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.
A Sonop resident is a normal person who works harder than other normal people and this is the core of Sonop’s success.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
TRADITIONS
Since Sonop’s inception in 1917, a large number of people have been polishing Sonop while Sonop has been polishing them in return. The residence has developed rich traditions which today is one of the aspects of the residence that gives every Sonopper great pride.
A large number of Sonop’s traditions are unknown to the outside world and occasionally the words “night lights” or “oil droplets” slip over a Sonopper’s lips that make everyone wonder. Annually, only about fifty students have the privilege of becoming part of the family and participating in these traditions.
WALL SIGNS
Sonop offers external institutions the opportunity to advertise for free on Sonop’s premises. Sonoppers therefore take the responsibility to collect the necessary advertising material (signs in the typical case) from the institutions and affix it to Sonop. The first sign, “Blossom’s Delight”, appeared in front of rooms 71 and 72 around 1939. Currently, there are more than 700 signs adorning Sonop.
JACKET AND TIE
It is common knowledge that the best dressed student on campus is without a doubt a Sonop ienk. That’s why the poorly dressed student on campus may well be a Sonop semie but that aside for now. Sonop freshmen are known for their neat appearance as they walk around campus in suits.
MEALS
Meal times in Sonop always remain an experience. With the elegantly dressed freshmen serving the Seniors and Nonnie’s (our matron) creative dishes, mealtimes provide great excitement every day. Sonop’s meals differ significantly from those of other residences and especially in the sense that all the Sonoppers sit together for dinner.