Theresa Chisanga

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT WOMAN ON HER RETIREMENT: JOAN CONOLLY

Every moment a Joan moment!

My first reaction to the Joan phenomenon in my life is to ask: -why did I meet one so amazing so late in life:  Lord, she could have made such a huge difference to my existence, to my experience of life! May be I would have been a better person, and in a safer space too all along; she is like a magician!

But something else says to me, it is not late at all, this is the time, and this is the designated time and space for Joan in my life. I feel it in my spirit, she is far, yet so near, every day is a Joan moment now, and it is a moment of love, a moment of care for another!

In the short time, I have an incredible friend, you don’t have to say much, she understands, she sees everything and feels with you in her bones, every moment, a Joan moment.

 In the short time, I have a sister, a friend, someone whose belief is mine too. Strangely, it feels like I have known her all my life! To GOD BE THE GLORY!

To the same God, the great “I AM WHO I AM”, I say:  bless Joan Lord, for all time, in the spirit of Numbers 6:22-27.

And may all of us who have experienced her learn to make every moment a Joan moment, a moment of love. And yes we CAN change this world.

Lots of love, always,

Theresa

Caught with a You magazine!

Portia Redmond

Rosh Sunder

Dear Joan

I remember the first time I formally met you, it was at one of your HOLiT workshops. The theme for that day was – WHO AM I?

That was something I was grappling with, at that time. I grew up in a very indoctrinated way and was very confused about my identity……and without going into too much detail, the simple questions that you posed that day, opened my mind to discovering myself……who I am!!!! That was a beginning of change in my life (both professional and personal) and learning to be comfortable with who I am.  And I am still on that journey and enjoying the ride.

Thank you for giving me a “lookin glass”.

You have the ability to make an impressionable “dent” on people, with seemingless effort……and one that will last forever.

Your legacy will live on.

Love

Rosh Sunder

Andrea Alcock

Dear Joan

It is hard to imagine a DUT without you! Thank you so much for all that you have been to this place of learning.Your wealth of knowledge and energy will be missed.

I remember meeting and chatting to you all the way to a workshop in Pietermaritzburg way back in 2007. I was so excited about your ways of thinking and have since then always found something inspirational and challenging going on around you! I know that this will continue wherever you are…

Wishing you a million happy hours of grand parenting and connecting with all the people you love.

Love, Andrea

Shubnam Rambharos

Dear Joan

You have often asked us, “Who are your gurus?” Well Joan, YOU are my guru – and for me you have embodied all that the concept entails – you have been my teacher, intellectual guide, trusted counsellor and adviser, mentor, confidant but more especially you are my friend. You have generously and openly shared your knowledge and expertise with me.

An ancient Hindu adage says:

“when the disciple is prepared, the guru appears. A genuine guru seeks out good students. If he finds that the student is not yet ready, he will gradually prepare him for higher teachings. And when the wick and oil are properly prepared, the guru lights the lamp.”

And you have done exactly that – by including me in your professional … and personal life. Thank you for sharing ILAPs with me – you have helped me to recognise ILAPs as one of my passions and I can only hope that I will be able to do justice to your confidence in me. Also, for allowing me to co-facilitate workshops with you where I learnt about keeping things organic and that “people already know much of what they need to know” (Conolly, 2009). Thank you for listening, giving advice and sharing my love and passion and excitement for the achievements in ECP.

Thank you as well for letting me into your life because in you I found a kindred spirit. I will never forget the five weeks we spent in the UK on the TABEISA Study visit when we discovered Benveniste and the Memory of Water. Most memorable, however, were our journeys into “Marks and Sparks” for serious research into what “pud” we were going to have each day – I had finally found someone who unashamedly loved “puds” as much as I did.

Thank you for our adventures in the UK and for making your friends my friends. Almost every weekend we did the Nike thing … and discovered Leeds Castle …

Joan and Pia Ann Francis at Leeds Castle

Joan and Pia watching the sunset at Leeds Castle



And Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury Cathedral  … and the Greenwich Meridian … 

    





   



And Stansted Airport; County Cork, Ireland; and Blarney Castle … 



Joan and Carolyn Duggan at Blarney Castle



Joan walking the Wishing Steps at Blarney Castle - 
hope the witch granted your wish





 And our new adventures have been just as memorable – 28 hours in a ‘taxi’ to the Action Research Conference at NMMU and back … never again but the experience was just magical – meeting Jack Whitehead again and having him listen to my presentation was phenomenal and so was meeting Jean McNiff.





Joan, thank you soooooo much for these breathtaking intellectual journeys.



I will miss you stacks … the fact that you will no longer be just down the passage to help, listen to or advise me has been verrrrry difficult to accept. It’s comforting to know that you will be just a phone call or short trip away … even down the passage for a little while.

May Ganeshji clear the way for your new ventures.

With lots and lots and lots of love

Shubs







Thenji Meyiwa



The politely DEFIANT Joan

I have known Joan for almost 25 years – as a woman who, though respecting the rules, gets things done her own way, a way that I have found to be successful, at most, for the befit of other people. She has demonstrated her ‘respect for the rules’ in the professional and social spheres. Professionally, within the confines of set regulations, she has worked on her own terms and has commanded respect through tangible results. Many colleagues know this side of Joan. In this note, I share her defiant spirit at my 40^th birthday party. The dress code was bikini suits and/or kangas. Joan, as shown in this picture, did not only defy the dress code but did so in a stylish and confident manner. That is my Joan. Thanks sis’ J for having been a good friend, sister, co-researcher, co-author, mentor, teacher and confidante.

I wish you well in your future endeavours. Love you loads!

Thenjiwe Meyiwa (Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape).

Thandiwe Madubela

Dear Joan

 

It is a sad moment that you have to retire, you are one of the people that are supposed to stay young and rebuild the nation. I can use the metaphor of giving birth to a child. The process has a formula to follow, but to rebuild someone's confidence and keeps her/him on in academia is more complicated than anything. There is no formula for it.

Only God knows how you managed to do that. It is a calling. You have worked a miracle in my life. I have learned more than I expected, even if I can't finish my masters. I have found one puzzle of my life that has been missing. I said this to you one day, I wish I met you years ago but it is not too late. I have to be in the class of life experience to learn what I have been through to appreciate this moment of learning from you. God has blessed you; keep on blessing others so that the stream of your blessing keeps on flowing. I LOVE YOU.

Thank you, a million times

Thandy

Sibu Moyo

A Tribute to Professor Joan Conolly

Shared moments: Laughter, 2am emails, research projects, mentoring workshops, planning sessions, celebrations, successes, challenges, name it…I have been privileged to have known you and blessed in many ways. You have not only been a mentor to me but a good collaborator and friend, a motherly figure and a prayer warrior. I know you have been this to many mentees.

Your retirement is a new door which will unlock new beginnings and new collaborations. Will miss your regular presence but know that you will only be a phone call away.

May the Lord bless and keep you – now and forever. Love, Sibu  

Shoba Rathilal

Dear Joan,

I just wanted to say that I’ve always admired your worldly knowledge, and remember being in awe of what you say and the way you actually say it in the language you use, but most importantly the memory you have.

I thank you for the insight you have brought to my thoughts.

I especially want to thank you for the conversation we had during a very difficult time in my life when you suggested I read “molecules of emotion”, that helped me accept and deal with what I thought then was weakness, but later realised was an emotion that was most “natural”.

All the best Joan, go on to enrich more lives.

Love

Shobs

Shanoo Govender

Joan with Shanoo Govender, Reshma Singh, Graham Stewart, Ivan Baard and Kogi Govender

Dearest, dearest Joan

Hey girlfriend – where do I begin? Your enthusiasm and energy and passion for teaching and guiding and your never-say can’t attitude can never be found anywhere else. Your great sea of knowledge and keen intellect makes you are a giant among giants. I am so blessed to know you and to have worked with you.  You are a source of inspiration, nudging us ever so gently to realise the potential that we have within.  I simply cannot imagine DUT without Joan Conolly.  As you ride off into the sunset, leaving us mere mortals behind, I am sure that you are just girding your loins for tackling even bigger projects - and playing with your delightful grandson.  That active mind of yours will never retire – thank God! 

Joan – I remember the times that we shared in our new offices in Staff development with great warmth – it certainly was the best years of my stay at DUT.  And your teaching sessions at Bot Gards – who can ever, forget those glorious moments??  Joan you have left an indelible mark in my heart and I remember you with the greatest fondest.  You always gladly shared your ideas and gave me the courage to carry on in a tough environment.  It certainly was the best of times and the worst of times…. but we endured, because we could freely vent with each other.  Joan, after any workshop that you facilitated, I left there exhilarated and empowered.  You certainly restored my faith in being at DUT.   I just want to say Joan that you leave me in awe – whenever I hear you speak I am amazed at the clever way that you say things, the particular phrases that you use, always praising, seldom ‘scolding’, never demeaning.  I often speak to my girls about what a truly a remarkable person you are and I am so much better for having known you.  You will certainly be one of the top ten women to be invited to my last supper!  I feel very emotional at the thought of you retiring – although I don’t often speak to you – just to know that you are there, is comforting.   Please remember to keep in contact and visit when you can. 

God Bless you in all that you plan to do in your days ahead. I wish you well in all your new journeys. May Lord Ganesha shine His divine light on you, guiding you always.  Love, hugs and blessings:

From Shanoo (031 208 4039).

September 2011

Sarres Padayachee

Dear Joan,

Getting to know you has been one of the most soul-stirring and inspirational experiences in my life. For not only were you, my dear Guru, my lecturer and co-supervisor, but also a mentor to whom I turned to whenever the need arose, an adviser, a friend, an extremely brilliant conversationalist, a confidant, a uniquely brilliant academic, but also a listener who made the time to go the extra mile in assisting your students despite your exhaustive academic schedule. I would still like to meet a truly dedicated academic who put in the number of hours for her students as you did. The lasting impressions you made on me as a student shall always be etched in my memories. Your positive approach to life has in many ways opened a very special door for me. You have done so very much for me that words alone are not enough to say "MikkaNanri" meaning "Many thanks".

I fondly and vividly treasure the moments when you acted as the Master of ceremonies for the launch of my book "Kavady, A South African Perspective"and in such an eager manner wanted to know more about the areas in Hinduism on the havan, etc. That was indeed another remarkable distinct quality you had, you always ensured that everything had to be "the best" and would settle for nothing less. This impressive quality impacted so much on me as I learnt so much from you over the years. The feedback I received from the guests was "Your MC was brilliant". I fondly recall the moments when I was doing the chapter based on analysing the hymn "Erumayil" whilst pursuing my PhD and you kept saying to me, "Go back and find more". And when I would come back the next day having found more, you would say "Good, you are so clever, go back and find more". In my mind at that stage, I wondered when this process would come to an end. Joan, had it not been for you, I would never have made the type of finding I did in analysing a hymn of words and being able to work out a mathematical equation. For I myself did not know where I was going. But that extra bit of going back to find more, made the finding.

To you, Joan, my respected GURU, I shall always nurture the treasure trove of memories I have had with you as I am eternally grateful to you for all that you have done for me. Thank you for being the Master of Ceremonies for Saranya's "Leaving Home" wedding function. Thankyou for assisting me in conducting the workshops at the Brake Village and Sandfield Temples in Tongaat but most of all thank you for being the most dedicated, uniquely professional Academic that I have met, and yet so unassuming, a rare quality to find in today's world. Thank you for all the opportunities you provided to me as a student. It is indeed a sad moment for me to know that you are leaving DUT as I fondly recall the Friday sessions and how it helped me to be positive. I will really and truly miss your presence. Nevertheless, I am certain that because of all the good deeds that you have performed, you will reap the benefits of your good karmic deeds in finding Greener pastures and a peaceful road as you journey into, in the future.                     

May Lord Muruga shower His choicest blessings on you in your future endeavours in life. 

"PALLAANDU VAAZHGE" GURU JOAN.

Love

Sarres

Sanabelle Ebrahim

Prof Joan Conolly is a brilliant and prolific anthropologist. She epitomises, for me, an extract I stumbled upon whilst reading the book, CREATIVE RECKONINGS: The Politics of Art and Culture in Contemporary Egypt by Jessica Winegar. ‘Explaining her growing interest in experimenting with used objects, she said, “at that time I was interested in things [ashya’], almost in a spiritual way ... I was trying to see the outside world from a place deep inside myself.” As she sat with herself, she also sat with “simple things” and tried to “see them as if they were the whole world.” She explained that she was interested in “silly things, like [pointing to a piece of brick on the table] this thing in front of us”–details in everyday life that people might not pay attention to. She tried to highlight them in her work, because she felt that one needed to see these details in order to see the person beside oneself, and indeed to see oneself more fully. In this period, she read profusely. She explained, “I always take theories and philosophies and apply them in a very special way that benefits me. It’s like they enter into an internal mill [mathana dakhiliyya].”’  (pp 89)

Here’s to constellations of green butterfly rainbow-filled days, green with glory.

Love and best wishes,

Sanabelle Ebrahim

Director, Indians in Africa

29 Aug. 11

Rosaline Sebolao

Hi Joan

The first time I saw you, Joan, I saw this loving mother who wants what is good for every child.

As you can see on the photo above, you were captured chatting with Lifelile Matsoso and Moliehi Mpeli (doctoral students from the Free State Province), sharing some ideas. You are what I call a woman of character, a woman who cares for others and ensures that you leave a legacy in each person’s mind. Having had contact with you in a short period when I attended a workshop in Durban, I noticed a teacher, a mother and a nurturer in you. The world would not have been the same without you. I have no doubt in my mind that as you retire, you will still be bearing fruit even in old age, you will continue guiding many students because it is in your nature to do so. May the Lord continue to protect, strengthen and bless you abundantly.

Rosaline Sebolao (left)

PHD Student: Free State Central University of Technology

Naydene de Lange



Dear Joan

I just love reading Winnie-the-Pooh as he has such great wisdom (just like you)!

He suggests one takes time to relax… which I know is what you now will be doing.

He says:

“What I like doing best is Nothing. It’s when people call out at you just as you’re going off to do it, “What are you going to do?” and you say “Oh Nothing,” and then you go and do it. Doing Nothing means just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering!”

I hope the wise Joan will take heed of the wise Pooh!

Lots of love

Naydene

Nareen Gonsalves



Dear Joan

We met so many years ago all bubbling with so many wonderful ideas to change so much. You have gone on to do just that. You have changed many lives and have been a constant inspiration and a marvelous example to all who have met you. I have yet to meet anyone else who perseveres in the way you do to uphold one’s principles. While your retirement will be a wonderful time for you to fulfill other passions in your life, it will be a huge loss to the institution. I know you leave behind a wonderful legacy in your team who will continue your good work. Nevertheless you will definitely be missed.

I somehow feel though, that you will always be close by. I cannot imagine you far away from the academic world so I do not see this as the end of a chapter, but rather a chapter with a new direction and focus. You have made a huge impact not only on my life but that of my family as well. So if you feel like you do not have enough work lined up for you for the next few months, I have some for you: To help a certain musician and his wife to find some direction with their research.

Lots and lots of love

Nareen   

PS: This is the abridged version



Nalini Chitanand

Dear Joan

There's so much that I've learned from you Joan... guised as Our Walking Dictionary...this is often what I refer to you as when I’m at home. You were really amazing when sharing these etymologies with us. The best is ‘scholarship’ – I won’t forget that. I am yet to meet another individual with an awesome memory as yours. When you talk I often have to write things down for fear that I may forget these valuable things. You have always willingly agreed to facilitate my induction sessions and participants each year always say ‘that was the best session’. Thank you for your continued support. You have so much of knowledge to share and do so with so much of love, care, dedication and passion. Now I finally get "memory is the whole of man" (Jousse) - thank you Joan! I wish you well in the next phase of your life.

Love,

Nalini



Mikhail Peppas

What grandly splendid scholarship we all share amidst the glowing light of maestro Joan and her progressive nourishment on the roads and pathways of living history rejoicing in personal and community advancement.

An I for a We, an I for a One,  an I for an Our, for the Land of I is guided by the inimitable Joan of Aye.

Bravo Joan, mighty appreciations

Mikhail

Mary Mutanda

Dear Joan

I just want to express my profound gratitude to you Joan for your remarkable and  positive contributions you have made in my life. I have known you for a short period, less than a year to be precise but you have made me realise that I am someone and can be someone and have a long way to go in my life.

When I first met you I was so afraid that even to open my mouth was a mission especially due to the fact that you are a professor, but you made me feel at home and today I learnt to open up and share my ideas freely. Thank you, Joan.

I hope your farewell is just a formality, we will continue to meet, share ideas,laugh and learn.

No one will be able to fill your shoes, but well done for mentoring your team and it is my hope and wish that they will carry on your legacy,pass it on to those who will come after them and may your legacy live forever and ever.

I wish you all the best in whatever you are embarking on and may your dreams be the limit .

I will miss every bit of the time we have shared.

May you enjoy your life to the max and be a good girl.

With love

MARY BAYE MUTANDA

Mari Pete

You taught us

rhythm and balance.

Embedded in gestes

of this dynamic universe,

you are our Memory.

Thank you, Joan.

Mala Algu

Just For You

Thank you to the powers that be

For sending us an angel named Joan Conolly.

An amazing soul,

A heart of gold.

A dash of humour and loads of wisdom

Someone we can all learn from.

Always so humble and seldom a grumble

You go the extra mile always with a smile.

You are an important link, you make us think

You share and you care.

You give your time without expecting a dime.

We are so blessed to have you,

Thank you so much for all that you do.

All those years of devotion

With your very own love potion.

A role model to many, a mentor to me

A beautiful friend you will always be.



Joan with Shanoo Govender, Kogi Naidoo, Mala Algu, Reshma Singh, Graham Stewart and Ivan Baard



Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela

Dear Joan

Joan, affectionately known to me as Mme, meaning mother in Sesotho you have been many things to me. You have been my mentor and a great one at that. You guided me, and like a selfless teacher you were always willing to share your wisdom, unreservedly. Not many people who are as blessed as you are are willing to share with the world.  As a scholar you introduced me to the special field of indigenous and oral traditional knowledge, you opened my eyes to the wealth of knowledge in my culture, and today, I appreciate who I am and what my culture can do for my people. As a friend you have always had a good listening ear during my trials and tribulations, always keen to know how my boys and I were feeling or coping and always reminding me of the importance of family.

Joan, you taught me a lesson or two in academia – one being how to forge networks and collaborate with scholars in my field.  I congratulate you Mme for touching the lives of many, and for touching mine in particular and in a special way. I congratulate you for an academic career well-lived and for work well done. Joan, please remember that wisemen and women never retire, so please continue to cast your luminous wisdom onto those who dare to listen and learn. 

It was indeed a pleasure to have you in my life and to work with you!

Lots of love!

Mabokang


Joan with Mabokang (left), Diane Hill and a colleague
from Canada at Lake on the Hill, Canada



Lulu Jali

To: Joan

It was 2000 when I joined ML Sultan Technikon and you were there to do induction for the newbees. I learnt a lot from you besides love of your work. I learnt how dedicated are you to the humankind, the love of your students was amazing.
You taught me to know my students to call them by names so that they would realise their worthy in the relationship. Those are the good practices I am still holding.

You have said repeatedly that I have to do things for myself, just for myself. There are more times where I push my self-interest far away and look at other people’s interest. I must tell you that I hate myself for that, because people are up in the last step of the ladder and I am down nurturing their interest.

You have been a spring of water that never gets dry. Each time we meet, you will always encourages me to look at my life and do something about it. Coming to your Friday meetings have given me direction although I have been away for long but I know where to find something that will boost my energy.

Looking at the bigger picture, it was God’s plan to be placed in this environment to nourish so many souls. It has been God’s plan to bring light to those who were afraid to move out of darkness.

Thank you, you have been a good influence on me even on my son who is studying Jewellery Design, he asked me where can he study to become an anthropologist.

May God’s arms embrace you with his love.

Lulu Jali

Liza du Plessis

Dear Joan

During the time that I have known you, I have learnt to bake a valuable cake, in a hot oven. Learning about baking this particular cake, has signified a momentous time and provided a fresh passage in my life. This experience will always be valued as I continue to bake many more cakes in many other ovens with less fear and trepidation because of the fabulous recipe (which is always improving) that you have shown me and the ever present, reassuring and protective oven gloves that you have always been for me. 

The recipe goes as follows: How to bake a 'cake'.

--àIngredients: self raising flour (you)

  Salt (critique)

  Water (love)

  Oil (challenges)

--à Necessity: Oven Gloves (mentor)

needed at all times, not necessarily on but always nearby

--àQuantities: as you feel fit/always changing

METHOD:Keep oven gloves nearby during this time. Tip the self-raising Flour in a bowl.Add a small pinch of salt.Gently sieve all the dry ingredients together. Blend together with personal stories and dreams. Add oil then water. Mix by hand until smooth and creamy_ this requires a vigorous action. Pour the mixture in a heart-shaped baking dish. Bubbles will form (from the shaking). Reach for gloves.  Facilitate the bubbles to subside with gentle rocking movements. Give them time. Put on oven gloves. Bake in a fiery oven.  Do not open the oven. Watch it rise.  Keep oven gloves on. Bake until golden brown. Remove from oven cautiously.  Remove oven gloves (if you wish). Whilst still warm layer with icings of passion and toppings of reflexivity sprinkled with transformation. Serve warm (with tea). Share with friends. Always try to improve your baking. Keep oven gloves nearby during this time. "

Lots and lots of <3

Liza