NWU-Pukke Laureus Men’s Residence
- Karen Scheepers
- May 20
- 3 min read
"One for All, and All for One" Laureus Men’s Residence is more than just a student hostel, it is a home steeped in camaraderie, tradition, and victory. Its name, Laureus, means "victory" in Latin, while the motto, Vicentius (“in the struggle”), reflects the resilience and unity of its residents. Symbolized by the mighty African buffalo, Laureus embodies strength, brotherhood, and a formidable spirit that unites its members in every aspect of university life.
Vision and Mission
Laureus is committed to creating a value-driven environment where:
God is honoured in all actions.
Residents develop their full potential with an eternal perspective.
Brotherhood and unity are nurtured through five core values: integrity, willingness to serve, excellence, respect, and brotherhood.
Guiding WisdomDrawing inspiration from Psalm 92:11: “You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me”, Laureus prioritizes growth, belonging, and shared experiences. Brotherhood is at the heart of its ethos, turning the residence into a place where residents thrive together, sharing life’s ups and downs as a family.
A Legacy of Growth
Laureus began humbly, with one residence building (Ratau South) and three West Campus houses. By 2004, the residence became the smallest in the Southern Hemisphere, with only 81 residents. Between January 2012 and June 2013, residents temporarily lived in Kom-en-Gaan while a brand-new hostel was built.
The state-of-the-art building, completed in 2013, now houses 253 residents. Its modern facilities and community spirit have propelled Laureus into becoming one of NWU’s most prestigious residences, celebrating a proud legacy of achievements and growth.
Facilities
General Facilities
Laureus offers a variety of amenities designed for comfort and community engagement:
General lounge and recreational hall with a flat-screen TV.
Tuck shop and underground clubhouse with a separate pool table area.
Large braai area with built-in braais.
Turnstile gate, two elevators, and 24/7 security surveillance.
Underground bicycle parking racks, Senior Council Room, and HC Room.
Corridor Features
Each corridor is equipped with:
A lounge, balcony, two kitchens, three bathrooms, and a washing room.
Hot and cold water dispensers, a purified water fountain, and laundry facilities.
Room Features
Each room includes:
Built-in wardrobe, bed, mattress, desk, chair, and bookshelf.
Blinds, heater, and a computer LAN network connection.
Corridors: The Provinces of Laureus
The residence is divided into seven corridors, each with its own unique identity:
Bos (First Base): Known for its tranquility and humility.
Fervor (Bureaucrats): A passionate province symbolized by sailors.
Valhalla (Bad Boys): Inspired by the Vikings’ Nordic heaven.
Nexus (Shibumi): The central “place of gathering,” linking all corridors.
Majuba (5th Avenue): The Gentleman’s Quarters.
Valencia (Haak & Steek): The province of kings, dukes, and knights.
Akropolis (Seven Seas): Named after the tallest structure in ancient Athens, embodying the highest ideals.
Leadership and Community
House Committee (HC):The HC is dedicated to fostering unity, growth, and an enriching residence life. Key members include:
Primarius: Vusi Majwabe (Leadership and Seniors)
Deputy Primarius: Micah Kruger (First Years and Discipline)
Sports: Lehlogonolo Theko
Social and Clubhouse: Marco Willemse
RAG and SRCS: Abri Nieuwoudt
Residence Parents:
Mr. Leroux Malan and Reabetswe Khodoga provide guidance and support, ensuring the residence remains a home for all residents.
Achievements
Rugby Excellence
The 2024 rugby season highlighted Laureus’s talent, with residents excelling in various NWU and national teams:
Jude “Tweez” Frans: U/19 NWU and NWU 7’s, both league winners.
De-Clerq “Stifler” Stoltz: U/21 NWU league winner.
Karlo “Beaver” Truter: U/19 Leopards and SA U/19 Cup winner.
Tiaan “Rafe” van den Heever: Ibbies team league winner.
Serenade Revival
In 2024, Laureus made a triumphant return to the Serenade stage with their original composition, Scotland’s Call. Achievements included:
1st Place: Theme.
3rd Place: Own Composition.
5th Place: Multi-lingual Medley and Men’s Division.
Laureus offers more than an affordable place to stay—it provides a supportive home where residents grow academically, socially, and spiritually. With a focus on unity, values, and achievement, Laureus continues to inspire its members to strive for victory in all aspects of life.
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