- Elizabeth Wilson, a 55-year-old home-based nurse from Wynberg, launched her debut book Die Kleine Miesies at Wynberg Library, sharing her extraordinary life story.
- Raised by her grandmother after being abandoned as a baby, Wilson’s memoir recounts her journey of resilience and perseverance, overcoming immense personal challenges.
- Now an author and motivational speaker, Wilson’s book is a message of hope, urging readers to never give up no matter the odds.
At 55 years old, Elizabeth Wilson, a home-based nurse with a heart full of stories, has added another title to her name: published author.
On Thursday 26 September, Wilson stood before a captivated audience at the Wynberg Library, where she shared her remarkable journey and introduced her debut book— Die Kleine Miesies (an autobiographical account that is as heartfelt as it is humorous).
Born in Cape Town and raised in Beaufort West, Wilson’s life has been anything but ordinary.
READ: The latest print edition of the People’s Post here
Her story began with a difficult start; her mother abandoned her at just nine months old, leaving her in the care of her grandmother, a resilient Khoisan woman who became her world.
Wilson reminisced during her talk, her voice brimming with emotion.
“She instilled in me a sense of perseverance that has carried me through life.”
Elizabeth’s father, a Zambian man, played a significant role in her life, though circumstances beyond their control complicated their relationship. When she was nine years old, he took her from her grandmother’s care to live with him in Claremont, where he was employed by a white family during the apartheid era.
However, due to the strict and unjust laws of apartheid, their time together was tragically cut short.
As a result, Wilson was adopted by a family in Ottery, where she says she “fitted in like a glove.”
It was here that she attended Steven Road Primary and later, Lotus River High School.
Reflecting on her high school years, Wilson described them as “the best days of my life,” but her journey took a heartbreaking turn when she was devastated by the death of her grandmother, the woman who had been her rock.
Unable to bury her, Wilson left school in Grade 11, grieving both the loss of her grandmother and her father, who passed away shortly after.Despite the challenges, Wilson’s life is a testament to resilience.
Loving son
With no support system, she pressed forward, determined to succeed. Today, she lives in Heathfield after her first born son Darren, who is a graphic designer, bought her a house. “Growing up, I always assured my mom I’d buy her a house, she deserves it,” shared Darren, who also is the designer of the cover page for the book.
“I have raised my kid in an environment often plagued by gangsterism and drugs,” she said, adding: “I am grateful that Darren kept his word”.
Wilson’s story is not one of despair—it’s one of triumph. Her son, recognising her perseverance, bought her a house, symbolising the stability and security she had fought so hard to achieve.
Wilson’s non fiction book, now available in both Afrikaans and English, is more than just a recount of her life—it’s a message of hope. “I want readers to take from my book the importance of never giving up and to persevere, no matter the odds,” Wilson shared. She describes her book as “sombre”.
Beyond her writing, Wilson is also a motivational speaker, dedicating her time to visiting schools and addressing students in assemblies across the Western Cape.
Her goal is simple yet profound: to offer hope. “I stay driven,” she says, a mantra that resonates with everyone who hears her story.
With her book already ordered by Western Cape libraries and set to be available soon, Wilson is eager to reach a broader audience. However, she is currently seeking sponsors to help publish more copies and expand her reach. Her story reminds us that no matter where we start, it’s where we go that truly matters. As she continues to share her journey, Wilson hopes her readers—and aspiring authors—will carry her message with them: to stay committed, stay focused, and above all, never give up.
