Monica Residence marked a historic milestone on 14 May 2026 as students, staff, and university leaders gathered in the Monica Recreation Hall to celebrate the residence’s 100th birthday - exactly one century after the residence first opened its doors in 1926.

The early morning celebration over cake brought together generations of leadership and community members who continue to shape one of Stellenbosch University’s oldest women’s residences. Among those present were Acting Chief Operating Officer Prof Nicola Smit, Dean of Students Dr Leslie van Rooi, Director of the Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL) Mr Pieter Kloppers, Prim Committee Chair Arnold Ntumvi-Nguti, and Vice Chair, Natalie Nortje, as well as residence staff responsible for maintaining and caring for the historic building each day.

Residence Head, Monica du Toit, described the occasion as emotional and deeply meaningful, and also reflective of the residence culture that Monica students have built and continue to build – a culture where students engage critically with history by embracing both its serious and difficult moments, but also find space for humour, joy and connection through shared reflection.

“It was incredibly special to share this moment with women leaders across the University, our student leadership structures, and especially the staff members who keep this grand madame of a building clean, maintained, and well-managed every single day,” said Du Toit.

Students and guests were able to share the moment with SU’s much-loved mascot, Pokkel, who made a surprise appearance to witness Prof Smit cut the birthday cake. The official cake-cutting ceremony led to a spirited rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song, complete with a distinctly South African twist! 

Monica’s Prim Sade George used the opportunity to remind students that the residence’s centenary celebration was not only about celebrating the past, but also about recognising the generations of women whose courage and resilience helped shape the institution.

“You are standing on the shoulders of many communities of women before you,” she said, “but you are also laying the symbolic foundation for future generations of students who will one day call Monica home.”

According to Du Toit the celebration also created the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Ms Portia Cupido, the Cluster Residence Service Coordinator and the longest-serving staff member in Monica Residence.

Reflecting on the significance of the centenary, Du Toit said this milestone was an important reminder of the role student communities play in shaping the university and one another.

“A hundred-year moment helps us appreciate that growth and transformation only happen when students are invested in unlocking one another’s academic and leadership potential, and when they are willing to move beyond what is comfortable in pursuit of what is truly educational,” she said.

Du Toit also reflected on the generations of women whose activism and determination expanded opportunities for those who followed.

“This morning was, in many ways, a universal thank you to every student group that pushed for voting rights, democracy, shifting societal norms, and new possibilities for women in leadership and academia,” she said. 

“Perhaps at Monica’s 150-year reunion in 2076, students from that generation will still meet some of the people who stood in this hall today and know that we also had their wellbeing in mind.”

Monica Residence will continue its centenary celebrations later this year when alumni from multiple generations return to Stellenbosch for the official 100-year reunion celebration on 12 September 2026. 

For more information about the reunion celebration, you can contact Du Toit at [email protected].