Ilse Olive

‘Niklaas Koen’, depicts the intriguing biography of a remarkable yet shrouded man.

Progeny of the slave era, of questionable background, born in poverty, rejected by his parents - Niklaas Koen mixed fate with a sharp intellect and a pure heart and evolved into a missionary of highest esteem.  Only to be discarded and forgotten – dispensed of when his racial background so suited the powers-to-be.

This is an interesting and captivating kaleidoscope of soul-jarring experiences, astounding love and hardship.  It depicts the unique life and history of a man who traded all for his convictions and, in the process, became a chattel of the Berlin Missionary Society, a castaway to a life of immense suffering, loneliness, and challenge in a barren and inhospitable land ravaged by Malaria and savages.  It records a time in the history of South Africa when the unselfish labour of the early missionaries was often unnoticed or scorned - a time when racial discrimination deplored and dishonoured a noble soul.

This is a story of undefined courage, an emblem of humanity and goodwill, and a testimony of God’s grace.

May it bring honour to the man who sacrificed all, expected nothing, and gained rejection and disgrace.  He gave because it was in his heart to give and he now lies forgotten in a forlorn grave.  Yet, in the hearts of his descendents, he lives evermore…