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.
“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.
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”.
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 …
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.
A Sonop resident is a normal person who works harder than other normal people and this is the core of Sonop’s success.
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.
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.
PUBLIC FIGURES OF SONOP
SONOP IS THE GRINDING STONE OF MANY STUDENTS WHO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ABLE TO SPEND THEIR STUDY YEARS THERE. MEN OF GREAT CALIBER HAVE BEEN RAISED FROM SONOP.
- Min. M.D.C de Wet Nel (Residence Chairman 1925)
- Min. Pik Botha
- Min. C. Botha
- Min. T.C. du Plessis
- Min. Maree
- Min. H. Muller (Residence Chairman 1936)
- Min. A.J. Raubenheimer
- Uli Schmidt
- Anton Rupert
- Murray Janson
- Louis Brittz
- Willem Alberts
- Robert Snyman (Roberto)
Sonop has also had numerous VSR Chairmen and Perdeby editors over the years.
VSR-CHAIRMEN | EDITORS OF “DIE PERDEBY” |
---|---|
1927 : M.D.C de Wet Nel | 1945 : Willie Lubbe |
1928 : M.D.C de Wet Nel | 1946 : W.L. Maree |
1936 : Hilgard Muller | 1948 : A.H. van Zyl |
1938 : Anton Rupert | 1949 : W.D. Jonker |
1941 : G.J. Davidtsz | 1950 : Murray Janson |
1942 : G.J. Davidtsz | 1951 : Nico Smith |
1950 : W.L. Maree | 1952 : Henno Cronje |
1952 : W.D. Jonker | 1953 : M.W. de Beer |
1953 : L.C. Malan | 1954 : C.H. Human |
1954 : D. Bosch | 1955 : J.G. Meiring |
1955 : J.C. Lotter | 1956 : J. Fourie |
1957 : J.H. Nel | 1962 : W. van Niekerk |
1958 : J.M. Hofmeyr | 1963 : Lucas Swart |
1961 : H.D.K van der Merwe | 1964 : H. Dreyer |
1962 : J.S. Oosthuizen | 1965 : J. Bezuidenhout |
1964 : W.P. van Niekerk | 1972 : Dirk Kotze |
1975 : Dirk Kotze | 1973 : Hendrik Bosman |
1976 : Hendrik Bosman | 1974 : Hendrik Kotze |
1978 : Daan Mills | 1975 : Fred Camphor |
1980 : Nelus Niemandt | 1977 : Jimmie Hamman |
1982 : Hans Oosthuizen | 1978 : Nelus Niemandt |
1984 : Paul Grobler | 1980 : Andre Barlett |
1986 : Drikus Kriek | 1981 : Paul Grobler |
1987 : Buurman Botha | 1982 : Murray Hofmeyr |
1984 : Danie Moller | |
1985 : Appie Pienaar | |
1986 : Frans Viljoen | |
1988 : Paul Dijkstra |