Kogi Naidoo

Dear Joan

I thank you for the role you have played in my life since your return to the Technikon mid-nineties. You inspired me to believe in myself and have the confidence to be and offer more than I was at the time. I remember the time when I was trying to do more than I was coping with, when the Technikon management was in crisis; I was working in the Centre for Tertiary Development and trying to establish the Office of Research. Professor Cresswell recognised the urgent need to properly resource the areas and asked me to recommend someone who would be able to assist. I immediately nominated you, knowing you would not only be able to assist, but lead major staff development activities, without much prompting and/or ‘teaching’. You have been working with staff and students taking them on journeys that they themselves would not have conceived of had it not been for your untiring motivation and leadership. Your ability to bring out the best in people is what makes you great, one who will be remembered for many years to come. As you have touched my life and that of my family too, you have many more with whom you have had similar relationships; we are all eternally grateful.

I recall fondly the many long nights we worked to design, plan and prepare for the Associate Lecturer Training program. We worked really hard to keep both the Associate Lecturers and their mentors engaged in the program teaching and learning development; most of whom successfully completed and are still at DUT or in higher education. For you it was baptism by fire, for me it was having a colleague and partner with whom to co-create and fulfil the institutional commitment to increase the number of disadvantaged staff, changing the demography to be more representative. It made everything easy and nothing was insurmountable, as Joan always had the commitment and dedication to make everything work. We made it up as we went along; it did result in a year-long, one hundred hour intensive training program. We were both learning; you saw me as your teacher and I saw you as mine; we were sparking off ideas off each other, hence what evolved was a program infused with our commitment to make a difference, which it did. I thank you!

When I left the Technikon at the end of 1999, I knew academic staff development was in capable hands, and you have certainly made your impact since. As I think of some of the magic we created, I hope someday we can work together again. Over the years I have not found anyone like you who shares my passion and enthusiasm for staff development and student learning. I certainly have missed our quick celebrations and planning meetings, creating magic at Musgrave or Windermere; any excuse to make a difference and change our world.

I wish you well in your well deserved retirement. I salute your greatness in this short farewell note. You will always have a special place in my heart and I will always cherish those memories, working with you, Graham and Nalini. Know that the sparkles from your magic were sent across the world, definitely to New Zealand and Australia although you, yourself have not visited. Perhaps someday soon, now that you will have the time! My family remember you fondly as you were an inspiration to us all.

With infinite love and gratitude!

Kogi, Siva, Kami and Des.

Joan with Kogi and Siva Naidoo, Graham and Mrs Stewart