The Tiara February 2025

Editorial Team Kasteel's Values

Editor:

Eliske van Vuuren

Tiara Team:

Maka Chatikobo

Me-Any Jansen van Vuuren

Cristine Struweg

Anke van der Mescht

Faith Kekana

Johanet Janse van Rensburg

Noluthando Kwinika

Tatiana Scherman

Jo-Mari Janse van Rensburg

Welcome to our new members:

Abygail Smit

Chloé Claassens

Lily Mtsweni

Chiara Dover

Lisa Gijsbers

Karli Matthee

Motheo Monyepao

Nastia Jacobs

Miné Kotzé

Danél Marais

Alexa Retief

Adelia Schonken

Unathi Shilako

Anika Theron

Wilri van der Walt Kamogelo Nthari

Supporting each other in reaching our full academic and personal potential.

New Kasteel Sign!

For over six years, our iconic “KASTEEL” sign has been marking our home with a sense of identity.

However, time and mischievous pranks led to it having to be replaced. A men’s residence managed to steal individual letters as a practical joke, leaving Kasteel to search for them and the letters for months. While some of the letters are still in the possession of the pranksters, others have been safely stored for potential future use.

This wasn’t the first time our sign was a target. In a previous case, Protection Services caught students attempting to steal the letters and their bakkie was clamped. These types of incidents highlighted the need for a more “secure” sign and with the start of a new term, a perfect opportunity arose.

Our Prim, Coreen De Villiers, led the project, designing a brand-new sign. Unlike the previous version, the new one consists of a single structure rather than individual letters, making it harder to steal.

We embrace diversity and create a welcoming environment where every lady feels valued and at home.

One of the most praised features of the upgrade is the inclusion of the year Kasteel was established. This reminds every resident of all the girls that have walked and will walk here.

“The biggest challenge was getting the sign made in time.” Coreen shared with The Tiara

“Many businesses were closed for the holidays, but we managed to secure an emergency order to ensure it was ready before everyone returned”.

Adding to Kasteel’s and the old sign’s history and quirkiness, the remaining letters were taken down by two of our HC members using nothing more than a breadknife.

Together with our gesture, of when we leave the residence, and touch the sign with our right hand before bringing it to our chest; it serves as a reminder that Kasteel will always be with us no matter where life takes us...

We treat everyone with dignity, honouring each individual's background, culture, and beliefs.

We take pride in our residence, our achievements, and our positive impact on each other and the community.

Move-in Day!

On January 31st, 2025, Kasteel Ladies Residence had their first year’s braai and welcoming session for our first years and their parents.

This braai is an opportunity for first years and their parents to get to know each other and build contacts.

Although somewhat frightening for a first year, Kasteel seniors took no time to use this event to make all ladies feel welcome.

After learning the residence song in KommaWeer, Kasteel’s first years proudly performed it for their parents.

This was the first of many activities that the group had to complete together and served as the very first bonding experience. For many girls, the braai was the highlight.

Angelica van Wyk says that her highlight of the day was getting to meet the girls who will eventually become family.

Chiara Dover says learning our residence song alongside her fellow first years and being able to share that with her parents was incredibly special.

Having a somewhat informal introduction like a braai relaxes the setting of a meet and greet and gives parents the opportunity to get to know each other as well as the House Committee members who will be leading their daughters.

A special moment for Greta Zietsman was when her father reunited with his then-student roommate after years of not seeing each other.

Kasteel has brought their daughters together and now these ladies will always have a fun and interesting story to tell.

Packing up your life in your hometown and moving into a residence is a life-changing experience and although it can be emotional, Kasteel seniors and HC members made it a priority to make every first year feel welcome.

Shalaine van den Berg says that her expectations fit the room quite perfectly and that even though the room is small, it’s cosy and has cute spaces to decorate and make it feel like home.

Moving into a residence can be frightening but having a strong support structure can lighten the experience by far.

Kasteel HC members and seniors are just that. They have put many hours into making this day unforgettable for all our first years and move-in day 2025 will forever be one to remember.

First Day of R&O!

To say the first day of R&O was overwhelming would be an understatement but at the same time it was one of the most exciting days, despite the few obstacles that we had to face like learning new residence songs in a very short time and trying to complete all the tasks of the R&O program in the small amount of time each day. From the very start not only did Kasteel challenge me to reach outside of my comfort zone and put myself out there, Kasteel also made me feel so at peace and welcome, it was as if I'd been there for a lot longer than just one day. Meeting all the new first years was one of the many highlights of my day, not only did I meet new people from all over the country, I met people from many different cultures, races and backgrounds as well as the people who stood by me when R&O got challenging.

As the day went on we got the opportunity to meet our amazing "sleep" Excelsior, and had our first interaction together, where we sang our lungs out in the Amphitheatre where we introduced ourselves and made our first impression as "Kasteel ladies", and as a unity.

Lastly meeting the HC of Kasteel was one of the many components that made our R&O so special and was an exact representation of what it means to give your all for Kasteel and to be proud of the residence that you can now call your home.

What an honour and privilege it was to be part of the R&O program of the North-West University.

My huis, my hart, my land.

R&O '25

Senior Meet & Greet: The Guinness World Record for Remembering the Most Names

Jo-Mari Janse van Rensburg

As the new year begins, we follow the age-old tradition of the Senior Meet & Greet — a special event where the new first years meet their fellow Kasteel sisters in a more formal setting.

For many, this evening can be daunting at first, especially when the friendly seniors put on their fiercest and most serious faces. But just think back to your own first year: the mixture of fear and excitement you felt.

As you reflect on that, take a moment to read how this year’s freshmen experienced the experience.

Chiara Dover says:

“ The Senior Meet & Greet was a lot calmer for me than I thought it would be.

The irony was actually funny — you can’t possibly memorise someone’s name in three seconds before you meet a hundred others! But still, it’s expected. It was nice to finally see who our fellow Kasteel ladies are and to get to know the different personalities — and there are certainly a lot!”

Lily Mtsweni shares her experience:

"As a first year in a new place, adjusting to R&O was already a challenge. The fast pace at which everything happened was a strange obstacle to overcome, and Potch's heat certainly didn't make it any easier! But despite that, the Meet & Greet was a night to remember. We met the former Prim, who shared valuable words of wisdom with us on how to conduct ourselves as true Kasteel ladies and the heights we can reach. We performed our morning shout-out to the seniors — but wow, they had that oomph!

At the start of the first greeting round, I was nervous because I wanted to make a good impression. Were the seniors intimidating? Absolutely! But I quickly realised it wasn't that serious. They had some of the best personalities I've seen in a long time. The 'trick', however, was to remember everyone's names during the second round — a big challenge! But I kept my famous smile, I put in the effort, and before I could wipe my eyes, the seniors’ angry faces began to melt away.

Soon it was over, and we were laughing together. A few days later, I could say with certainty: I couldn’t have asked for a better ‘home away from home’ with the best sisters. Kasteel… my huis, my hart, my land”.

Shalaine describes the evening this way:

“The Senior Meet & Greet was definitely worth it! Beforehand, I felt a mixture of excitement and stress, but it was incredibly nice to get to know all the girls in Kasteel.

The more I hang out with everyone, the more it starts to feel like home. It was a wonderful start for me — a way to get to know everyone’s names even before I officially start my first year. It reassured me and made me feel right at home.”

So, ladies, was your Senior Meet & Greet such a special experience too?

How to Survive Your First Year

(Advice from a Senior)

Tatiana Scherman & Faith Kekana

I’m sure as a first year you're experiencing a multitude of emotions. After all, there has been a change not just in environment and era but mindset too.

A huge torment to your mindset is the fear of what lies ahead and how you’ll adapt well, take it from me, a third-year Kasteel lady, it’s completely normal to be scared but you don’t have to stay in the fear.

Now, I consider myself to be an ear to the people. So, I’ve done some research to further understand and hear some of the first-year blues. A menagerie filled with different departments of concerns.

From making friends to independence to balancing academics and the merciless workload. To Kasteel’s active life and the infamous “jump from matric to uni”.

Well, here are a few tips I wish I knew in my first year that would have alleviated some of my fears:

Self-care; It is essential to have a self-care day every now and then, you can even incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine.

Please remember to take care of yourselves, firstly because you deserve it and secondly because no one likes burnout.

Peer Helpers; When things get too tough or you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Peer helpers are here for a reason. Please seek help if you need it.

Participation: I know the majority of you are worried about participation, and how to balance it with academics. Focus on academics first and then participate when you can, it goes a long way.

The pros to participation are that it helps spark new interests, make new friends and get you your own unique ‘grownish” university experience.

Mother/ Daughter tradition; Engage in the Kasteel tradition. It will help you connect with a senior who can advise you on how to adjust, from special laundry detergent to study tips, while also finding a friend.

eFundi; Familiarise yourself with the first-year navigator on the eFundi site, not only does it provide academic tips, but it advises with time management and the transition from high school to uni.

Lastly, your Kasteel sisters and HC are here to support you when in doubt. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out, we’re more than willing to help.

Enjoy your first year as much as possible.

Welcome to awards season, where we explore all there is to see of celebrities far and wide!

I’m going to delve deeper into the events of this year’s annual Grammy Awards, and offer predictions for what we can expect at the 2025 Oscars.

There will be loads to discuss and numerous dramas to spill. Some would say that certain celebrities took things too far, while others dispute who truly deserved the award they were nominated for.

The Grammys

One of the top award shows, which showcased the achievements of the music industry, was held on February 2nd at Los Angeles’ Crypto. com Arena and hosted by Trevor Noah.

This is none other than the Grammys, where musicians from all around the world are rewarded for the masterpiece songs and albums they create.

Beyoncé made history at the Grammys by securing two wins for her album Cowboy Carter, namely Album of the Year and Best Country Album.

This made her the first Black woman to secure Album of the Year since Lauryn Hill in 1999. There was a huge debate among fans about Taylor Swift leaving empty-handed despite six nominations for The Tortured Poets Department

Even though Swift didn’t win, she never wavered in supporting her fellow nominees.

Kendrick Lamar made a huge splash this year by taking home the most Grammys at the 67th annual award show. This includes Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video for his hit song Not Like Us

This year’s performances were ranked as most consistent, with artists giving their absolute best on stage.

Benson Boone executed a series of backflips during his performance, and Sabrina Carpenter delivered hit after hit while also securing the Best Pop Vocal Album award. Other performers included Charli XCX, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey, Raye, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, and Doechii. Notably, Chappell Roan, who also performed, won Best New Artist. Lastly, this event was not without its controversies. Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, gathered attention for their provocative red carpet appearance, with Censori wearing a sheer dress!

The Oscars

It’s almost that time of year again when actors, actresses, and directors are recognised for the entertainment they bring us every day. There were many great films and series this past year that have the potential to take the top spot in their respective categories.

Best Picture is a particularly competitive award this year, with many outstanding films making the cut.

Anora, directed by Sean Baker, has made a remarkable entrance as one of the top films of 2024. Also in the running are Wicked, The Brutalist, and A Complete Unknown

Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist has been deemed as remarkable, putting him on the path to winning the Best Actor award. Alongside him, Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown has made a huge impact, establishing him as a strong contender as well.

As for the Best Actress category, Mikey Madison played her role in Anora to a tee.

Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo have also gained momentum for their performances in The Substance and Wicked, respectively.

In the Best Supporting Actress category, Zoe Saldaña delivered a dynamic performance in Emilia Pérez, while Ariana Grande’s role in Wicked is also gaining attention.

This year’s Oscars will be held on March 2nd, and many rumours exist about who will take home a win.

It’s sure to be a night full of surprises and memorable moments, but it’s not over until the envelope is opened.

Our CSE Project: Rising of the Future

Cristine Struweg

Community and Stakeholder Engagement is one of the most important portfolios at the NWU as it helps the less privileged.

We have the opportunity to make a difference in our community and our special project is Rising of the Future.

Rising of the Future is a school based in Ikageng, just outside of Potchefstroom. This school has young children from the ages 0-6 years old.

We are lucky enough to have received the same project that we have worked on for the past 5 years.

Thus, we know the school and the people and can continue to build on what we have already done.

When we go to the school we go with open hearts and our main goal is to walk away and know we helped the kids build a more sustainable future.

We go and we serve.

We provide the school with essential things they might need to make sure the kids get the education they need to get ready for the ‘big school’.

Being part of the CSE committee is such a fulfilling experience and it really makes you grateful for the things you have in your life when you see how little they are happy with.

10 Ways to a Kasteel Sister's Heart

Faith Kekana

What a privilege it is to partake in the creation of a connection. Especially, in a place like Kasteel where a plethora of personalities and character exist.

I really believe what cements a connection here, in Kasteel, is effort and understanding. And those two elements have a fine way of being illuminated through the simplest of acts.

After all, what is sisterhood than the art of mutual support transcending biology through connection?

Here are 10 ways to a Kasteel Lady’s heart:

• Yapping

I genuinely consider conversation an art. It evolves imagination, emotional intelligence and consideration. You start to understand the details that make a person.

You identify common interests and experiences, tiktok sounds and really dig deep into cultivating a bond and the liberation that comes with relatability.

• Participating

Participating in residence activities is a free and fun way to engage. Such activities really expose character and vibe that one can really get down with.

Many of our fellow Kasteel ladies develop sisterhood at the RAG farm or on the debate team because you get to work together and gel in an environment you’re interested in.

• Consideration When engaging try think beyond yourself and preferences.

We do come from different backgrounds and perspectives.

So be mindful of language facilitation, respect personal space, respect the boundaries and listen actively to communicate effectively and appropriately.

• Respect and Value Her Treat her with kindness, dignity and respect.

Remember, she’s a unique and precious individual.

• Greet

If you ever notice a Kasteel lady on or off campus, do the click.

It will show that you see her and further perpetuate the Kasteel culture.

• Voorhuis/SS/food

Getting food is always a cute and practical outing.

Whether it’s a sweet treat or the meal of the day at the Voorhuis, you get to share each other’s companies and bonding.

Food can evoke an emotional connection and alleviate stress.

Also getting your sister her favourite snack can show that you are attentive and thoughtful.

• Encouragement

Positive language nourishes the mind especially in a high intensity space such as university.

Speaking life unto others, compliments and affirmation create the warmth we all earnestly desire.

• Consistency

Keep on checking on her and engaging with her, you can never know a person enough. Try not to fall off with all the measures of effort you take

• Trust

Be reliable and follow through with commitments.

Maintain confidentiality and integrity so that your sister has no reason to doubt you.

• Be honest

Be honest in terms of who you are and how you interact.

A false image will not sustain a genuine connection and will only rob both you and your sister of authenticity.

What to look for in a Residence Mother

Being a first year, provinces away from home, I realised that maybe I’m not as ready for the big world as I thought I am. I quickly had to let go of the high and mighty matric mindset I had: the mindset of being in charge and on top of the world and had to humble myself very quickly when I realised that I came here to build a future for myself.

Now, I would’ve failed miserably if I thought I could do that all on my own. It is one of the greatest privileges to be placed in Kasteel Ladies Residence, a home away from home, but without someone who’ll serve as a backbone through my highs and lows, will make the years feel like they’re dreading by. When choosing a Residence mother for that ultimate momand-daughter duo, here are some tips to create the ultimate bond that lasts forever.

1. Communication skills: Effective communication is needed when discussing daily activities and concerns. She should understand her approach to discipline, routines and my overall development throughout the year as I’ll still be adapting to the new environment.

2. Emotional stability: A residence mother should be emotionally mature and capable of managing stress in a rearing environment. It will be very beneficial to have her as a safe space, when I need to talk to someone about a bad day or someone to celebrate my wins with, no matter how big or small.

3. Educational focus: My res mother should be able to evaluate their willingness to support my learning and development through activities and educational opportunities. Tips on how to balance education, sports and residential activities are something that will be needed on a daily basis, as it’s still an uncomfortable situation for most of us.

4. Availability and Flexibility: It is most important for my res mom to assess their ability to accommodate my changing schedules and needs, including potential emergencies. She should prioritize my well-being by following safety protocols and maintaining good hygiene.

5. Cultural awareness: Diversity and Inclusion are part of Kasteel’s main values that we’re so proud of. It would be great having a residence mother who’s familiar with different cultural backgrounds and traditions.

Through it all, remember to find a res mom who shares the same interests as you and someone with whom you can be your true self around. To that ultimate mom-and-daughter duo you’ll remember for the rest of your life, may it be special and unforgettable!

What to look for in a Residence Daughter

What I look for is honestly what every second year looks for in a residence daughter. It is obvious but hard to put your finger on, in plain sight but also invisible- a particular kind of je ne sais quoi!

We all look for something unique in a residence daughter, but what I can give you are a couple of tips on what to consider in a mother-and-daughter relationship.

1. Shared interests and values: The connection always seems so effortless when a mother finds a daughter who has similar interests to them.

Whether it’s a shared love for netball or even as simple as studying the same degree, conversation will always seem to flow because there will always be something to bond over.

2. Personality types: Just like oil and water, clashing personality types will not mix either. A mother is more likely to match with a daughter that has similar personality traits to them, so be yourself!

3. Residence spirit and participation: I am a second year myself, and one thing I can tell you about Kasteel’s second years is that we are full of residence spirit and are always willing to participate.

Putting yourself out there and doing your part for the residence will make you stand out. Who knows, you might meet the perfect mother while supporting a hockey game.

4. Open communication: Though last, it is my most important piece of advice; be open and direct when communicating with your potential mother.

Sometimes you might have your eye on someone else, and they might too, or maybe you just do not feel the connection you were hoping to have.

Having open and honest communication can save us all from unnecessary drama.

My last advice is to be yourself and do not force what is just not meant to be.

Do not panic or be discouraged if your endeavours do not go as planned, and do not be afraid to make the first move.

Good luck!

My Aesthetic

soft girl , soft spoken blooming of enrichment & grace wanting love a love full of peace & happiness. it needs to be soft, elegant, romantic. like a Lana Del Rey song. no violence, just violins.

that love needs to represent me. my aura my sobriety my love, my long-lasting , longawaited, long-winded love

The Blood-Prickled Ruby Rose (excerpt)

Once white, pure as light, a rose you’d only see in the chambers of your dreams. Unstained and perfect, the prospect of her future enough to blind you.

Every petal is sculpted by hands greater than Michelangelo. Her beauty is hypnotizing Electrifying The kind of awe capable of bringing you to tears.

But she wasn’t indestructible. Withering winds turned her on her head. Selfish sand eroded her surface. Worldly waters drowned her beauty. Holy heat evaporated her virtue. All that was left was a rose, not white or pure, but one tainted with blood and sorrow.

The blood-prickled ruby rose could also bring you to tears, but the kind of tears that eat you alive. If you look closely enough, you could see fear hidden in the depths of her eyes.

Go to class barefoot

Eat at every dining hall

Watch the sunrise at the treinspoor

Go to a class in another degree

Braai at the Vlei

Go to the Draak with your residence family