Joubert, Elsa (1922–)

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Joubert, Elsa (1922–)

South African novelist. Born Oct 19, 1922, in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch, BA; University of Cape Town, MA; m. Klaas Steytler, 1950 (died 1998); children: 2.

Worked as editor of Die Huisgenoot magazine (1946–48); came to prominence with The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena (1980); writings, which explore racial tension in South Africa, also include Ons Wag op die Kaptein (1963), Die Wahlerbrug (1969), Bonga (1971), Melk (1980), Die Vier Vriende (1987), Dansmaat (1993), and Die Reise van Isobelle (1995); travelogues include Water en Woestyn (1957), Suid van die Wind (1962), Die Staf van Monomotapa (1964), Die Nuwe Afrikaan (1974) and Gordel van Smarag (1997). Received CNA Prize, W.A. Hofmeyr Prize, Olivier Award and Hertzog Prize.