This is the first of a two-part blog series, exploring the timeless South African folktale of Racheltjie de Beer. It is a story that resonates with young girls today, because it teaches us that strength and love can shine in the face of adversity, inspiring girls to recognise their own resourcefulness to make a difference every day.

Imagine long ago, in a land far away, where the stars seemed to shine brighter and the mountains stretched on an endless journey. The air was crisp, and the ground was covered in a blanket of glistening snow. This is where the story of a young girl named Racheltjie de Beer began. She was just a girl, no older than you, who loved her little brother dearly.

One freezing winter night, Racheltjie and her brother were out in the vast, open field, helping their family with their cattle.  A terrible storm swept in, and one of their precious calves went missing. The two of them set out to find it, but the icy wind howled, and snow began to fall. They were lost, far from home, with the cold biting at their fingers and toes. Racheltjie knew they were in danger, but she wasn’t thinking of herself—she was worried about her little brother.

With no shelter in sight, Racheltjie’s quick mind searched for a way to keep him safe. She spotted an old anthill, but the space inside was too small to keep both of them safe. Without hesitation, she made a brave choice. “You must stay inside this anthill. It’ll keep you warm,” she said, keeping her voice steady despite the shivering. So, Racheltjie did something extraordinary—she took off her coat, wrapped it around her brother, and tucked him into the anthill. Then, she lay down outside, using her own body to shield the entrance from the freezing wind.

Racheltjie didn’t have a plan handed to her. She didn’t wait for an adult to save them. She used what she had—her own courage—to protect her brother. That night, as the storm raged, her love kept him alive. When morning came, help arrived. He was found safe, but Racheltjie had given everything to save him. Her selfless act became a story told around firesides, a tale of a young girl who showed that bravery is about loving someone so much you’d do anything to keep them safe.

Racheltjie’s story, passed down through generations, speaks to girls today to stand up for friends or make tough choices out of love. Though young, her actions saved her brother, proving you don’t need to be grown or fearless to make a difference. Her story shows that bravery is choosing to act for those you care about, reminding us that even a “little” girl can change the world.

In Part 2, we’ll explore how Racheltjie’s courage, selflessness, and deep family bonds deepen the meaning of her story and still connect with us today.

-Helen Barnard
Volunteer
Girl Museum