Prof Debra Meyer, Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University will preside over a special tribute to Her Excellency Queen Katrina Esau, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Khoi San heritage and culture. The event will take place during the Women’s Month Celebration and the opening of the Echoes Art Exhibition on Saturday, 9 August 2025.
Ouma Katrina’s journey is deeply inspiring: a woman who never set foot inside a conventional classroom now stands at the forefront of preserving an ancient tongue. Through storytelling, teaching, publishing, and guiding future generations, she has become the single most important figure in safeguarding N|uu.
Her lifelong dedication to safeguarding the endangered N|uu language and the cultural heritage of the San people has been recognised through several honours:
- Honorary Doctorate: In March 2023, the University of Cape Town awarded for her significant contributions to language preservation and cultural education.
- National Order of the Baobab in Silver: In 2014, she received this prestigious award from then-President Jacob Zuma, acknowledging her exceptional service to the nation.
- Living Human Treasure: On 24 April 2025, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (in collaboration with PanSALB and provincial authorities) celebrated her as a Living Human Treasure in Upington, honouring her dedication to language and cultural preservation.
These accolades highlight her pivotal role in preserving Indigenous languages and traditions for future generations.
Ouma Katrina perfectly embodies the spirit of the Cosmic Echoes Art Exhibition, which celebrates Indigenous people expressing creativity at the crossroads of modern science and ancient wisdom and showcases the depth of Indigenous worldviews, a richness that her work deeply explores.
Join us for this special celebration of women as we honour Her Excellency Queen Katrina Esau on Saturday, at the SPU Library Auditorium, Central Campus or watch the YouTube livestream here: https://bit.ly/40F1i8Y
