Elsabe Steenberg

Elsabe Steenberg ( 1938-1996) was an Afrikaans writer of short stories, novels, plays and academic works. Particularly known for her writing for children and the youth.

Also written Elsabé Steenberg in some cases. On occasion she used the pseudonym Elsabé Ryke.

Biography

Born in Vrede, in the Orange Free State, the sister of André P. Brink. She matriculated in Lydenburg and studied at the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, completing a BA and an MA degree (1964). In 1975 she obtained a D.Litt. degree from the University of the Orange Free State. She taught for a while, before becoming a lecturer in the Departement of Afrikaans and Dutch ("Afrikaans-Nederlands") at Potchefstroom University

In 1961 she married Dawid Hercules Steenberg, and the couple have two daughters (Ilse and Erika)and two sons (Adri and Conrad). She was diagnosed with multiple scelerosis in the 1970s and passed away on Tuesday 14 May, 1996.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

Besides her numerous short stories and her four novels, she also wrote a number of radio dramas and two published one-act plays - 'n Padda is 'n ding wat spring (1983) and 'n Pakkie van gister.

Her novel Rondomtralie was filmed as Salomien in 1972.