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
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
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
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

RESIDENCE HYMN

Zoem Garribaldi
Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi
Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi

Op die plaas is daar net een huis
Noem ‘n plek en daar is ons tuis
Bittermin kan ‘n Sonopper wees
Want ons gee onsself om lojaal te wees

Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi
Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi

Met Oom Gert en Pluto tesaam
Steel ons bordjies, bou ons ‘n naam
Die Nonnie se maalvleis en tjips bring verdriet
Neem net kennis om toeter te blaas is verbied

Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi
Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi

Nietemin dit bly steeds ‘n fees
Om ‘n lid van Sonop te wees
Waarom sal ons oor die poefplaas wil huil
Want wie wil tradisie vir luuksheid verruil

Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi
Zoem Garri garri garri zoem Garribaldi
Zoem Garri garri garri zoem

Voorsitter: “Van Sonop”
Huislede : “Tot laat”
Voorsitter: “Al hoe meer”
Huislede : “Kwaad”
Voorsitter: “Laat die beile”
Huislede : “Huil”

The residence hymn was written in 1976 by Kobus Segers to the tune of a traditional Turkish folk song. Where “Pluto” is currently sung, it was initially “Pote” which was the residence’s dog at the time. The intention was that the hymn would change as the dog in the residence changed but for some reason the name “Pluto”, who happened to be Pote’s son, got stuck.