​Die Matie, Stellenbosch University's student newspaper, is celebrating its 75^th birthday this month. With its first issue making its appearance on 1 August 1941, Die Matie is one of the oldest student newspapers in the country.

A private function was held on Sunday 21 August in Stellenbosch, to celebrate the occasion. About 150 former members of editorial staff attended the event at Nooitgedacht wine estate. Guests and speakers included the editor of 1946, Gerhard Roux, Die Matie's first female editor Corinne Oosthuizen and Naspers chairman Koos Bekker, 1975 editor of Die Matie.

From left to right: Former Die Matie editors Koos Bekker and Gerhard Roux, next to the current editor, Eugenie Gregan. Photo: Nardus Engelbrecht.

A special commemorative issue of Die Matie appeared today (22 August), providing a glimpse of various milestones in the newspaper's history and documenting historical events on campus and in South Africa.  

"For the last 75 years [Die Matie] has provided insight into the heartbeat if the University, its students and its issues – warts and all," said Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers, in his congratulatory message that appeared in the commemorative issue. "Perhaps most importantly, Die Matie has often been a lone voice crying out in the desert – frequently ahead of its times. Keep on shouting, Die Matie!"

"A free, independent media is one of the most important cornerstones of democracy, and that is also true of student media," said Eugenie Gregan, current editor of Die Matie, commenting on the role of Die Matie in the past and for the future. "Die Matie should be a voice for all students on campus and keep its finger on the pulse of student life in Stellenbosch.

"Die Matie has always been fearless," Gregan continued in her editorial letter that appeared in the newspaper. "Despite the consequences, the newspaper always sought press freedom, integrity and responsibility. It is therefore a great achievement to celebrate 75 golden years."

The current editorial staff of Die Matie with the newspaper's special commemorative issue. Photo: Nardus Engelbrecht.