For three days, Stellenbosch is set to feel a little more like a family reunion, as thousands of former Maties return to the “Bos” for Stellenbosch University’s 11th Homecoming weekend.
From Thursday, September 10 to Saturday, September 12, more than 2,500 alumni are expected to make their way back to campus, some travelling from as far afield as New York, Canada, the Netherlands, Austria, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Kenya.
There will be more than 50 events, but at the heart of the weekend is the chance for old friends, classmates and former residence mates to catch up, swap stories and revisit the places that shaped their university years.
One of the biggest celebrations will belong to the SU Choir, which turns 90 this year.
The milestone will be marked with the Matieland Concert at the Endler Hall on Saturday, with performances starting at 5pm. Among those returning for the occasion is an 86-year-old former choir member who sang with the group in 1958.
Several other parts of university life are also reaching major milestones. The Department of African Languages is celebrating 100 years of teaching, learning and scholarship, while Monica Ladies’ Residence is marking its centenary. "Die Matie", the student newspaper, is turning 85.
There is plenty for Maties interested in what comes next, too.
The Department of Journalism will host a conversation about the future of media and storytelling, while the Faculty of Theology will look at how theological education is changing and the career paths opening up beyond traditional ministry.
And because this is Stellenbosch, wine naturally has a place at the reunion. More than 20 Matie winemakers will take part in the Matie Winemaker Showcase at the Alumni Clubhouse on Saturday.
Across the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses, class reunions and residence celebrations will add to the homecoming atmosphere, with Dagbreek marking 105 years, Helderberg 80, Nemesia 50 and Metanoia 20.
For the Maties returning, it is a chance to reconnect with old friends and familiar places, while celebrating how much has changed since their student days.
Homecoming takes place from Thursday, September 10 to Saturday, September 12 across Stellenbosch University’s Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses.
Key events include the Matie Winemakers Showcase at the Alumni Clubhouse (Die Stal) on Saturday from 11am to 4pm, followed by the Matieland Concert at the Endler Hall at 5pm and 8pm.