Physics Building

                                                                                                       Building in 1960

• First laboratories of the Literary Department of the Theological School, after it had relocated from Burgersdorp to Potchefstroom, were the old Voortrekker Church. This was the first church of the Reformed Church, Potchefstroom. It was used as a Physics laboratory. The other was the former smithy at the former house of President MW Pretorius, now the President Pretorius-museum which was used for Zoology. 
• In 1923 eight galvanised iron structures were commissioned on the campus of the Potchefstroom University College. These buildings date from the Anglo-Boer War and were re-erected on the current campus, being the first buildings erected here. 
• The laboratories were housed in some of these buildings.
• A government commission that was appointed in 1928 to investigate the state of universities in the country, recommended that the PUC be closed down, amongst other reasons, due to its inadequate facilities. The report mentioned that the PUC had no laboratory facilities worth mentioning. 
• It was estimated that £13 000 was needed for the building of the laboratories. 
• Preference was given to the building of the Main Building and while it was being built in 1930/31, attention was again given to the establishment of the laboratories. Plans were drawn for two buildings. 
• It was estimated that building costs would amount to £16 500, whilst equipping it completely would cost a further £6 500. For this a loan had to be negotiated from the government, which did not grant the loan. 
• By 1934 the government was more approachable to grant the loan, but the PUC had to contribute £5 500.
• At the beginning of 1935, it was decided that building works should commence immediately. 
• The building contractors Sterrenberg & Lutz completed the building to the satisfaction of the PUC authorities. 
• The carpenter who installed all the woodwork in the building, including benches, floors, laboratory counters and cupboards, was PAJ Ryke. His son, Prof PAJ (Piet) Ryke later was a lecturer at Zoology and his grandson, Peet Ryke, for many years was a pillar of strength at NWU Arts. 
• When the building for Domestic Sciences was erected, the old Physics Laboratory was incorporated into it as its northern wing. From 1998 this subject was known as Feeding and Family Ecology and currently is known as Consumer Sciences.
• The Physics Building was declared a National Monument on 11 May 1998 and is currently a Grade 2 Provincial Heritage Site. 

                                                                                                     Building in 1969