It’s about pride. It’s about history and tradition. It’s the Hope for the future. In all areas, from culture, academia and on the sports field. The ordinary guy suddenly turn into a hero. Sunday night echos the sound of a group of men through the streets of Pretoria. 105 years of tradition are always together in spirit. Because “Very few can be a Sonopper”.
Adriaan Lombard, RC 2019/20
Sonop takes young boys and teaches them what it is to be men. Men who establish the Kingdom of God in our midst with truth and power. Men who will take on the roles of head and priest of their families with a God-fearing love. Men who walk in God’s light and keep on seeking a deeper relationship with God.
Jacobus Cordier, Vice Chairman 2019/20
Sunrise is your unfair advantage in life. This is something an ex-Sonopper told me has stuck with me to this day. Every day that passes one sees that Sonop is an investment in one’s life.
Alex Winter, RC 2019/20
Sometimes I wish the walls at Sonop could talk and tell the stories of the past. Fortunately, the walls carry the tradition, culture and brotherhood of all the previous years and so it becomes part of every new Sonopper’s Sonop experience. What a great privilege it is to be able to live in a place like no other.
CM Kriel, Chairman 2019/20
Hard work, perseverance and difficult times. Sonop teaches you how to function under difficult conditions – diamonds are only formed under high pressure. Christian values, character and perseverance – that’s our culture.
Elvis Zondi, RC 2019/20

What’s worse than a home without a mother …? Definitely “Sonop without a Nonnie”. As Sonop’s Nonnie it is not only my duty to keep every young man’s stomach full, but out of love I carry every Sonopper’s interests at heart. Nonnie is your mother away from home …

Nonnie Jenny Buys

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth. This quote perfectly sums up a Sonopper. A Sonopper is not necessarily going to be the best on the field or the smartest in the class, but he NEVER gives up, and that’s what makes Sonop stand out above all the other residences, that’s what makes Sonop the best.

Stefan Kruger, RC 2019/20

A Sonop resident is a normal person who works harder than other normal people and this is the core of Sonop’s success.

Dewald van Lingen, RC 2019/20

CULTURE

The foundations of Sonop’s history consist of years of traditions that span more than a century and from these traditions Sonop has developed a culture that is an integral and important part of the Sonop experience.

Sonop participates in all UP’s cultural activities.

1NSYNC

A singing and dancing production in which only first-years participate against other residences. This takes place within the first two weeks of the year and is the new first-years’ first opportunity to make their mark.

Serrie is a cultural activity in which Sonop participates annually and largely contributes to Sonop’s tradition and history. It is a singing and dancing show that includes short pieces of dialogue, as well as breathtaking throws and acrobatic tricks. Any family member from first year to final years can participate in Sonop’s serrie.

From 2018, Sonop’s annual serrie will take place in Potchefstroom. We are transported by bus to the University of Potchefstroom where we then perform for each ladies’ residence in Potch. After the first show is completed, the whole serrie group moves to the next residence to entertain the ladies. After about 11 performances, the student gets the opportunity to explore the town and visit Potch.

Accommodation for the Sonop students is arranged to spend the night in Potch at a men’s residence. The next day there is a cricket and football match that takes place between Sonop and the Pukke men’s residence.

There are 20 men selected from a possible 160 men in the residence. We get a professional coach every year. The coach is usually contacted in November so that next year’s planning can take place, viz. to select a theme, as well as to select music and processors.
The auditions take place by the end of January. The auditions include 1st years to final years. A 2nd round always takes place and if necessary, a 3rd round. The final 20 are then selected. It is always a rigorous selection process.
All the music is written by professional processors. Acapella is then practiced throughout the year (about 7 months). In those 7 months, the following happens: Sing for ladies’ residences that count for part of the preparation. There are two Acapella camps where the men get to know each other even better and do final finishing touches.
There is a weekend to Potchefstroom between 2 or 3 weeks before the UP competition where Sonop will sing for the ladies’ residences of Pukke in Potchefstroom. The UP competition takes place in August where the university spends a whole week just for Acapella. If you win the competition you go to the national sea Acapella competition. Every year after the UP competition, Sonop has a ‘Sing!’ event where we invite certain serenade groups from Pukke and UP to take part in a theater with us.

The ability to argue a point, whether you agree with it or not, is an important weapon in the arsenal of any guy who wants to call himself “educated”. Through our internal debate sessions and external debate competitions, Sonoppers learn how to look at an issue from more than two sides and express themselves clearly. If you are wondering why the earth is flat or water is not wet, then this is the place to find out.