By Tenisha Taylor
On 20 February, Huis Visser’s (HV) quad had been transformed into a mini Hawaii – alive with energy, music, and heaps of foam. Residents and their dates danced across the foam-covered floor in bikini tops, swim shorts, and light summer shirts. Attendees sang along to GSTRiNG as they performed their hit song “Olivia”, among others, kicking off the 41st annual Snoekbraai.
While today’s Snoekbraai is known for its beach theme, foam, and live music, its beginnings were far humbler. House Committee (HC) member Joshua Lubbe (fourth-year BEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)) whose portfolio includes Vensters, Snoekbraai and Die Snoek (which is HV’s internal newspaper) said that the event likely started between 1980 and 1988.
Lubbe went on to say, “It started as a themed social event in our [dining hall] where seniors could invite dates.” An exclusive night for HV residents and their chosen dates, the early Snoekbraai featured rows of drums, a DJ, and braaied snoek prepared by first-years. Over the years, each HC added their own spin, moving the celebration to the quad, expanding in scale, and, in 2018, introducing foam – cementing the beach theme that has endured ever since.
Although braaiing over a hundred snoek for residents and their dates became impractical, the spirit of the tradition continues. One of the ways this tradition endures is through first-years, who earn next year’s Snoekbraai by serving as lifeguards, bartenders, and braaiers this year. First-year Ezra Evans (BA (PPE)) says, “Choosing to be a lifeguard was easy. […] [M]y favourite part was singing and dancing with the rest of the lifeguards.” Lubbe adds that first-years are not allowed to bring dates or drink, which “builds anticipation for the following year”.
Music has also become central to the event’s identity. Resident Wilhelm Warmenhoven’s band, GSTRiNG, has performed at the event for the past two years – a contribution Lubbe says has helped the Snoekbraai “reach a new peak”.
“As snoeke [the word used to describe HV residents], we take pride in knowing that Snoekbraai is our event,” Lubbe says. “In a very large university, it is special to have something that feels uniquely ours.” Prim Louis Makink sums it up by saying, “Snoekbraai is part of HV’s heartbeat.”
Beyond the foam, music, and braaied snoek, it is a night where snoeke, old and new, gather, celebrating not just a theme, but community, tradition, and a sense of identity uniquely Huis Visser.
