Rudolf Johannes van Niekerk

(Dolf) (1929-) Agriculturist, playwright and novelist. Born on 22 February 1929 in Edenburg in the Free State, he matriculated at Edenburg High School and in 1949 completed a BA Degree at the University College of the Orange Free State, then an Honours Degree in philosophical studies at Unisa. He joined the SABC in 1950 as a radio presenter and director. In 1957 he became a radio official at the Department of Agriculture’s radio service, where he later became the head of the radio service. He completed an MA Degree in philosophical studies with honours at the University of Pretoria in 1967. In 1978 he became the director of the Agriculture Information Directorate, where he remained until his retirement in 1994. He made his writing debut in 1953 in the literary magazine Standpunte. After this, he began writing prose, as well as various works for radio which included dramas and serial broadcasts. His first book, Gannavlei: novelle, was published in 1958. He was awarded the Eugène Marais Prize in 1963 for his collection of novellas entitled Skepsels. He received the MER Prize as well as the Scheepers Prize in 1963 for his youth book Die haasvanger. His plays (for stage, television and radio) include Kwart voor Dagbreek (prod 1961, pub 196*), 1961 Kwart voor dagbreek: ’n verhoogspel in drie bedrywe, Afrikaanse Pers Boekhandel; 1968 Die paddas: satiriese eenakter, Dalro; 1972 Kamer 99, Perskor; 1976 Die nagloper: twee tekste vir televisie, Human & Rousseau; 1982 Niemand se dag nie, Perskor.

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