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

“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
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

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
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

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
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
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

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