Death of Amanzimtoti stalwart Sybil Language
Sybil was chosen as ‘woman of the year’ at the WI’s 60 year diamond jubilee celebrations.
Mooi Hawens resident and lifelong Amanzimtoti community stalwart, Sybil Language (94) died on Saturday, 23 September.
Sybil was born in Ladysmith on 22 March 1923 into a musical family, and, as an only child, her love of music and dancing was encouraged.
Twenty years later, she married Ivor Language and they moved to Amanzimtoti in 1948, where their four children Hilton, Rozanne, Dimity and Keith were born.
Due to Ivor’s work commitments as a journalist, they lived in many different places but always considered Toti their home.
Besides being a wonderful wife and caring mother, Sybil accomplished much in her lifetime.
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She was involved in numerous activities, such as Sunday school teaching, was a member of the Amanzimtoti School Parent Teachers’ Association, and became a committee member of the Women’s Institute in 1947, assisting in the establishment of the Amanzimtoti Child Welfare Society in 1952.
She was chosen as ‘woman of the year’ at the WI’s 60 year diamond jubilee celebrations. She was also an honorary member of 21 Club, where was was a founder member since 1952.
So great was Sybil’s passion for the community and civic affairs, she was elected as town councillor of Amanzimtoti four times, and served as the chairman of the health department for a number of years.
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She also wrote fairy stories for children, was a member of the Toastmistresses Club and she enjoyed tennis and badminton.
Due to a stroke in 2008, Sybil moved into the frail care section of Mooi Hawens, where she lived for nine-and-a-half years.
She is survived by her daughters, Rozanne and Dimity and their families. Sybil was a proud grandmother to Susan and Megan, and Andrew and Sarah, and a great grandmother to eight great-grandchildren.
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