An era has come to a close in Durban with the death of doyenne Professor Elizabeth Sneddon who died this morning at the age of 98. While her body had been frail for some time, her active brain was very much to the fore as was her capacity for amusing conversation.

Professor Elizabeth Sneddon was an extraordinary woman with an incredible brain, highly acute perception and a dogged determination. Thank heavens for the latter because without her fighting spirit, the University of Natal’s speech and drama department would never have been created.

Her achievements are legendary and form a major part of the theatrical history of Durban. My broadcasting colleague, John Simpson, once observed that if you walked down the streets of Durban and stopped one in 20 people, Professor Sneddon would have had some influence on their lives in some way. More recently, this influence would have come about through the wide-ranging activities of her brainchild, the annual National Creative Arts Youth Festival.

She is probably already organising everyone at the Pearly Gates and giving them lessons in communication. Go in peace, Professor. – Caroline Smart

Funeral arrangements to follow.