Elsa Joubert
- Born:
- October 19, 1922, Paarl, South Africa
- Died:
- June 14, 2020, Cape Town, South Africa
- Nationality:
- South African
- Profession(s):
- Author, Novelist, Short Story Writer
Early Life and Education
- Educated at La Rochelle Girls' High School in Paarl.
- Obtained a BA degree from Stellenbosch University, majoring in Afrikaans and Dutch.
- Further studies at the University of Cape Town.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her writing career as a journalist.
- Traveled extensively throughout Africa, which heavily influenced her writing.
- Gained international recognition for her novel Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena (translated as The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena).
- Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena was adapted into a successful stage play and film.
- Received numerous literary awards throughout her career.
Notable Works
- Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena (1978)
- Poppie (English translation of Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena) (1980)
- The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena (USA title)
- Ons wag op die Kaptein (1963)
- Reisiger (1991)
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year | Work |
|---|---|---|
| CNA Prize | 1979 | Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena |
| FAK Prize for Afrikaans Literature | 1980 | Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena |
Legacy and Impact
Elsa Joubert's work provided a powerful voice for marginalized communities in South Africa, particularly during the apartheid era. Her novel Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena is considered a landmark work in Afrikaans literature and played a significant role in raising awareness of the injustices of apartheid both domestically and internationally. This brief Elsa Joubert biography illustrates why she is regarded as one of South Africa's most important writers.