By Navarna Davids
What does it cost to be a Matie?
For some commuter and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funded students, attending House Dance, one of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) most celebrated student events, can raise questions about affordability and inclusion. While contributions to House Funds Dances help cover the venue, food, and other essentials for House Dance, students and House Committee (HC) members alike are asking: how accessible are these traditions for everyone?
For students who rely on financial aid, event costs can be a concern. Dimpho Mokotedi, first-year BCom (Management Sciences) student and Equité member, explained that limited finances mean prioritising basic needs over social events. “My money goes to food, toiletries and transport, so I’m left with less than R200. The last thing you think about is a social event like Huisdans.”
To better understand how these financial expectations are addressed, Die Matie interviewed HC members from the amaMaties Commuter Student Communities (CSCs). The HCs from Equité and Capri shared their perspectives on the cost associated with House Dance and the measures taken to make the event inclusive.
According to Equité Prim, Natasha Freitas, each CSC is responsible for organising its own annual House Dance. “We plan and organise Huisdans for the newcomers from the venue to the food, the transport and payment plans,” she explained. Freitas added that leadership attempts to keep the events affordable. “We try to always be less than how much residences cost because we’re aware not everyone has R1000 casually in their bank account for a single ticket.”
Die Matie reached out to residents from Minerva, Irene, Huis Ten Bosch, Eendrag, Wilgenhof, Majuba, Dagbreek, Sonop, Helderberg and Helshoogte to estimate what a single ticket costs. It appears that a single ticket to a residence House Dance ranges from R400 to R900, depending on the residence and factors such as the venue, whether transport is included and for how long the venue is booked.
Equité’s House Dance organiser, Roselyn Chingandu, said payment plans allow students to spread the cost over several months. “We try to start payment plans early so students can pay it over months – sometimes around R100 a month,” she said, adding that ticket prices have remained between R300 and R500 for single ticket over the past three years.
Capri focuses strongly on building community and inclusivity for commuter students. Khanya Mbandla, Vice-Prim of Capri, stated that the CSC aims to include students regardless of their financial position. “We hope to build an inclusive, visible commuter community, fostering Ubuntu and increasing event attendance.” She added that Capri strives to create a family-like environment where students feel they belong.
Capri’s Financial and Academics HC member, Codinn Cloete, highlighted how financial planning within the CSC helps keep events accessible. “We use tools like Google Forms to understand students’ financial situations. This helps us offer installment plans for events, so everyone can participate, even if they cannot pay upfront.” Cloete added that leadership is not only about budgets, but also about improving student life. “Events such as Huisdans build connections. It’s where students get to meet each other and start their university career. Even for seniors, it strengthens their connections and creates good vibes in the community.”
