We all know that Matieland offers much more than a well-earned degree or two, or three … For Annica and Hannes Swart, studying in Matieland also allowed them to meet and fall in love. Today, these two alumni are happily married, exploring the world and ready to encourage the children they may have one day to become Maties themselves. 

Please tell us about yourselves.

Hannes: I studied mechanical engineering and obtained my bachelor's, master's and PhD at Stellenbosch University. I was a resident of Eendrag for four years, where I loved being involved in Sêr, the SU Choir and other cultural events. I also profited from the opportunity to explore the wine farms in and around Stellenbosch. These days I work as technical lead for the Acoustics and Vibration Division at Edag in Ingolstadt, Germany. I fell in love with the country during my exchange semester as a master's student and continued enhancing my German language skills during my postgraduate years of study at Maties.

Annica: I studied industrial engineering and obtained my bachelor's and master's degrees at Stellenbosch University. I was a resident of Nerina for three years, where I was a member of the House Committee during my final year there. I have so many fond memories of all the adventures we had while I was staying there. I did an exchange semester at the University of Amsterdam while I was working on my master's. In my free time in Stellenbosch you would have found me either coaching tennis in Kayamandi or embracing the beauty of the winelands (and the wine). Now I work at Amazon Web Services in Munich as cost optimisation analyst.

Please tell us how you met and ended up together.

Annica: Our journey has been relatively short, but oh so sweet. It all began when I was on a last-minute search for student accommodation after the dates of my exchange semester had changed. A friend shared a Facebook post for a vacant room, and what was meant to be a quick “meet and greet" turned into an hour-long coffee session. I decided to move into the student house but Hannes, being the adventurous person he is, fled the scene to Antarctica (as part of his PhD studies). However, not even the distance could prevent us from talking and getting to know each other. Upon Hannes's return to Stellenbosch, we started spending more time together – either at the Faculty of Engineering, at Welgevonden or on a wine farm. Our mutual love of serving God and others formed the foundation of our relationship. And so our whirlwind romance began. We started out as housemates, but it quickly evolved into something much deeper than we ever could've imagined.

Hannes proposed to me at the Cliffs of Moher, in Ireland, just after my exchange semester to Amsterdam had come to an end. We got married one year later at the picturesque Saronsberg Wine Farm in Tulbagh. Fast-forward one year, and we have moved to Germany to travel and explore the world.

How long have you been married?

It has been just over two years now – since 3 November 2018.

What stands out for you when you think back on your time in Stellenbosch? 

Hannes: I have so many great memories of Stellenbosch – Sêr, House Derbies, stoepkuiers and wine tours. What makes Stellenbosch so unique is the privilege it affords you to enjoy a great variety of different adventures and experiences in and around this beautiful little Boland town. What stood out in particular for me is the peacefulness and tranquillity that could be found and felt in the mountains, in the streets and in the heart of the community. The opportunities to experience life in its fullness, to grow and to learn are available; you just need to grasp them.

Annica: There is something so special about Stellenbosch. I guess it's the warmth of the people, the beauty of the surroundings and the excitement of an adventure that lies waiting. My three highlights of Stellenbosch have to be my adventures with the Kuyasa kids in Kayamandi, the lovely post-Engineering Week wine farm visits and the kattekwaad at Nerina. I don't think I will ever forget stealing a chicken (General Koos) from Helshoogte. To a Durban city girl, having to coax General Koos from his cage was an adventure in itself.

Any advice that you would like to pass on?

Embrace every opportunity and appreciate every moment at Stellenbosch. Leave your comfort zone and engage with as many diverse people as you can. Maties gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand your horizons while enjoying every moment. You'll never have as much time as you do when you're a student – become involved in all the amazing work that Maties are doing in the community.

How often do you return to Matieland?

Stellenbosch and Matieland are at the top of our list when we visit South Africa. Realistically, we plan to return annually and reminisce about old memories while making new ones. 

Should you have children, would you encourage them to study at Stellenbosch?

YES! Definitely. Hannes and I both loved our time at Stellenbosch and we think it is one of the best (if not the best) student experiences one can have. Not only does Stellenbosch University have a great programme offering; you also are surrounded by the most beautiful scenery, and adventure is waiting just outside your front door.