It's that time of the year again for the Alumni Office's annual Telethon - so expect a call between 5 and 13 September. A team of senior students will be phoning you and fellow alumni during the telethon. We’re sure that you will be able to relate to their current challenges and also laugh together at the things they love about being a Matie and the things you miss the most.The students will be inviting you to support the Maties 4 Maties (M4M) Bursary Fund, which is a student-driven initiative that seeks to raise funds to help fellow Maties who need essentials such as books, food and a place on campus to call their own. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in the lives of fellow Maties, whether you decide to on a monthly gift of R100 or a once-off gift of R1 000. This telethon also gives us the opportunity to hear how you would like to stay connected to your alma mater. As the saying goes, “Once a Matie, always a Matie!” Who is on the other end of the line?
Luan OdendalI am a second year BAccounting student, residing in Helshoogte Men’s Residence. My favourite thing about Stellenbosch is the positive vibe on campus. I enjoy playing as well as watching sports, hiking and going on road trips in and around the Western Cape.
Luther GeorgeI am a third year social work student. I love the diversity at SU. I also like the staff, because all of them are friendly. I am staying in private accommodation. I do like to watch TV series and movies. My favourite series is Game of Thrones and my favourite movie is Batman-The dark night. I also love playing and watching football.
Patience JonasI am in my final year of BA Social Work. I love being part of the unity of such a diverse group and also being part of the "Stellenbosch bubble". I stayed at Serruria Ladies Residence for three years, but I'm currently staying at Russel Botman House. I am talkative and also a good listener. My day is not fulfilled without laughter.
Aden BartesI am a third-year law student. I love the diversity at the university, where all students from various backgrounds can come together and flourish. I am currently staying in the University's Listening, Learning and Living communities (LLL), and previously stayed in Huis Visser for two years. I absolutely love music, especially singing. I also love my pets - a cat and a dog.
Njabulo NyathiI am in my third year of LLB studies. What I like about SU is that there are a group of students invested in change, as tedious a task as that might be. I stay in the University's Listening, Learning and Living communities (LLL). I was in the choir and I love to sing.
Marshall VisagieI'm a final year law student staying in Russel Botman House. I love the diverse environment of Stellenbosch and I'm a music lover so my freetime is spent trying to give Whitney Houston a run for her money :-)
Minnie BurtonI am studying towards a BTH degree and intend to major in Sociology and Pastoral Care. University gave me an opportunity to better my future prospects and to bring hope and encouragement to youth to further their education through hard work and dedication. I am living in private accommodation. I am currently working with a few children from the Cloetesville community, doing motivational work in the community and at churches. I'm also busy with the reinforcement of positive mindsets in the youth and helping them to set personal goals for themselves, for their future, and also how to deal with failures, difficulties and losses in their lives.
Phumla MsibiI'm studying towards a Bcom in Management Sciences, specialising in Financial Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation with Strategic Management. I'm a final year student. I stay in Concordia Residence. What I love about Stellies is the structured and well-balanced student life. The fact that I won't just leave this place with only a degree is what makes it so amazing. I'll leave Stellenbosch with skills that will equip me in the workplace and in changing society. I really love the Stellies environment ( academic and physical). I own my on catering and events management business, where we make platters and supply refreshments for events in Stellenbosch. I am also passionate about the community, tutor at high schools and I'm a qualified HIV counsellor.
Benda-Anne Van NiekerkI am currently studying BSc Human Life Science year two and reside in Erica Residence. I enjoy exercising and particularly running along the streets and mountain pathways of Stellenbosch, one of the main aspects that attracted to me Stellenbosch University and our beautiful campus. I believe that an appealing environment can lead to the good mental well-being of a student, and a happy student leads to student success.
Viwe SmithI am completing my final year in Economics. I am proud to be a Matie as SU is an institution where we receive quality education, which allows us to prosper in our respective fields! I currently stay in an LLL village, but used to stay in Erica Ladies Residence. I consider myself a movie and music enthusiast.
(Photographer: Marvin Koopman)
