By Jemimah ChunguÂ
Fashion is not just about clothes; it’s a language that speaks volumes, and no one understands this better than Xuu Esau Katrina. At 90 years old, she’s not only a fashion icon but also the last fluent speaker of the ancient Khoisan language known as ‘Nxuu’ or ‘Nluu.’
Ms. Katrina has dedicated her life to preserving and restoring the Nxuu language, which is believed to be over 25,000 years old. Growing up, she witnessed her family and community’s fluent speakers of Nxuu gradually disappear, prompting her to take action.
In the early 1990s, Ms. Katrina embarked on a mission to ensure that younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z’s, could learn and pass on the ancient language. Her efforts bore fruit in the mid-1990s when she initiated the revival of Nxuu cultural heritage through various means, including apparel, practices, songs, and dances.
Despite her commitment to preserving Nxuu culture, Ms. Katrina is also a devout Christian elder, reflecting the complexity of identity and tradition in modern society.
Ms. Katrina’s fashion choices are deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, influenced by the intensive moral and cultural lessons she received during traditional initiation confinement. Her attire, from head to toe, reflects a blend of traditional Nxuu clothing and modern trendy styles, including popular brands like Fendy.
In the past week, Ms. Katrina has trended on social media, earning recognition as one of South Africa’s most respected individuals. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of fashion not only to express individual identity but also to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage for future generations.
