South African author, Elsa Joubert, dies at 97

Legendary South African author Elsa Joubert has died.

According to Netwerk24, the 97-year-old writer died on Sunday in Cape Town, due to Covid-19 related causes. Elsa's son, Nico Steytler, confirmed that his mother died in Medi-clinic Cape Town, due to the virus.

Elsa's well-known book, Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena, which told the story of the complex relationship between women of different races living under the Apartheid era. The book was translated into thirteen languages and most recently turned into an award-winning film directed by Christian Olwagen and starring Clementine Mosimane.

Litnet reports that Elsa was married to the late journalist and writer, Klaas Steytler. She leaves behind two daughters, Elsabé and Henriëtte, and a son Nico.

On 3 June 2020, the Afrikaans journalist, poet, and writer Jeanne Goosen also died. She was 81 years old. It is believed that Goosen died at her home in Melkbosstrand on Tuesday after slipping into a coma.

Goosen published her first volume of poetry 'n Uil vlieg weg in 1971. It was her award-winning book, Ons is nie almal so nie, which was published in 1990 that made her a household name.

 

Done By: Mitchum George