One of the greatest privileges of serving as Dean of Students is witnessing the remarkable stories that unfold every day on our campus. Stories of courage and compassion, of discovery and disappointment, of friendship, resilience and hope. These stories remind us that a university is, above all else, a community of people. For 85 years, Die Matie has been one of the custodians of those stories.
Some of my fondest Stellenbosch memories are tied to Die Matie. Every Wednesday morning, I would collect my copy from the entrance of the Faculty of Theology – the kweekskool. My first stop was always the middle pages to read what Gorrel had to say and what had been overheard on the Rooiplein, before turning to the rest of the newspaper. What I have always appreciated is how Die Matie captured the issues that mattered, connecting campus life with the town and the country. I also looked forward to the interview that followed later in the paper, wondering who would be featured next. The thoughtful profiles and diverse voices made every edition worth reading.
A student newspaper does far more than report the news. It creates space for dialogue. It challenges assumptions, celebrates achievement, asks uncomfortable questions and invites us to see one another with greater understanding. In doing so, it reminds us that belonging is not created by avoiding difference, but by engaging one another with curiosity, respect and a willingness to listen.
Given my role as Dean of Students, I am especially grateful that Die Matie has continued to create opportunities for students not only to tell stories, but to discover their own voices. Student journalists, photographers, editors and designers have contributed immeasurably to our campus by helping us understand one another better. They remind us that every voice matters and that every person has a story worthy of being heard.
Congratulations on this remarkable milestone. May Die Matie continue to be a place where curiosity is nurtured, truth is pursued with integrity, diverse voices find expression and every new generation of students is invited to write the next chapter of our shared story.
