Eendrag

Eendrag (Afrikaans: "harmonious unity") is a men's residence of the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. It houses about 270 university students. Eendrag was opened in 1961.

The residents of Eendrag are known as "Eendragters". On campus Eendrag is often associated with academic performance, and tends to house students studying for technical and financial degrees -- although this is also true for several other "koshuise".

Coat of Arms
Eendrag's Coat of Arms consists of an eagle clutching three interlinked rings, and was designed by Dutch-born South African heraldic specialist, Dr Cornelis Pama. The eagle symbolises power and the ability to "fly high" and reach higher. The three interconnected rings symbolise the unity Eendrag stands for, and also represent Eendrag's three core qualities: Character, Style and Pride. The eagle has become synonymous with Eendrag residence and serves as the residence's mascot.

The Building and Sections
The residence is divided into twelve sections, each having its own distinct name, traditions and reputation. Eendrag was designed with "unity" in mind, therefore the architect included elements to promote social interaction between residents. The building features a big central courtyard (Quad), and balconies for most of the various sections. Each section has one or two communal bathrooms. The sections compete against each other during the annual Intersection Competition, where residents participate in various sports and activities.

Eendrag's twelve sections are:
Dranggang - First years
Wineroute - First years
Ingang - First years
Here XVII - First years
Bacchus - First years
Ondergang - Seniors
Omgang - Seniors
Stopstraat - Seniors
Fyndraai - Seniors
Prostraat - Seniors
Swingelsingel - Seniors
Katstraat - Seniors

"'Fire on 9 August 2007

On the morning of 9 August 2007 the entire top level of the residence was destroyed in a fire. There were no fatalities, although some students were injured -- one of them seriously. Subsequent to the fire all students were evacuated and accommodated elsewhere on campus. The building was fully repaired, with increased fire safety, in time for the start of the 2008 academic year.

External links

* [http://www.sun.ac.za/eendrag Eendrag Homepage]
* [http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2161627,00.html University probes hostel fire]
* [http://allafrica.com/stories/200710290750.html Matie res hit by fire rises from the ashes] .