Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Homecoming 2018: Come home to Matieland!
Author: Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni
Published: 23/02/2018

It is that exciting time of the year again. Stellenbosch University's Maties Homecoming Weekend for alumni is taking place from 1 to 5 March 2018 on our picturesque Stellenbosch Campus, and this year promises to be extra special as SU commemorates its Centenary year. We have planned various events especially for Maties. So here's your chance to reconnect with old friends, to relive those wonderful student days and to participate in a range of fun and exciting activities taking place at your alma mater.

Here is a snapshot of what to look forward to:

On 1 March you can join fellow alumni for an art walk through scenic Stellenbosch to celebrate community and art, and partake in an evening of delightful sights and sounds. Last stop on the walk will be the SU Museum in Ryneveld Street for cocktails, canapés and light entertainment, so do not miss out.

On 2 March, you will be treated to an evening of outstanding entertainment filled with music and wonderful surprises at the special Homecoming Centenary Concert. Artists include the SU Jazz Band, Laurika Rauch, Gloria Bosman, Tim Moloi, Coenie de Villiers, Valiant Swart, the world-renowned Stellenbosch University Choir, Arno Carstens, Brandon October, as well as J'Something and Micasa. There is certainly something for everyone to enjoy.

The festivities continue on 3 March at the Homecoming Fun Run Veldtrap met Woorde at Coetzenburg. Bring your family, your friends and your pets. Come fill your lungs with fresh air and stretch your legs. Run, jog or walk along some of Stellenbosch's most scenic mountain trails.

Also on 3 March, you can enjoy some extra family time at the Family Day from 10:00 onwards. Expect a festive day of live music, delicious food and first-class entertainment spread over two stages. Bring your own chairs and blankets and settle in before the start of the open-air concerts. Come and join in for a joyful and safe family day with stalls, a carnival for the little ones, and a beer and wine tent for adults.

On Monday, 5 March, sport enthusiasts can look forward to a riveting game of rugby when SU's Maties Rugby team and UCT's Ikeys go head to head at the Danie Craven Stadium. You are most welcome to visit the special alumni tent at Die Stal before and after the game for drinks. All proceeds will go to the Maties4Maties Bursary Fund. Tickets for the match are available at www.varsitycup.co.za.

Monday, 5 March, will also see a lively series of discussions facilitated by Tim du Plessis in partnership with the Frederick Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership. Some of the topics to be discussed include the ethics of heart transplants; euthanasia and the right to choose; gender, religion and the arts; youth and youth unemployment; the fourth industrial revolution; and a host of current topical issues. Remember to reserve your seat for these discussions as space is limited.

For those of you who would like to enjoy Stellenbosch beyond 5 March, there is much more to do. Stay for more Woordfees shows (with special alumni discounts on a wide selection of shows), see the action at the Dagbreek Street Mile Festival on 6 March, or attend Sonop Residence's reunion on 10 March. Please support SU's Rector, Prof Wim de Villiers, and a team of 100 alumni and friends on 11 March at the Cape Town Cycle Tour as they cycle 109 km to raise money for Maties bursaries as part of the SU's Centenary activities.

Please visit www.matiesalumni.com for more information on how to book for all these events. Follow SU on the various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, for regular updates on more exciting events and the latest information on all our activities throughout this special Centenary year.

A welcoming area for alumni will be set up at the SU Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, during Homecoming Weekend. Please visit us there and collect your special complimentary commemorative Centenary alumni pin.

In addition, you as an SU alumnus will receive a special discount on selected Woordfees shows in 2018 as part of SU's centenary activities. Simply input your SU number when making your booking via Computicket.

  • Photo: Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development & Alumni Relations and Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector & Vice-Chancellor. (Phtoographer: Stefan Els)