On 10 May, the vibrant spirit of House Mopane came alive at the annual Oesdag festival, a celebration that has grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest student-organised events in South Africa. This year, the festival not only honoured the harvest of the adjacent maize fields, but also brought together the Mopane community, alumni, and students for a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. With a stellar lineup featuring artists like Steve Umculo, Glaskas, Zaan Sonnekus, Die Piesangskille, Robbie Wessels, Cinimin, and DJ Dekstir, Oesdag 2025 was a testament to the unity and spirit of House Mopane.
As the sun shone brightly over Pretoria, the atmosphere was electric. Attendees described the vibe as “super fun and super chill”, with many expressing excitement for the day’s events, especially the highly anticipated rugby match between the Blue Bulls and Cardiff. The Bulls’ triumphant victory with a score of 45-21 only added to the jubilant mood as cheers erupted from the crowd, uniting everyone in celebration. “The highlight is definitely the atmosphere and the people,” shared Isebelle de Beer, a first-year student from UP, capturing the essence of the day.
Oesdag is not just about the music and the rugby; it embodies the spirit of brotherhood and community that House Mopane stands for. Philip Morkel, Chairperson of House Mopane, emphasised the importance of this event, saying, “For me, Oesdag is all about the Mopane culture and the Mopane vibe.” The festival serves as a reminder of the house’s motto, “Through Unity Still Higher”, as it fosters connections among current residents, first-year students, and alumni, creating a sense of belonging that resonates deeply within the Mopane community. For the Peppies, first-year Mopane students, it is about showing everybody a bit of the Mopane Blue feeling. As shared by the Peppies, “It’s where we all come together and that is how we go higher.”
Oesdag not only brings the UP community together, but also other universities. Carmen Reid from North West University (NWU) shows her enthusiasm for Oesdag and experiencing the UP environment, saying, “I’m excited to see how Tuks does things. We have completely different res actions and none of them are really like today. So it’s nice to experience something other than Potch.” When asked to describe the overall vibe of Oesdag, Sabrina and Madison, who are students at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), described it as “vibrant, lively, fun, and upbeat”. “I think especially since everyone has had tests lately, so everybody is in a really good mood.”
The lineup of artists this year was met with enthusiasm, with many attendees eager to discover new talent alongside familiar favourites. “The line-up was positioned well with Robbie Wessels singing after the rugby and I think Zaan Sonnekus and Die Piesangskille are big names, and there are good DJs here as well so it’s a great variation of artists. And I was also excited to hear artists that I don’t know so well,” said Danielle van Niekerk, a first-year student from UP, highlighting the festival’s role in showcasing diverse musical acts. The combination of live performances and the rugby match created a unique experience that attendees will cherish for years to come.
As the day unfolded, the significance of Oesdag became even clearer. It is a celebration of not only the harvest, but also the rich culture and traditions of House Mopane. The Peppies expressed their excitement about being part of this vibrant community, saying, “It’s a place where we can experience something we can be a part of, now and in the future.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Oesdag, as it invites everyone to join in the festivities and create lasting memories.
Looking ahead, the future of Oesdag appears bright. With aspirations to grow the event even further, the Mopane community is committed to maintaining the festival’s spirit while expanding its reach. “The future of Oesdag can only go up from here. We’re aiming to build Oesdag as a bigger and bigger annual event. The future of Oesdag is to continue being a big event in the student calendar and to continue being a vibe that brings people together,” shared Morkel, reflecting the collective ambition to enhance the experience for future attendees.
Oesdag 2025 was more than just a festival; it was a celebration of community, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of House Mopane. As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable moments, attendees left with a renewed sense of belonging and excitement for what the future holds. For those who have yet to experience Oesdag, the message is clear: come and be a part of something truly special. After all, Oesdag is not just an event; it’s a celebration of life, unity, and the incredible journey of being a part of House Mopane.
