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Wilgenhof was a men's residence located in Stellenbosch. It was the oldest university men's residence in Africa, established in 1903. It served as a home for students at Stellenbosch University. It has been the home of famous South African political, literature, business and sport figures such as Dr. Danie Craven, Jan Rabie, Beyers Naudé, Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, Christo Wiese, Morne du Plessis, Tiaan Strauss, Kepler Wessels, Schalk Brits, Whitey Basson and Judge Edwin Cameron during their student years.

History

Wilgenhof was a modern and inclusive residence founded on the principles of Respect, Individuality, Sense of Community, and Critical Thinking, informed by the pursuit of Excellence.

Building information

The residence then held about 200 students. In 1967 it was rebuilt and looks about the same today, as it did then, except for a few minor changes (eg. the completion of two new main gates in 2006). Before 1967, the building was nicknamed Bekfluitjie (Afrikaans for the musical instrument the harmonica), due to the shape of the residence. The nickname is still used (mostly by other students as a defamatory term) today.

The main building where most students live consists of three floors. There is one long section, with two flanks, almost enclosing the open air square surface (or "quad" as it is called) at the center. At the middle of the long section, there is a V-shaped staircase (Die V-trap as it is called in Afrikaans) and another two staircases at the ends of the long section.

Next to the main building is a two story building with a dining hall at the bottom floor and a common room on the top floor. Connected to this building is a squash court (named Dok se Hok) and another building that has the role of a washing machine area, storage facilities and staff quarters.

Another building, Hamelhof, is situated away from the main buildings and is currently used as a house for the Inwonende Hoof.

The final building is named Old Bachelors, which dates back more than 200 years and existed prior to the establishment of the residence. It used to serve as a farm house. It is a two story building with rooms for senior students at the top floor, while the residence's pub, the Danie Craven Gedenksentrum ( Danie Craven Memorial Center ) is located on the ground floor. Old Bachelors has been proclaimed a South African national monument.

The residence shares a communal shower.

The main entrances are two large gates, one of which allows motor vehicle access to the "quad". Other entrances exist for Old Bachelors and the kitchen at the dining hall.

The grounds surrounding the buildings includes a tennis court, parking lot, lawn and recreational field called die tet veld (the tet field). Old Bachelors has its own separate parking next to the tet field.

Manifesto

Wilgenhof must be: 

1. A modern and inclusive residence founded on the principles of Respect, Individuality, Sense of Community and Critical Thinking, informed by the pursuit of Excellence. 
2. A place of belonging, proud of our heritage but inspired by progress, where all are free to be themselves and where diversity of thought is championed. 
3. A platform to grow and excel at University and beyond, empowering Wilgenhoffers to become true agents of change and leaders of thought to propel South Africa forwards. 
4. Fully in support of the law and spirit of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Bill of Rights contained therein, as well as the foundational values of  freedom, equality and human dignity. 
5. In support of the statutes and values of Stellenbosch University, contributing to the uniquely rich experience of student life in Stellenbosch, with specific reference to the broader community.  
6. A source of pride for its residents, Stellenbosch University and South Africa,  broadly recognised as an institution of thought and leadership

Residence

Die Plek, as it is affectionately known by its residents, was established in 1903 and was the oldest student residence in Stellenbosch.

Notable alumni include former Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron, anti-Apartheid activist Beyers Naudé, business leaders such as Christo Wiese, Michael Jordaan, Paul Harris, and Whitey Basson, and rugby legends such as Doc Danie Craven, Morné du Plessis, and Schalk Burger.

External Links

Official Website

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