Helene de Kock, a well-respected figure in South African literature, resides in Pretoria, where she has been married to Dr. Jos de Kock, a renowned agricultural scientist, for over 50 years.
The couple has three children: Jaco, Herman, and Sylvia. Tragically, their eldest son, Jaco, passed away, but the family finds comfort in their belief that he is now with God.
Both Herman and Sylvia have followed creative paths, with Herman serving as a pastor and writer, and Sylvia contributing to the literary world from their shared home.
Herman, who is married to Emmie—a business consultant with a strong legal background—has two daughters, Johanna Helene and Emmarentia Lydia.
A Prolific Writing Career Spanning Decades
Helene de Kock’s literary journey is marked by an impressive output of nearly 50 published works over more than three decades.
Her writing covers a wide range of genres, from romance to Christian-themed books, and she is also known for her contributions as a journalist and reviewer for LitNet. De Kock’s earlier works have been reissued in omnibus collections, and she continues to write new novels and spiritual books.
One of her recent publications, As dood Lewe word, reflects on the death of her son, Jaco, and is available through CUM Books. Her extensive career includes collaborations with notable South African publishers such as Tafelberg, Human & Rousseau, and LAPA.
Exploring Love and Real-Life Relationships
Love, in all its complexity, is a central theme in Helene de Kock’s work. She refers to her novels as "relationship stories," emphasizing not just romantic love but also the broader challenges and demands that relationships impose on individuals.
One of her notable works spans nearly a century, exploring the lives and loves of two women who endure the trauma of war, longing, and mistrust.
Her commitment to capturing the realities of life in her writing is evident in her acclaimed novel Dieper Water, which earned her the prestigious award for best Master’s thesis in Afrikaans and Dutch at North-West University in 2008.
Academic Achievements and Literary Contributions
In addition to her prolific writing career, Helene de Kock has made significant academic contributions.
She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from North-West University, where her dissertation focused on creating spatial dynamics in a novel, using her book Somersneeu as a reference point.
De Kock is also an active member of the South African Academy for Science and Arts, contributing to the literary community through her participation in various literary and academic projects. Her short stories have been featured in several anthologies, curated by respected South African editors like T.T. Cloete and Jeanette Ferreira.
A Legacy of Literary Excellence
Helene de Kock’s literary legacy is not only defined by her extensive body of work but also by her ongoing engagement with the South African literary community.
She has been a runner-up multiple times in the ATKV/Sarie awards for serial stories and has also been recognized in the ATKV/rooi rose short story competition.
De Kock occasionally gives lectures on creative writing at the North-West University Writing School and the University of Pretoria, sharing her insights and experiences with aspiring writers.
Her life and career reflect a deep dedication to exploring the human condition through the written word, leaving an indelible mark on South African literature.
Books Written by Helene de Kock
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