Audrey Blignault dies

2008-10-01 15:22

Johannesburg - Renowned Afrikaans writer Audrey Blignault died in a Cape Town clinic on Wednesday at the age of 92, SABC news reported.

Born to an English mother and an Afrikaans father on July 6 1916 Blignault read Afrikaans literature at the University of Stellenbosch. Blignault started her career as a journalist.

She was well known as a radio host and had been the editor of Die Huisvrou.

She received the Eugene Marais prize, the WA Hofmeyer prize and the Italian Adelaide Ristori prize for her contribution to literary culture, as well as numerous other awards.

She also received the 1982 State President's award for outstanding service.

She was the first woman to be elected to the board of the South African Academy for Science and Culture.

Her husband, Attie de Villiers, said details of her funeral had not been finalised, the SABC reported.

- SAPA