Identifying a gap in the schooling system regarding certain indigenous languages, Lorato Trok made it her mission to assist with the preservation of the N!uu language by writing a book for children. With Golden Girl, she aims to close the gap and help save N!uu from falling through the cracks.

The N!uu language is running the risk of becoming extinct. In her book, Trok preserves history by sharing the teachings of dr Katrina Esau, the last known speaker of the language.

“I just thought, why is our South African education system not including stories like these, and I thought that it was very important to document the whole thing,” said Trok.

Trok met Katrina in 2016 and has since joined her with research on the language and its heritage. She said she got inspired by Esau’s passion and persistence to preserve her language.

Despite being unable to read or write, Esau started a school in her community, and “I wanted this book to be a true reflection of her story.”

The book also aims to teach children that their heroes could be their next-door neighbours, and not just people who are famous or on television. “Your heroes can be your grandmother who cannot read and write, but is doing something exceptional for humanity.”

Golden Girl also highlights the importance of speaking in one’s mother tongue, since it's part of one's heritage. If not used it could become extinct.

At the launch of the book, MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi, alongside the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture said they would be purchasing the book with the intention of placing them in public libraries throughout the province.

The book is also being sold at local retailers.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh