Langenhoven, was a South African poet who played a major role in the development of Afrikaans literature and cultural history.

He is best known for writing the words for "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika", which was used previously as the national anthem during apartheid.

Langenhoven was born at Hoeko, near Ladismith, in the then Cape Colony, and later moved to Oudtshoorn where he became its most famous resident.

To celebrate the centenary of his birth, in 1973 the South African Post Office issued a series of stamps (in 4-cent, 5-cent and 15-cent denominations).

Considered one of the most versatile writers in Afrikaans, he was a master of the short form of prose and is best remembered for his humorous and satirical works, illustrated by a nonsense-verse "love poem" he wrote for his dog.