Afrikaans poet, writer and translator Christine Barkhuizen-Le Roux died on her birthday, Wednesday, November 18. She was 61-years-old at the time of her death.
She died at the Bayview Hospital in Mossel Bay, according to News24.
Born Cornelia Christine Barkhuizen in 1959, the future poet moved around a lot as a child. Her father worked on making roads, and she was inspired by literature as early as primary school.
She later went on to achieve a BA in Theology, Psychology and English at the University of Stellenbosch. In 2002, she pursued her honours in Afrikaans and Dutch from the University of the Western Cape. In 2005, she achieved a Master’s degree in Dutch poetry.
Barkhuizen-Le roux made her writing debut in 2000 with a book of poetry called “Dimensie”. She wrote five more books, titled “Padmaker”, “Wat Die Oog Sien”, “Getuie”, “Drieklawerblaar” and “My Naam Is Prins, Ek Slaap met die Lig Aan”.
Her cause of death has not yet been determined, and condolences have been pouring in for her family.
Picture: Twitter