G.A. Watermeyer was born in the Middelburg, Cape district on the farm Lucerne Vale, 15th October 1917. Lucerne Vale, situated at the foot of Kompas Mountain can rightly also be called the cradle of youth. It was here where he received the first part of his schooling before becoming a pupil at the High School in Middelburg.

During his high school years some of his poetry was published in "Die Huisgenoot". In 1948 his first collection "Sekel en Simbaal" was published, which mainly covered the period of his youth. It is thought to be one of his best collections.

Later three more collections, "Atlantis", "Die Republiek van 'n duisend jaar" and "Bitterbrood" were also published.