The guests were welcomed and the speakers introduced by Ms Kiyana Ntsisana, who welcomed all in a tent that had been erected in front of the residence.

The opening of Naledi came about as a result of the University’s endeavours to support its four-year BSc programme in 2008 for first-year students who attend lectures at the Mamelodi Campus of the University.

The new residence, which is situated in the Savannah Crescent Security Complex, is an apartment block of 30 three-bedroomed flats which can accommodate a total of 180 students.

Naledi is equipped with kitchens in each unit and has a communal laundry and IT-minilab facilities. Transport is provided between Naledi and the Mamelodi Campus.

The first students, who had been accommodated in Glaskas and Pastorie for the duration of 2008, moved into the block in January 2009. Its management structure consists of living-in house parents, a building supervisor and an elected house committee.

“The vision of the Department of Residence Affairs, which is to offer an on-campus living environment that supports each student’s academic experience at UP, is well supported by the Motto of Tuks Naledi: ‘where stars are made and taken to the top’”, the Director of Residence Affairs and Accommodation, Prof Roelf Visser said.

“Tuks Naledi will be a world-class residence that will produce academically astute and proud Tuks Alumni, South Africans and global citizens,” he concluded.