Schooled mainly in the Province of Natal, South Africa, she graduated BA (Hons) in English from the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg before going to CapeTown University for her Education Diploma.
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| As much as completing a curriculum, she believes that it was people themselves who were the most significant part of her education, who they were and what they did! |
| She taught at both tertiary or secondary levels, and describes teaching as "a wonderfully challenging and interactive occupation". But she did not only teach. She "worked for some of the most exciting and forward-looking people I know. Also our country itself and its composition of peoples provided the greatest challenge for me, and it still does because we are busy making it. I can make a difference till the day I die, and that's a nice way to grow old! |
| She was married to the former Principal of the Durban Campus of the University of Natal, who was honoured for his work and vision both at Wits or Natal Universities by being awarded two honorary degrees, and in his field, the Gold medal for Science in South Africa. |
| Evelyn has three children, a girl and two boys and five grandchildren. |
Evelyn recently gave a speech to the pupils, parents and staff of a school in Zululand, South Africa. She asked me to read the speech before the event to comment on it. I was so impressed that I asked if I could display the speech on the design-africa website. It says so much about the sort of person that she is!
Text of the speech
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Evelyn also sent me the following in response to a request for biographical information:
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"A normal CV lists accomplishments, but being from Africa, I am probably
more aware of influences on my life to make me who I am;
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the family that listened but never stooped to praise;
the teacher whose integrity burnt into my soul;
the Professor who provided total challenge;
the friends "keeping my table at its level of joy";
my country's social situation that sharpened my wits and steeled me to the fight;
the loveliness of my land and the authenticity of its people;
the reality of God whose trust in me blows my being outwards;
these are the things that provide me with writing substance.
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