Helshoogte may not be the oldest residence on campus, but rest assured that in many years of its existence, it has established a long-lasting history and many cherished traditions. Our residence is respected for these reasons on campus. Here is a brief summary of the various traditions and snippets of history at Helshoogte:
Helshoogte was opened on May 11, 1973, and officially inaugurated the following day. During its construction phase, the residence was initially christened “Ellehoogte” on May 12, 1972, but the name was changed to “Helshoogte” later that year.
Helshoogte’s house coat of arms symbolizes the three aspects of a well-rounded education in Stellenbosch: academic life, which is the primary reason for our presence at the university; social life, where human relationships play a major role; and athletic involvement, where physical development contributes to maintaining a healthy mental balance. The three arrows on the coat of arms depart from a common base and find unity in a vortex of motion. The horizontal part indicates stability and steadfastness—striving for all three simultaneously becomes symbolic of our upward pursuit of ideals.
Although Helshoogte’s official symbol is the three pillars, the residence also has a famous badge: the Chicken. Helshoogte residents are proudly known as “Hoenders” (chickens) on campus. The hostel is affectionately called the “Hoenderhok” (chicken coop), a fact we embrace. This identity was cemented by mounting a chicken rooster on the hostel’s roof in 1982.
The rooster was stolen and restored in 1983, then replaced with a new rooster in 1998. Since 1995, this rooster has crowed every morning at 07:30, reminding the campus of our presence. Residents of Stellenbosch have even pleaded for our rooster to remain silent for a day or two!
We also started our famous “Hoenderdag” in 1981, a day that has become one of the biggest social events on campus.
Helshoogte follows the BRUT value system:
- Brotherhood: 320 brothers, 10 floors, 1 unit. Together we will stand, through thick and thin.
- Respect: Respect for our values and those of the University of Stellenbosch. In Helshoogte, we show respect for ladies, each other, and those in our immediate and external surroundings.
- Excellence: Our excellence has been etched into 46 years of history.
- Pride: At Helshoogte, we are extremely proud of who and what we are. We are proud of our success and our outstanding diversity. We are proud that every brother in Helshoogte plays a role and can contribute their own talent to the success of our residence.