From an early age, she devoted herself to the sacred art of women’s healing — gathering roots and plants from the wild to restore spiritual and physical wellbeing in her community.

Together with fellow elder Anna Bojane (née Kruiper), Lydia has carried forward the deep lineage of San women’s healing, guiding young mothers in childbirth and nurturing the health of families through nature’s remedies.

Their work preserves traditions passed down through countless generations, ensuring that the knowledge of the San people continues to live and breathe in Witdraai and beyond.

As a San elder, Lydia represents one of humanity’s oldest living lineages — the original custodians of the land we now call the Cradle of Humankind. It is a profound honour to have her present with us, carrying the wisdom of her ancestors and embodying the spirit of the San people whom we seek to honour through this gathering.

Her deep obedience to spirit and ancestral guidance has earned her great respect, especially for leading the |Nu’ais Korana in reclaiming ancestral lands.

Guided by prophecy, the Great Spirit, and her ancestors, she was called to reclaim vacant state land historically and spiritually aligned with the Khoi and San peoples. Despite holding a doctorate in education, the arts, and culture, she left behind comfort to begin this sacred mission – starting in a tent at Knoflokskraal in the Western Cape.

Her deep obedience to spirit and ancestral guidance has earned her great respect, especially for leading the |Nu’ais Korana in reclaiming ancestral lands.

Queen Elouise has served as Western Cape Chairperson of the South African Religious Forum and Deputy Chairperson of the Spiritual Crime Prevention Unit of the South African Police Services. She currently chairs the International Korana Kingdoms Council. Her vision is to see the full restoration, redress, and unification of all Khoi and San tribes across South Africa.

Affectionately known as the Lioness, Queen Elouise embodies authenticity, humility, warmth, and unwavering faith – a living vessel of her ancestors’ spirit. She stands as a true representative of one of humanity’s most ancient and enduring lineages.