Haj Vahed

Dear Joan.

So different from a Dear John letter. This one celebrates the special times and memories that I have of you and that we shared at MLST/DIT/DUT. A rose by any other name ...

They say that old soldiers never die, they just fade away. Joan, you could never ever fade!

When I first encountered you again, in 1993 at ML Sultan Technikon in the Department of Educational Development (later named Academic Development- later, something else - and yet some thing else again... depending on the current whim of a new Manager) - for a split second there, something in me became that little girl who encountered you for the first time in the 60's at Durban Indian Girls' High School years before. 'Yes, Maam ...'

As the months and years progressed (and took its toll on some)we became colleagues and professionals... sharing, vigorously debating and working as a team- towards a vision of improving Teaching and Learning at the Institution, one of the first Higher Education Institutions in South Africa to take Academic- and Gender- Development seriously.

And what a busy bee you were... I have such vivid memories of this larger than life maternal figure, literally with her basket of academic goodies (sometimes also, the odd muffin- or chocolate cake for a workshop), turning a windy corner and breezing in ... full of disgusting morning cheer, to start the day. You were a lark,in more ways than one!

Workshops, lectures, training, one on one meetings, proposals, assessments, evaluations, supervision .... what were you NOT part of Joan? There was the odd wobble when sometimes things went a bit pearshaped- but you never lost your unfailing optimism. The cup was always half full.

Memories of you ... FengShuiing your office in Mariam B (as it was on a reclaimed fountain), interesting discussions on the vital importance of Indigenous Knowledge, advice on my publications, fiery differences of opinion with you too...on such a variety of topics. But always open to an alternative or lateral thought or option. One could always count on you for an informed opinion, with a capital O.

On a personal note...you smiled gently at my passion for Gender - with a capital G- and other causes, encouraging me to create and develop my own path on my own interesting, journey. Even when Graham and I had left the institution for the next long chapter of our lives in the United Kingdom, we still continued to share the odd email about the state of Education on the different continents that we taught.

Joan, Graham and I wish you all the very best on your truly well deserved retirement. It will be another productive chapter - of that, we have no doubt. We hope you have the time now, finally to write that book ... and have that long overdue cup of rooibos with us at the Botanic Gardens - the much loved haunt of many a staff and student. Take care.

Haj Vahed-Greer (& Graham Greer). September 2011