Rosemary Smith started working with the Black Sash in about 1967, first in the Advice Office and then holding various positions in the organisation, including being a Vice President. At the dissolution of the membership organisation, she was employed as Director of the Grahamstown Black Sash Advice Office for five years. She is currently on a number of local boards and trusts and is chairperson of the Grahamstown Friends of the Library. She still lives in Grahamstown with her husband, Malvern van Wyk Smith, where they raised their four children. Swimming with Cobras is her first book.