Austin L.F. Pepar Primarius 2018/2019
Dear Newcomer
On behalf of the University of Stellenbosch and Goldfields Residence, I would like to welcome you to this new and dynamic environment. For many reasons, your decision to live at Goldfield’s residence is an excellent one. Residential life affords you with vast opportunities to explore new ideas, novel experiences, and diverse perspectives while living cooperatively with others.
Coming to Goldfield’s residence, I did not know anyone. So it was a little nerve-racking to be in such a different environment. I remember being pretty awkward when I met my orientation leaders. In high school you are so used to being around people you know because you have been with them for up to 5 years, and then you come to a brand new setting where you do not know anyone, and this can be really daunting.
Goldfields Residence is an opportunity for you to meet lifelong friends that will also enhance your personal development. There is no one Goldfields experience. When you come here you can make it your own. Try out a lot of new things which will also help you figure out who you are as a person. There are so many different opportunities. There are so many different people to meet, there are so many different things to get involved in that, no matter who you are, there is going to be something for you here. The energy and the passion here at Goldfields is unparalleled.
Students really value what they do and the energy and excitement that you see all across grounds is just unreal and I think that energy is what drives a lot of us together here at Goldfield’s residence. Enjoy every experience that you have here and just be open to everything while you are here.
There is a reason why you have been placed here, there is a reason why you are coming here, there is a reason why this felt like the right place for you, and I think that if you embrace that and if you come in with the idea that you can make a difference and know that there are people that want you here, then you should make the most out of all of your time here.
Welcome to home. Welcome to the family. Welcome to Goldfields Residence.
I hope you have an exhilarating and rewarding experience. I look forward to meeting you.
Austin L.F. Pepar
Primarius 2018/2019
Gift Mashilwane – Primarius 2017/2018
After a long day of class, you walk into the slight chilly but warm breeze of the driveway. The smile on each face as new as the morning. As you walk further, you meet the true strength of the Sun’s glare and its true beauty. You cannot help but smile and know, tomorrow’s walk can be a different season…
This is the Goldfields you will be walking into. It gives me no greater pleasure and excitement to say to you:
Dear Goldie
Congratulations on your acceptance to Stellenbosch University and Goldfield’s residence!
Goldfields is one unique house, not only on campus but nationally as well. We are the oldest mixed-race, mixed-gender university residence in South Africa. We stand as the pioneering residence for value driven residences on our campus. Freedom, Unity, Respect, and Responsibility are integrated to make values that drive one beautiful home, Goldfields!
We offer you supercalifragilisticexpialidocious accommodation and space (phew!). We have the biggest area per student number, making Goldfields a spacious home for you. We have easy access to some of the best sporting facilities on campus and lush greenery that complements what is undoubtedly one of the best quads.
We are elated to welcome you to what will be your home away from home and more importantly, to meet you during welcoming and discuss your opinion on ‘world economic forum global shapers’ or just your favorite color.
Welcoming week intends to integrate yourself into the house through activity orientated dialogue. Our Seniors, Mentors, and House Committee are committed to ensuring that you have the most fun, smooth and educative transition into campus and residence life.
We are excited to meet you.
Ons is baie opgewonde om vir jou te ontmoet.
Siyavuya sizodibana nawe.
Kind regards,
Gift “Mphethle lerole” Mashilwane
Primarius 2017/2018
Rowan Page – Primarius 2014/2015
Dear Goldfielders
I would like to start off by congratulating you on your acceptance into both Goldfields Residence and Stellenbosch University!
Studying at Stellenbosch University means getting an education at a world-class institution. Living in Goldfields you will have the privilege of being a member of the oldest mixed-race, mixed-gender university residence in South Africa. You will be surrounded by history and peers who, together with you, will shape the future.
Goldfields offers you top-notch accommodation and the chance to excel in whatever direction your talents lie. It is a place where individuals can truly thrive. We embrace and encourage you to reach your full potential.
We realise that university life and living in a residence can be a big adjustment. I would like to assure you that you do not need to worry too much in this regard. The house committee, mentors and senior students are here to welcome you and to make you feel at home. Feel free to ask questions; we will gladly help!
The welcoming programme as planned by Jodi and MJ, aims to do just that – to welcome you to both Stellenbosch and Goldfields. The programme is aligned with the University’s overarching goals and is an embodiment of the four values that Goldfields holds dear: the interplay between freedom, unity, respect and responsibility. Throughout our programme we would like you to view us as equals and participate in the activities knowing that you are also free to sit out if you want to.
I look forward to meeting you and hope that your years here will be fruitful and fun!
Golden greetings
Rowan Page
Primarius 2014/2015
