University of Johannesburg YMCA Male Residence

YMCA
In One Accord


Historical Information
YMCA men's residence is located in Orlando East Soweto, the very heart of the revolutionary DOCC Hall
Name
YMCA
Meaning
An African residence of choice anchored in Orlando East
Slogan
In One Accord
Manifesto
Here in the revolutionary DOCC Hall, are we, in one accord.

“Here is a tree rooted in African soil, nourished with the waters from the rivers in Africa.
Come and sit under its shade and become, with us,
The leaves of the same branch and the branches of the same tree.”
As Robert Sobukwe said.

Here in the revolutionary DOCC Hall, are we, in one accord.

Here is the space where we “cherish the idea of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”
As Nelson Mandela said.

Here in the revolutionary DOCC Hall, are we, in one accord.

Vision
To combine the transformative ideologies of Pan-Africanism and Ubuntu with academic and social excellence.



Mission
We support every individual that is part of our residence to grow in the social capital
of Pan-Africanism and a shared humanity through all our activities, be they, academic, sport, cultural or social.
Values
• Academic Excellence
• Cultural diversity
• Sportsmanship
• Discipline
• Integrity
• Respect
Brand story/ brand code
YMCA men's residence is located in Orlando East Soweto, the very heart of the revolutionary DOCC Hall; whereby the 1960 ANTI-PASS campaign was instigated by Prof Robert Sebokwe; 1976 Soweto Uprising strategic meetings held in this very hall, Nelson Mandela's boxing training and many other activities which shape South Africa to be an inclusive democratic country. Without reasonable doubt YMCA is a house that gives residents an inspired generational mandate to occupy the economic, social and political landscape of Africa.

The history of Orlando East and Soweto as a whole shaped dynamical the leadership calibre within the residence and gave hope to our people that there's indeed a hope for a better future.

Our Pan Africanism it is not an obligation but an act of Ubuntu.
Pan-Africanism represents the aggregation of the historical, cultural, spiritual, artistic, scientific, and philosophical legacies of Africans from past times to the present. Pan-Africanism as an ethical system traces its origins from ancient times, and promotes values that are the product of the African civilizations and the struggles against slavery, racism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism.

We are indeed a home that’s welcoming regardless of ethnic, tribe, social status and race.
Enacted within the house is the will of self-consciousness and adapting to a communal environment.

The ‘all for one; one for all’ -culture is inspired by the desire to equalise inequalities, inciting social responsibility within the residence and the mandate to community engagement.

Brotherhood reflects an Afro-centric element; as an African proverb "When brothers fight, they lose land to a stranger".