History

Wag-ń-Bietjie was first established in February 1974, thus we will be turning 51 in 2025. The residence name is derived from the Wag-ń-Bietjie tree, symbolising that just like a tree that can’t grow without its roots, we can’t grow without the ladies that helped establish the roots. Our identity is grounded in a sense of pride, not only for our current endeavors but also in honoring our history. We aspire to oPer the women who have made Wag-‘n- Bietjie their home the chance to contribute to the moments that define our present, keeping alive the memories of our past and bridging them with the present.

Vision

To lead confidently, being rooted in love and guided by light while cultivating unity and sisterhood.

Mission

• To provide an authentic, safe, diverse and fun environment for ladies, so that they can reach their full academic potential and become the best version of themselves.
• To cultivate driven, confident and empowered ladies that have an impact everywhere they go.
• To prioritise sisterhood by making everyone feel welcome and included no matter who you are or what you aim to become.
• To provide a platform for growth through the simple pleasure of participating in all the activities that you love.

Facts about Wag-’n-Bietjie ladies residence

1. During R&O the Wag-ʼn-Bietjie first years wear thimble hats to symbolise that they will not try to hitch-hike home.
2. Wag-’n-Bietjie ladies are the perfect women on campus to marry and we have never had a divorce action with our dating residence.
3. The tortoise emblem of Wag-’n-Bietjie symbolises caring, understanding and long-lasting friendship.
4. Our mascot is a tortoise called Gogga Jompie.
5. The residence is 43 years old this year and in 2014 we had our 40-year reunion.

Additional fun facts

• Thumb-hats - This symbolizes that Wag-’n-Bietjie is your home and that you need not to “hike” back home.
• Residence dance - Wag -’n -Bietjie have a traditional dance which is danced wherever they are. This dance goes with Anton Goosen’s song: “Blommetjie gedenk aan my”. When this song plays, all the Wag -’n - Bietjie ladies dance in a circle with the House Committee in the middle of the circle.
• Skil of the week - At the end of every residence meeting a tortoise soft toy is given to the person who has a funny story of themselves the week before.
• Cat’s away - This tradition takes place when the Primaria goes away on a liaison tour. During this week fun activities take place. The activities taking place are planned and determined by the Vice -Primaria in consultation with the House Parent. This tradition is based on the saying: “If the cat is away, the mice will play.”

Traditions of Wag-'n-Bietjie ladies residence

1. A Wag-’n-Bietjie lady never wears pyjamas in the foyer.
2. A Wag-’n-Bietjie lady may never appear in the foyer barefoot or with wet hair.
3. We do not do laundry on Sundays.
4. On Sundays a Wag-’n-Bietjie lady wears stylish, formal clothes.
5. A Wag-’n-Bietjie lady never drinks alcohol from a bottle.
6. The entire residence wears residence wear on Mondays.
7. A Wag-’n-Bietjie lady always behaves with style.

Unique characteristic of resisence

Wag-‘n -Bietjie’s mascot/emblem is a tortoise with the name Gogga Jompie. The tortoise symbolises caring, understanding and long-lasting friendship.