Biblionef South Africa is honoured to highlight the incredible efforts of Queen Katrina Esau, one of the last three speakers of the N|uu language, an endangered San language. At 91, Queen Katrina is leading a powerful initiative from her home in Upington, Northern Cape, where she teaches the language and oral traditions to children in her community. Her mission is clear: to prevent N|uu from becoming extinct and to pass on this vital part of her heritage.

Lorato Trok, a seasoned language practitioner, documented Queen Katrina’s journey in the book, Golden Girl, which serves as a crucial record of her efforts and the broader context of the near extinction of the N|uu language. This book aims to tell the holistic story of Queen Katrina, her determination, and the cultural legacy she is fighting to protect, providing young South Africans, especially those from marginalized communities, with role models who reflect their heritage and experiences.

Upon meeting Queen Katrina, Lorato had this to say: “I have never met anyone as resilient and determined as she is. For someone who cannot read and write to possess so much power in a field that is mostly academic is a marvel to watch. I am writing this book to document the work that she has put into preserving her culture and her language against all odds. Her story has been told through the lens of the mass media hype with the same narrative. I will be telling her story holistically, from where her desire to preserve her language came from and circumstances that began the descent of her language to near extinction.”

Biblionef is proud to announce that we have commissioned the publishing of “Golden Girl,” in seven South African languages: isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Xitsonga, Setswana, Afrikaans, and English. Aimed at 9 to 12-year-olds, this initiative aligns with our mission to promote literacy and foster a love for reading by making important cultural stories accessible to children. By offering “Golden Girl” in multiple languages, we aim to ensure that children from diverse linguistic backgrounds can connect with Queen Katrina’s inspiring story and the rich heritage it represents.

Through this work, we aim to inspire pride and a sense of belonging in our children by showcasing the heroes and heroines from South Africa’s townships and rural areas whose stories have been overlooked. By documenting and celebrating these lives, we are not only preserving history but also creating a rich cultural archive for future generations. This project aligns with Biblionef’s mission to promote literacy and foster a love for reading by offering stories that resonate with the lives and experiences of South African children. Queen Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of language and culture in shaping our identities and our communities. As we continue to support literacy and language preservation, we invite you to join us in celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of South Africa through stories like “Golden Girl”.

Thank you to the Publisher, Jacana Media, and our donor, The National Heritage Council, for making this project possible.