The Neelsie will mark its 50th birthday this Monday, 15 September.
The Langenhoven Student Centre, or Neelsie, was named after Cornelis Jacobus (CJ) Langenhoven, a former senator and former Matie, according to Anel Lewis, senior journalist at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) corporate communications department.
Langenhoven was also a poet and a part of Die Stem van Suid Afrika, which he wrote in 1918, is included in the current South African national anthem, according to the Neelsie website.
“His nickname, ‘Neelsie’ (short for Cornelis), became the affectionate name for the Langenhoven Student Centre,” said Lewis.
Celebrating 50 years
The idea for the Neelsie came about in 1920, when students petitioned for a place where they could gather, according to Faizel Moos, manager of the letting office at the Neelsie.
After decades of fundraising, SU finally agreed to take on the project and the Neelsie opened on 15 September 1975, said Moos.
The Neelsie Student Centre in 1992, compared to what it looks like today. The centre was refurbished from 1993 to 1995, according to Anel Lewis, senior journalist at Stellenbosch University’s corporate communications department. “It is the one place on campus where all students and all staff are welcome and can come together,” she said. PHOTO: Supplied/Stellenbosch University (left); Hlomla Mdala (right)
As part of the Neelsie’s anniversary campaign, which started on 27 August and will run until 15 October, some of its tenants are collaborating to bring students and visitors surprise events, specials, and giveaways, according to Moos.
“Stores include Matie Shop, My Brew, DCM, and Love Matcha, with more to be revealed as the campaign unfolds,” said Moos, in correspondence with SMF News. “The celebrations will conclude with a special public celebration event on 15 October that spills out from the centre onto the Rooiplein.”
‘Centre of life’
SMF News spoke to a few SU students about what the Neelsie means to them.
“It is the centre of life and a quick stop,” said Siphatho Mbombo, a BScAgric (Agricultural Economic Analysis) student at SU. “In the Neelsie, we get to meet people from all walks of life. It plays a vital role as a place to take a break from academics.”
For Sinelizwi Miza, a first-year BA (Music) student, it is a space of routine and stability.
The Neelsie has a food court, retail outlets, and service providers, according to Anel Lewis, senior journalist at Stellenbosch University’s corporate communications department. The shops cater to students and contribute to the local economy, said Lewis. PHOTO: Hlomla Mdala
“I usually go to the Neelsie to get my daily snack and to connect with friends and people I have not seen in a long time,” said Miza. “This is because varsity is really busy, and the Neelsie is a place to take a pause.”
Other students use the Neelsie as a place to study, according to Mbombo.
“Dedicated study areas and collaboration spaces also ensure that it supports the academic side of student life, not just the social,” said Lewis.
The inside of the Neelsie Student Centre in the early 2000s and now, in 2025. “I usually go to the Neelsie to get my daily snack and to connect with friends and people I have not seen in a long time,” said Sinelizwi Miza, a first-year BA (Music) student. “This is because varsity is really busy, and the Neelsie is a place to take a pause.” PHOTO: Supplied/Stellenbosch University (left); Hlomla Mdala (right)