In another heartwarming gesture for the local rugby scene, North-West University (NWU) has officially opened the Siya Kolisi and Invictus residences.
Named in honour of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and coach Dr Rassie Erasmus, the residences – officially opened on Monday, February 24, 2025 – aim to alleviate student accommodation challenges while celebrating the legacy of two iconic figures who have united the nation through their resilience and success.
This initiative follows other inspiring efforts by rugby stars, such as Springboks winger Makazole Mapimpi’s partnership with Mercedes-Benz to empower Eastern Cape youths, further highlighting the sport’s role in driving positive change.
NWU’s significant move to ease accommodation shortages
North West University (NWU) has officially opened the Siya Kolisi and Invictus residences, honouring two of South Africa’s most influential rugby figures—Siya Kolisi and Dr Rassie Erasmus.
The university’s significant move to ease student accommodation shortages comes at a critical time, as institutions across the country grapple with growing demand for quality housing. By naming these facilities after Kolisi and Erasmus, NWU not only addresses a pressing need but also pays tribute to their extraordinary contributions to South African sport and society.
Prof Tyobeka Celebrates Kolisi and Erasmus’s Legacy
During the unveiling ceremony, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of NWU, reflected on the profound impact 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,” said Prof Tyobeka.
He praised Kolisi’s journey from humble beginnings in Zwide to becoming a global symbol of hope and possibility, as well as Erasmus’s strategic brilliance in leading the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories.
“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,” Prof Tyobeka said.
Invictus Residence: A Symbol of Resilience and Victory
The Invictus Residence, named after the Springboks’ triumphant 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign, also carries a powerful message of resilience and victory.
Prof Tyobeka urged students to draw inspiration from the Springboks’ journey, saying, “He also implored the students from Invictus Residence to give it their all in the pursuit of their dreams.”
Honouring Legacy, Inspiring the Future
Through this initiative, NWU continues to honour the legacy of Kolisi and Erasmus while investing in the future of its students. The Siya Kolisi and Invictus residences stand as a testament to the transformative power of sport and the values it instills—teamwork, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
