Weidenhof House has been refurbished to accommodate theology students from other African countries.
Weidenhof House, a historical building in Stellenbosch, has been refurbished especially for use by theology students from other African countries.
The inauguration was held at the Faculty of Theology in Dorp Street, and the guest speaker was Dr Uma Onwunta, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Lagos, Nigeria and former administrator of Weidenhof House. The event also included a virtual tour of Weidenhof House and a performance by the Stellenbosch Libertas Choir.
Weidenhof House consists of two semi-detached houses in Weidenhof Street, and has been renovated to accommodate 24 mainly postgraduate theology students from Africa. The houses were bought for this purpose in 1994 by the Hartgerink Trust and the Commission for Witness of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC), and were donated to Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2008.
During the 2009/2010 annual general meeting of NetACT (Network for African Congregational Theology), the DRC handed over the symbolic keys of the house to SU rector, Prof Russel Botman.
Restoration of Weidenhof House and extensions to the site started last year. In addition to various ‘green’ aspects, the renovated house has rooms for married couples as well as facilities for people with physical disabilities. Each room also has internet access.
“For many Stellenbosch alumni who lived there Weidenhof House is a symbol of hospitality, dignity and hard work that ultimately lead to success,” says Prof Jurgens Hendricks of SU’s Faculty of Theology and guardian of the house. “Here students get the feeling of a home away from home.”
According to Prof Nico Koopman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Weidenhof House contributes to the well-being of theology students from other African countries. “At Weidenhof House students help one another and they experience companionship and care,” he says.
One of the residents, Mr Tatenda Garanda of Zimbabwe, says facilities in the house make it possible for him to focus on his studies. He says that regular Bible study and interaction between students in the house help him to grow spiritually.
During the past 20 years, Weidenhof House has provided a physical and spiritual home for Maties from countries like Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria. The residence recently delivered two successful doctoral students: Dr Chatha Msangaambe of Malawi and Dr Christopher Munikwa of Zimbabwe.
The Faculty of Theology “owns” the house and is responsible for its management. Weidenhof House is integrated with the activities and research of the faculty, and is partly subcontracted to NetACT, a network of Presbyterian and Reformed institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, that was formed in 2000 to help member institutions in the training of students who can fulfil leadership roles in mission churches.
Call Jurgens Hendricks on 021 808 3260 or email hjh@sun.ac.za for more information.
