Be a Part of the History of Stellenbosch University’s Oldest Residence

Harmonie was established long before we had a concrete residence to inhabit – our community of Harmonites has been around since 1889!

As a building, Harmonie’s construction was completed in 1905. Before this, the home of the Harmonites was what is today known as the Oude Werf Hotel (30 Church St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch).

When our beautiful building was completed, our logo, which represents 1905, was designed and etched into the wall at our front entrance, and that’s when our story in the res we know and love today began. Our purple colour stems from the vibrant Jacaranda trees that adorn our gorgeous quad, and blossom every year around September, celebrating the Spring time and our birthday.

Harmonie is one of the forerunners in the world regarding women’s rights and liberation, being one of the first female residences in the world to transition from somewhat of a  finishing school to a space which greatly encouraged the education and independence of women.

In 1910, Harmonites could only study and partake in activities which included knitting, sewing, making clothing, cooking, cleaning and caring for and raising children.

From 1930, Harmonie only housed female individuals with interests in music, fine arts, languages, and knitting.

Today, Harmonie boasts a large and beautiful diversity of intelligent and inspirational young female engineers, lawyers, teachers, scientists, musicians, mathematicians, writers, psychologists, linguists, and more –  and we look forward to welcoming many more Harmonites in the future!