knew. “It was time. It was about honouring tradition and giving our content a tangible, lasting form again. During our Open Day test run, we handed out 100 copies in 20 minutes.”

A Legacy on the Move

Since its very first issue hit stands in April 1946 under Chris Hattingh’s leadership, Wapad has evolved through the hands of generations. Once serious and formal, it’s now a vibrant, student-powered publication that blends news, lifestyle, commentary, and culture in a way that resonates deeply with its readers.

And it’s still entirely student-run.

“Everything – from the writing to the editing to the layout – is handled by students,” Shanell shares proudly. “It’s incredible seeing students from different faculties come together. It’s not just journalism students – it’s creatives, thinkers, go-getters. That’s the magic.”

A Voice That Grows with You

Today’s Wapad isn’t afraid to evolve. “Our editorial voice is honest, relatable, and curious. We learn by doing – and we’re not afraid of that,” Shanell says. “We wear many hats. We’re writers, editors, designers, web publishers, social media managers… and full-time students.

And this year, something clicked. We’ve built a team that respects each other – and that makes all the difference.”

In fact, every Tuesday night, Wapad becomes a newsroom of ideas. “We do scrums where every person brings something to the table,” Shanell says. “And we ask: Is this relevant? Is this honest? Does it serve our students?”

From Website to Newsprint

For the past five years, Wapad lived online. Fast, flexible, accessible. But also demanding.

“With digital, there’s pressure to publish immediately,” Shanell says. “It’s fast-paced and unforgiving. With print, it’s different. There’s more creativity. More presence. During Open Day, we handed out 100 copies in 20 minutes. People held onto them like keepsakes.”

That emotional connection with physical print is undeniable. “Alumni came up to us saying, ‘Wapad is still around?’ They were thrilled. Many remembered being featured. That’s when I knew – we’d made the right call.”

A New Era, a New Edition

So, what can students expect from this new printed edition?

“We’re focusing on societies, lesser-known sports, and working with Protection Services on a campus safety awareness campaign,” Shanell explains. “Every edition needs to feel like it matters. Like it belongs on your desk, not just in your recycle bin.”

To keep the momentum going, Wapad also added a new executive role: Public Relations and Administrative Manager. “It’s changed everything,” says Shanell. “We’re building partnerships, planning fundraisers, and working towards financial independence. We’re not just telling stories – we’re learning how to sustain the platform that tells them.”

Digital Meets Print Meets Purpose

Of course, Wapad isn’t abandoning its online roots. The team still receives feedback via Instagram, Facebook, and the website – some constructive, some critical, but always valuable.

“We’re in a constant conversation with our readers,” Shanell says. “That’s what keeps us relevant.”

Building Identity in a Time of Disconnection

For Shanell and her team, Wapad is more than a publication – it’s a connection point.

“In a world where so many feel disconnected, Wapad brings student stories to life,” she says. “We celebrate excellence. We spark conversation. We remind students that their voices matter.”

The Dream Front Page?

Shanell smiles. “A national award. Or a Wapad alumnus winning an international journalism award. Proof of where this little paper can take you.”

Join the Story

For students on the fence about getting involved?

“Do it,” Shanell says without hesitation. “You don’t need experience – just passion. We’ll teach you everything. We make mistakes, yes. But we learn, and we grow. Wapad is more than a student newspaper. It’s a team. It’s a family. Wapad only stay relevant if we have journalists who want to work hard.”

What’s Next?

Wapad’s first new print edition launched on 17 May during Potchefstroom Open Day to overwhelming excitement. The next issue? “We’re aiming for every term,” says Shanell. “We’re figuring it out – advertising, design, printing. The goal is consistency, quality, and student-driven content. We will start with a quarterly paper and hope that this will become more frequent in the future.”