Hippos, Hotspots, and Homelands: An Educator’s Journey in South Africa During Apartheid and Beyond (Unabridged‪)‬

This compelling memoir describes Elsa van der Byl’s life in South Africa during apartheid, the transition to democracy, and the transformational period. As an educator, she worked with various cultural groups in the so-called homelands, experiencing student revolts, college closures, and being held hostage by students. 

Listeners are regaled with interesting incidents when, as choir director, Elsa promoted black cultural festivals and interaction with white institutions. Also interwoven are impartial political observations and coping with crime. She also shares her experiences, moving from the city to country towns, and finally living in the “bush”.

Elsa van der Byl’s career in South Africa spans many years, teaching languages and music at schools and becoming acting rector of a college of education. She helped transform educational programs and served on several educational committees before accepting a contract as a visiting international teacher in the USA. The daughter of a famous South African comedian, Piet Pompies, Elsa published the Afrikaans book, Piet wat Pompies was. Although based in the US, she has maintained strong ties with South Africa, taking small tour groups there through her company, TravelswithElsa (LLC). For a list of her travel articles and other publications, please visit travelswithelsa.com/elsa-the-author/.