1 minute read
Dreamwalking down Victoria Street
by Die Matie
On Thursday, 2 February, over 5000 newcomers descended upon the Danie Craven stadium for the first full welcoming since 2020. Neatly divided into their respective residences and Private Student Organisations (PSO)s, the new Maties enjoyed singing and chanting as the Dreamwalk program kicked off. The recorate, Stellenbosch University (SU) deans of faculty and student leadership made their formal entrances, accompanied by the SU Symphony Orchestra. Student Representative Council (SRC) Chairperson, Masilo Silokazi, addressed the first years and their parents, welcoming the newcomers to campus. She spoke about her challenges as a queer woman of colour at SU, and urged listeners to take up the space they occupy and know that SU belongs to all its students. Silokazi invited the students, staff and parents to take a vow against discrimination, racism, sexism and homophobia.
“Inclusivity isn’t about making yourself smaller, but widening the circle,” said Prof Wim De Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU.
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As he addressed the crowd in English and Afrikaans, he advised new students to be wary of the differences between high school and tertiary education. Then he encouraged students to enjoy their experience as a Matie with his motto: “do your best, be your best, no regrets.”
Students were also invited to the first ever Dreamville, an event sponsored by MySpace, a company offering premium apartments. The Rooiplein was a hub of activity, with a silent disco, flame-throwers, and even Chinese dragon performers.
“A big part of [it] for us was that it would be as cost-friendly as possible, because we know that during orientation week not all students have money to be spending. We didn’t want to be selling things outside and we wanted all entertainment, [and] all games to be free of charge,” said AlysaAbby Kekana, head of the Dreamwalk sub-committee.
Kekana explained that the sub-committee aimed for the event to be accessible and sustainable, consulting with the Sustainability division and the Disability Unit at SU.
