One of The Last Speakers of the N|uu language, Ouma Griet, Has Passed On

Source: Facebook, The Khoisan Youth Empowerment Movement
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On Thursday Ouma Griet Seekoei, also known as Touws and the last living sibling of Ouma Katrina Esau, passed away at the age of 87.

Ouma Griet was one of three remaining N|uu language speakers. This indigenous language is approximately 25 000 years old and is considered critically endangered.

Ouma Griet was part of a team that has developed dictionaries, children’s books and other literature in the N|uu language. She was instrumental in preserving the language, indigenous heritage and the culture. Her sister, Ouma Geelmeid Katrina Esau, currently runs a self-funded N|uu school in Upington in the Northern Cape.

We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Ouma Griet during this time.