The Sacred Soil of the POK: A History of Conflict, Resilience, and the "Radium Temples"

The history of the Potchefstroom Education College (POK) is not merely a chronicle of academic achievement; it is a narrative deeply rooted in the physical and cultural landscape of South Africa. Long before the first lectures were delivered, the very ground upon which the college stands was a theater of war and a symbol of national identity.

From Battlefields to Blackboards: The Military Origins

The site of the POK has its origins in the "broedertwis" (civil strife) between Boer factions. During the conflict between Schoeman and the state forces, the terrain served as a strategic military outpost. Paul Kruger’s commando, reinforced by men from Rustenburg, reportedly entrenched themselves on the exact ground where the Education College now stands.

Historical accounts describe a siege of the town where the two opposing lines were less than a mile apart. Legend highlights the extreme scarcity of resources during this time: it is said that Schoeman’s men would watch Kruger’s cannonballs as they hissed through the air, wait for them to land in the mud, wash them off, and fire them back at the state forces. This period of military occupation eventually gave way to a different kind of "laager", an educational one established in 1923.

The Legend of the Radium Temples

When the college was founded, it lacked permanent infrastructure. The authorities relocated second-hand corrugated iron (zinc) buildings from the nearby Witrand institution to serve as temporary housing and classrooms. These structures had a storied past, having served as barracks for soldiers during both the Second Boer War and the First World War.

The collection of buildings included:

A small hall.

Four lecture rooms.

Small offices for the principal and secretary.

Hostels for students: the women resided in Genadendal, while the men occupied Lovedale, the wing closest to the railway line.

The name "Radium Temples" (Radium-tempels) was born in 1928 out of a sense of institutional pride. When a newcomer made a disparaging remark about the humble blue zinc shacks, he was sternly corrected by a senior member of the college. He was told that his remark only proved his ignorance, as he could not distinguish between a common zinc building and a "temple made of gold, radium, and platinum". This nickname stuck, becoming a badge of honor for generations of "Pote" who thrived despite the Spartan conditions.

Expansion and the "Ratau" Era

By 1940, the college celebrated its 21st anniversary with a massive shift toward permanence. On September 13, 1940, the Director of Education, Mr. H.H.G. Kreft, inaugurated the first permanent brick-and-mortar buildings:

The Principal’s residence, which replaced an old zinc house.

The men’s hostel, Ratau Lebone.

The Main Building (Hoofgebou).

The name "Ratau Lebone" translates roughly to "The Father Lion Watches". "Ratau" was the students' affectionate nickname for their rector, and the building was seen as a monument to the college's growth. Students were deeply involved in the construction and preparation of these grounds, physically smashing clods of earth and clearing debris to ensure the campus was ready for the official opening.

Landscapes and Landmarks: The Campus Identity

The physical beauty of the POK was a collaborative effort involving the community and local government:

The Catharina Pond: Established in 1942, this picturesque centerpiece was largely a gift from Mr. C.L. (Charlie) Olën in memory of his late wife, who was a champion for education.

The Elephant Statue: This iconic and sometimes controversial piece was donated by "Oom" Fanie van der Bent.

The Yellowwood Hedge: The thick hedge surrounding the main block was a gift from the Potchefstroom Town Council. Originally, the college ordered two tins of trees at 25 cents each, but when the council offered them as a gift, the rector shrewdly asked for fifteen more and received sixteen.

Water Lilies: The lilies decorating the pond were purchased from the Port Elizabeth Municipality's Parks Department.

The Mulder Years and the "Grootkollege"

In January 1960, Prof. J.J. Mulder took over as rector. An old student of the POK himself, Mulder understood the challenges of poverty, having sold oranges from a donkey cart during the Depression to support his family. Under his leadership, the POK transitioned from a "small" college to a "great" college (Grootkollege) to meet the mass demand for specialized teachers.

Student numbers surged from 1,000 in 1959 to 1,270 by 1963. This growth required rapid expansion:

Rommelvlei: Due to a housing shortage for first-year students in 1960, an asbestos building was erected on an old ash heap. It was cheekily named "Rommelvlei" (Rubbish Marsh), and the water furrow flowing beneath it was dubbed the "Thames River".

Huis Republiek and Huis Izak Meyer: New hostels were planned and built during this era to accommodate the growing population.

Mooirivier Sport Complex: To make room for new lecture halls on the existing sports fields, new land was acquired along the Mooi River for a modern sports complex.

The Final Bow of the Radium Temples

By the early 1960s, the "temporary" Radium Temples had survived for nearly 40 years. However, the modernization of the campus finally dictated their removal. In a moving ceremony, the "Temples" were bid a final farewell with the singing of the "Temple Song" and the sounding of the Last Post on a trumpet. Hardened men were seen with tears in their eyes as a piece of the dismantled timber was burned and the ashes buried on-site. Each attendee took a zinc screw as a memento of an era that had finally come to an end.

The legacy of the POK remains a testament to the idea that greatness is not defined by the materials of one's surroundings, whether they be zinc or gold, but by the spirit of the people who build within them.