Elizabeth M. Kotze, known affectionately as "Sussie," was born on October 17, 1933, on the historic farm Langrietvlei in Hopefield.
Her early years were spent in the remote fishing village of Doornbaai on South Africa's rugged West Coast, where her father, Coenraad Walters, worked for the North Bay Canning Company.
Growing up in this isolated community, Kotze developed a deep connection with the sea and the people who made their living from it. This bond would later influence her writing, particularly in her vivid portrayals of life along the West Coast.
A Life Shaped by the Sea
In 1954, Kotze married Willie Kotzé, a skipper from Lamberts Bay, and together they moved to various coastal towns, including Walvis Bay and Hout Bay.
The couple had four children, and their lives were deeply intertwined with the sea. However, in 1972, Willie's declining health due to Hodgkin's disease led them to leave the coast and settle on a fruit farm in the Piketberg mountains.
The move marked a significant shift in their lives, but the sea and its stories never left Kotze's heart, continuing to inspire her writing.
The Birth of a Writing Career
Kotze's writing career began during the long periods her husband spent at sea. With time on her hands and stories filling her mind, she started writing short stories, many of which were published in magazines over the years.
Her first collection, Halfkrone vir die Nagmaal, was published in 1982 and received the prestigious Eugène Marais Prize in 1983.
This collection, along with subsequent works like Silt van die aarde and Halwe hemel, captured the unique dialects, landscapes, and characters of the West Coast, preserving a way of life that was slowly fading away.
A Literary Journey Rooted in Experience
Kotze's later works expanded her literary scope, including children's books and more serious novels.
Her novella Boetie-Jan se skilpadnes was followed by the historical novels Silt van die aarde and Waterwyfie en ander woestynverhale, which delved into her own experiences growing up on the West Coast.
These stories are rich in earthy humor and unsentimental portrayals of the struggles and joys of the people in her community.
Her writing is celebrated for its authenticity, capturing the resilience and spirit of those who lived close to the sea and the land.
A Legacy of Resilience and Reflection
After her husband’s death in 1989, Kotze moved several times before finally settling in Velddrif, a town that still retains the charm of a bygone era.
Now in her 90s, Kotze reflects on a life well-lived, filled with the challenges of the sea, the joys of family, and the solace of writing. Her most recent novel, Hulle noem haar Carminda, continues to explore themes close to her heart, drawing from her personal experiences.
As a celebrated author, Kotze’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the rich cultural heritage of South Africa’s West Coast.
Books Written by E. Kotze Hulle noem haar Carminda Diepsee: 'n Keur uit die verhale
Die Wind staan Oos
Hoogty
Toring se Baai
