Rose Kennett: 1940–2018

1940 – 13 August 2018

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Rose Kennett on 13 August. Rose spent more than 30 years at the University of Cape Town in a variety of crucial roles.

Rose, who retired from UCT in 1995, died after dealing stoically with poor health in recent years.

She was indelibly associated with Welgelegen and the reorganised Directorate of Public Relations that was first housed there in 1980. She joined the consolidated team from Danie Fourie’s office in the Cottage on Lover’s Walk.

Fourie was the Vice-Chancellor’s “Mr Fixit” in the turbulent 1970s, and Rose was his right-hand woman, once confiscating his battered tweed hat.

She came into her own at Welgelegen as PR, Alumni, UCT Foundation, Schools Liaison, News and Information, Visas and Events joined together in a happy team.

Always immaculately turned out, super-efficient and a natural hostess, Rose made enduring friendships with many staff, students, Council and Foundation members, along with a wide variety of professional contacts.

She specialised in remembering birthdays, something she kept up well into retirement.

Not simply content with a punishing schedule of functions and graduations (while still keeping track of tennis and cricket on her transistor radio), she was also a moving spirit and hands-on organiser in PRISA (Public Relations Institute of South Africa) and PROSAU (Public Relations Officer of South African Universities). An effective and helpful network made UCT a major player in these leagues thanks in no small measure to Rose.

A deep and caring faith sustained her, and Rose’s warmth, twinkling smile and loyalty will be missed by all who knew her.