Tafta mourns talented theatrical entertainer’s death

TAFTA is mourning the loss of much-loved former employee and talented theatrical entertainer, Elaine Jennings, who passed away last week after being hospitalised for a short period.

As the pioneer of popular entertainment group, The Tafta Revellers, 79-year-old Jennings was well-known for bringing her charismatic flair to local stages and defying old age with decades of vibrant performances.

Jennings, who had for years called Tafta her home and been an adored member of the Tafta family, was a popular personality among her peers, staff and Durban audiences.

Jennings joined Tafta as a service centre organiser at the Anna Conradie Service Centre after moving to Durban from Johannesburg, where she had performed in professional theatre since the age of 12 and toured with shows throughout South Africa and the then Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).

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Speaking after a recent performance at the launch of Tafta’s Langeler Towers she said, “Entertaining is a large part of who I am, so every performance is special and feels great. Being part of The Revellers is loads of fun and keeps us young at heart and fit.”

“Friday, May 5 was a sad day for the Tafta family as we heard the news that Elaine had passed away. She was the epitome of all that we aspire to be and do at Tafta. Her infectious smile, her kindness and total love of life inspired people around her. She inspired active ageing,” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam.

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“Her love and passion for entertaining always had audiences smiling, clapping and nostalgically singing along to old favourites. She sang, danced and loved all that life had to offer.

“The ever talented, vivacious and flamboyant Elaine Jennings will be sorely missed and from all at Tafta we keep her loving husband, Vern and the rest of her family in our thoughts and prayers,” added Shamam.