By Azile Kraziya
A century after opening its doors, Monica Ladies’ Residence celebrated more than its history. For 100 years, the residence has been shaped by women from different backgrounds, cultures and generations. Like the butterfly that has come to symbolise Monica, every Monicaner has a unique opportunity to transform through diverse and communal culture that defines the residence.
Today, Monica is home to approximately 130 students and is one of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) oldest residences.
Monica Ladies’ Residence shortly after its establishment in 1926. The residence, now one of Stellenbosch University’s oldest residences, recently celebrated its centenary. Sourced: Stellenbosch University Museum
Women supporting women
For Residence Head, Monica Du Toit, the centenary is an opportunity to reconsider how women’s history is remembered, she said during an interview with Die Matie on 17 June. “The reality is that women have documented themselves differently than men in history. Women do not always think certain things are as important, or perhaps they did not value them in the same way,” she said.
“When you compare the archives of female and male residences, you realise what was valued at the time. One of the most interesting things I found was an old exam paper from 1938, folded up and left in a little shed outside Monica where women used to sign a big book. There were no wonderful photographs, just this forgotten paper, and it made me wonder how female residences were valued at the time,” said Du Toit.
Du Toit said the residence was established during a period when women occupied a different place in society and higher education. “During the apartheid era where female students lived under strict social expectations, they could not study the programmes they wanted, decide how they dressed or move as freely as their male counterparts,” she said.
Monica Ladies’ Residence students gathered outside the residence between 1930 and 1939. The archival photograph offers a glimpse into student life during the residence’s early years, reflecting the women who helped shape Monica’s history. Sourced: Stellenbosch University Museum
“What fascinated me was discovering that women themselves raised the funds to establish the residence,” said Du Toit. “I always assumed the University had provided the funding.”
“People first, then other things next,” said du Toit. Her belief that community is built through people rather than buildings is perhaps best illustrated by one of her favourite memories as Residence Head. When residents from Huis ten Bosch had to be evacuated after a fire in 2019, Monica immediately opened its doors to them. Every available space was filled as staff and students worked together to accommodate everyone in need. “We had students on mattresses in every corner,” Du Toit said with a laugh. “I remember climbing over people.”
The Victoria hub
Monica Ladies’ Residence is located on Coligny Street in Stellenbosch Central. The Victoria Hub, which officially opened on 18 April 2023 on Coligny Street, is the third residential Hub built on SU’s campus.
The hub serves the Victoria Cluster, which consists of Silene, Oude Molen, Wilgenhof, Monica and Harmonie, creating shared spaces and resources for the five residences, according to the SU website.
“The Victoria Hub opened up Monica in terms of being a slightly secluded and separated space to a more inviting one. We also became more used to having visitors and sharing resources,” said Du Toit.
“Although Monica’s netball court was replaced by the Hub, it showed the community that by giving up space, you often receive so much more”, said Du Toit. “The gardens around the residence were also upgraded, and the Hub has become a real asset to Monica,” she said.
Belonging and representation
Mophethi Mabeba, the Prim in 2023/2024 and a BAHons student in Journalism, shared her journey with Die Matie. When Mabeba first arrived at Monica in 2022, the residence was unlike anything she had experienced before.
“I came to Stellenbosch fresh out of high school and from communities where, for the last three years of my high school career, the people around me looked and sounded like me. Walking into Monica was therefore a very different experience,” said Mabeba.
Representation was of utmost importance for Mabeba. “What stood out to me most in my first year was that the leadership at the time looked nothing like me,” she said. “I wanted to see myself reflected in leadership, and I wanted the women who came after me to know that they too belonged and that their voices had a place within Monica.”
Monica Ladies’ Residence first-year students gather outside the residence during the 2025 Welcoming programme, marking the beginning of their journey as Monicaners. Supplied by Lilja Flohr
Mabeba also brought change to the residence. “We changed our mascot, renamed spaces and worked intentionally to ensure that everyone felt seen. We also fought to keep the Pride flag within the residence despite the resistance we faced,” but also “believed that symbolism means little if people do not feel that they belong,” she said.
While Mabeba contributed to the growth of the space, Monica also led her through her own personal growth. “It taught me that belonging is something we actively create for one another, and that true leadership is rooted in listening, compassion and collective responsibility,” she said.
Mabeba is grateful towards Monica for shaping her “understanding of leadership, community and service,” she said. “While I may have left Monica, Monica will never leave me. I will always be a Monicaner at heart.”
The butterfly effect
2025/2026 Prim, Sadé George, reflected on the sacrifices and commitment of former residents, and said that today’s Monicaners continue to benefit from the legacy they built over the past century. The spirit of Monica is perhaps best captured by one of the residence’s most cherished symbols, the butterfly.
Monica Ladies’ Residence had their 100-year anniversary on 14 May. Celebrations included a gathering at the residence. Supplied: Lilja Flohr
George said, “Each butterfly mascot is carefully handcrafted, while every bead is unique. Together they form something beautiful, reflecting the diversity of the women who call Monica home. For a whole century, generations of women have walked through these [halls] carrying dreams, ambitions and stories.”
Reunion during SU Homecoming Weekend
Monica Ladies’ Residence’s 100th anniversary was on Thursday 14 May. The centenary celebrations will continue on 12 September during Homecoming, when alumni from across generations will return to Stellenbosch for the official 100-year reunion. For more information about the reunion, contact Monica du Toit, the Residence Head, at mdt2@sun.ac.za.
