The intimate gathering was more than a book launch – it was a celebration of resilience, family, faith and the extraordinary journey of a woman who refused to allow adversity to define her future.

A Story of Courage and Perseverance

Guests listened attentively as Klaasen reflected on the experiences that shaped her life, sharing how a devastating spinal injury at the age of 21 changed the course of her future, but never diminished her dreams.

Rather than simply recounting events, Coming of Age: Growing Up More Than Once explores the lessons learned through pain, perseverance, professional growth and personal transformation. It chronicles the journey of a young woman who rebuilt her life through determination, education and purpose, eventually forging a successful career in journalism, communications and public service.

Throughout the afternoon, family members and lifelong friends smiled knowingly as familiar stories were retold, while others wiped away tears as the author spoke honestly about disability, rejection, loss and hope.

The memoir also pays tribute to the many people who walked alongside her during life’s most difficult seasons – healthcare workers, educators, colleagues, friends and family members whose quiet acts of kindness became stepping stones on her journey of recovery.

“This is more than my story,” Klaasen told guests. “It is a reminder that our greatest setbacks can become the foundation for our greatest purpose.”

Living an Examined Life

Keynote speaker, psychologist and former Nelson Mandela University colleague Dr Veonna Goliath, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the memoir, drawing on the philosophy of Socrates.

She described an authentic life as one rooted in self-reflection and the relentless pursuit of wisdom.

“Not riches. Not fame. Not self-promotion, but wisdom, which is one of the greatest gifts we can give our partners, those around us and ourselves,” she said.

Having read the memoir, Goliath described it as “the story of a deeply examined life” and “a ruthlessly honest reflection of life.”

“Roslyn courageously put her truth on paper. As she exposes her truth through all the losses she has experienced, there are no masks left. You open yourself to criticism, judgement and questions, but she has bravely faced these fears. That is what Socrates calls true purpose and living an authentic life.”

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Publisher and founder of Rulf Publishing, Schamelle Rulf, congratulated Klaasen on becoming a published author, describing the achievement as one deserving of great celebration.

“Publishing a book takes courage, dedication, perseverance and a willingness to share a part of yourself with the world. I am incredibly proud of you and honoured that Rulf Publishing could be part of your journey.”

She thanked Klaasen for contributing to South Africa’s literary landscape and encouraged guests to support local authors by purchasing books rather than borrowing copies.

“Every story published adds a new voice, preserves experiences, inspires readers and enriches our communities. Today marks not the end of your journey, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”

Rulf also announced that Coming of Age: Growing Up More Than Once has been nominated for recognition at the 9th Annual AfriCan Honory Author’s Awards, scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on 31 July 2026.

From Storyteller to Story Subject

For decades, Klaasen has built a career telling the stories of others through newspapers, television, higher education and local government communications.

With Coming of Age: Growing Up More Than Once, she turns the spotlight on herself for the first time, inviting readers into a deeply personal account of courage, resilience and gratitude.

The launch concluded with book signings, photographs and heartfelt conversations as guests celebrated an achievement that represents not only a literary milestone but also the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.