WATCH: New Siya Kolisi residence opens at NWU
The North-West University (NWU) has officially opened its new Siya Kolisi Residence.
On Monday, February 24, NWU officially opened the Siya Kolisi Residence.
South Africa's Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, led the opening, with his coach and mentor, Dr Rassie Erasmus, unveiling the university's new Invictus Residence.
The Siya Kolisi Residence is primarily for students linked to the NWU Rugby Institute, while Invictus serves as a multi-sport residence.
LOOK: New R3.2 billion Afrikaans university coming in 2028
"No one ever dreams of having moments like this, to have a building named after them," said Kolisi.
"I am so honoured and grateful for this opportunity. I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey. I am standing on the shoulders of many people who helped me get to where I am today.
"I know that you all are on a journey and that you want to become rugby players. But remember that you are more than that. You have an opportunity to study, and I wish I had used that opportunity. I didn't. Rugby is not always going to work for everybody, so make use of all your opportunities. If you want to take anything from my journey, it is that you have to believe in yourself before anyone else.
"If you fail, you have to get up; don't stay down. You have to keep on getting up. The more you get up, the more you learn. Just be good people. I haven’t always been the best example, but I am learning every day. Be kind to one another. Be there for one another. Don’t try to be cool, to be the cool kid. I've done that; it’s not awesome. Just be kind and be a good human being, because you never know where life can take you," he concluded.
Erasmus, who received an honorary doctorate from NWU in 2024, said he felt privileged to be part of a university that thinks outside the box.
He encouraged the students at Invictus Residence to give their best in pursuing their dreams.
Watch here:
NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, highlighted the contributions of Kolisi and Erasmus.
"Is there an image that resonates more with rugby fans the world over than that of Siya Kolisi leading the Springboks onto the field? I don’t think so. Has our proud nation ever stood more steadfastly behind a sportsman than Siya Kolisi? I don’t think so. Could we ever have imagined that Captain Siya Kolisi and his Springboks – under the tutelage of Dr Rassie Erasmus – would scale the heights that they did? That they would win two Rugby World Cups, that they would unite our country in a single voice as victory after victory followed? I don't think so.
"Are we immensely proud to have Siya Kolisi and Dr Rassie Erasmus here today to unveil our Siya Kolisi and Invictus residences? I don’t think so … I know that we are very proud. Siya Kolisi’s story is one that transcends sport. It is a story of perseverance and the undeniable power of opportunity. From humble beginnings in Zwide, where he first picked up a rugby ball, to leading South Africa to not one, but two Rugby World Cup victories, Siya has become more than a rugby player; he is a symbol of hope and possibility. We celebrate you, Nt'wakuthi.
"At the NWU, we don't just see Siya Kolisi as a sports icon. We see him as a leader, a trailblazer, and a living testimony to what can be achieved through courage and determination. Naming this residence in his honour is not just about celebrating his achievements on the field, but also recognising the values he represents: hard work, humility, and the ability to unite a nation."
READ: Two foreign language subjects coming to Gauteng schools
"Rassie, jy bly 'n yster," he concluded.
The event marks an important milestone for NWU.
The Siya Kolisi Residence will support students of the NWU Rugby Institute, while Invictus Residence offers multi-sport facilities for a broader range of athletes.
The remarks made during the event emphasised the importance of hard work, resilience, and the sharing of opportunities.
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 – 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Images: North-West University