Madelief was established in 1977, as a residence for female students at the University of Pretoria, who used mutual-respect as a basis to form a team, and to excel in every aspect of student life.

This is where our motto: Unitas et Veritas (Unity and Truth), was born.

 

We are one big family and because of this, every year, we grow from strength to strength. Amongst many other achievements, Huis Madelief has won the trophy for "Ladies Residence of the Year" three times in the past seven years, while being a runner-up in most of the other years. This makes us the Ladies Residence to have won this trophy the most times.

 

Not only have we gotten the nickname of "trouvrouens" (marriage material) due to our charisma, we are very well known and easily spotted on campus for our oldest tradition brought in by a previous Primaria, Corlea van Heerden for wearing "Jottirs" every Thursday and to every main residence event. There is no greater pride like the pride a Madeliefie feels whilst wearing their Jottir.

"It is my pride, my crown, my Jottir!"

Our mascot is named Mademoiselle Charisma. She has already used up a few of her nine lives. The first due to the Republic of Kollegetehuis. You will have to ask a Madeliefie about the story to know how this tragedy ended! In 1982 Huis Mopanie gave us a new Charisma only to suffer another death by Kollegetehuis once again. Since then, she has been safely in our care, except for the brief vacation in 2008 at Huis Mopanie which she enjoyed very much! She is a symbol of our perseverance, excellence and charm!

 

We are a well rounded residence that has found a balance between Academics, Sport and Culture and portray this balance in our achievements. We have won several sporting leagues which has brought the residence even closer together as we stand together as supporters and players where there are even more supporters than players on the field. In 2005 we won Cultural Residence of the year by winning Ienkmelodienk, Serrie and the National Serenade Competition. Madelief Culture is what makes your blood pump green!!

 

Not only are we competitive and well driven we also enjoy relaxing and having fun. We can also be the social butterflies with themed evenings of fun and dancing. Not only are these events with other residences but also with in the residence so that we can be a platform for you to make a string of lifelong friends.