The Faculty of Community and Health Sciences pulled all the stops to honour and recognise the valuable contribution as well as service of one of its long serving staff members, Professor Jo-Celene De Jongh as she retires from UWC at the end of 2023. The event was held at UWC’s School of Public Health, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, on Wednesday, 6th December 2023. CHS Leadership, together with Academic and Professional Support staff attended the event to bid Prof De Jongh farewell.
In her opening remarks, CHS Dean Professor Anthea Rhoda regarded the occasion as a celebration with sadness, expressing her gratitude to the contribution of Prof De Jongh to the CHS Leadership and also in the portfolio of Learning and Teaching. Wishing her fulfilment in the next phase of her journey, she thanked her for the human aspect she brought to all of the positions held at the University of the Western Cape over 36 years.
Professor Mogammad Soeker, Head of Department for the Occupational Therapy accurately mapped De Jongh’s meteoric rise of her long career and service in the department. With a connection dating back to 1984, as a student, graduating with her PhD, until she was Head of Department for the Occupational Therapy department. “We honour your 36 years of service and commitment to the Occupational Therapy fraternity and fully excited for you as you navigate the next phase of your life” said Prof Soeker.
Prof Michelle Andipatin, fellow Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies, recognised the fact of this amazing milestone in life, and encouraged Prof De Jongh to keep up the laughter and celebrate this part of the journey.
Faculty Manager, Mr Marquard Simpson proudly recognised her as someone who embodied transformation at CHS and UWC, someone who involved herself and contributed immensely in the transformation agenda, especially so at Occupational Therapy. Changing the face and image of the profession, he had nothing but respect for her contribution and commitment to the institution.
“What do you say after 36 years of service”? I say “Thank you”, said Professor Jo-Celene De Jongh in her closing remarks. De Jongh took the guests down memory lane, reminiscing in 1980’s when Allan Boesak made his historic speech at the University of the Western Cape citing transformation issues with apartheid government, which later resulted in protest all over campus. As the protest was going on, she was one of the few white students of the time supporting the transformation agenda, whilst fearing backlash of her parents should she be seen on television.
Prof De Jongh is grateful for UWC/CHS for the wonderful memories, and attributed her successes as a published author, a respected academic and researcher as well as her travels to all the corners of the world with wonderful experiences, insights and gained knowledge and skills, to UWC.
In concluding, she is looking forward to her new journey of retirement and reinvention in her new phase of life.
Over the years De Jongh has played a formidable role in her portfolio of Learning and Teaching, making her an institution of wisdom and knowledge, she was brave and stood boldly on behalf of the faculty at various of UWC institutional roles. She has made a remarkable contribution towards learning and teaching at CHS.
As an entire CHS and UWC, we wish her all the best and good health in her new phase of retirement!
In her opening remarks, CHS Dean Professor Anthea Rhoda regarded the occasion as a celebration with sadness, expressing her gratitude to the contribution of Prof De Jongh to the CHS Leadership and also in the portfolio of Learning and Teaching. Wishing her fulfilment in the next phase of her journey, she thanked her for the human aspect she brought to all of the positions held at the University of the Western Cape over 36 years.
Professor Mogammad Soeker, Head of Department for the Occupational Therapy accurately mapped De Jongh’s meteoric rise of her long career and service in the department. With a connection dating back to 1984, as a student, graduating with her PhD, until she was Head of Department for the Occupational Therapy department. “We honour your 36 years of service and commitment to the Occupational Therapy fraternity and fully excited for you as you navigate the next phase of your life” said Prof Soeker.
Prof Michelle Andipatin, fellow Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies, recognised the fact of this amazing milestone in life, and encouraged Prof De Jongh to keep up the laughter and celebrate this part of the journey.
Faculty Manager, Mr Marquard Simpson proudly recognised her as someone who embodied transformation at CHS and UWC, someone who involved herself and contributed immensely in the transformation agenda, especially so at Occupational Therapy. Changing the face and image of the profession, he had nothing but respect for her contribution and commitment to the institution.
“What do you say after 36 years of service”? I say “Thank you”, said Professor Jo-Celene De Jongh in her closing remarks. De Jongh took the guests down memory lane, reminiscing in 1980’s when Allan Boesak made his historic speech at the University of the Western Cape citing transformation issues with apartheid government, which later resulted in protest all over campus. As the protest was going on, she was one of the few white students of the time supporting the transformation agenda, whilst fearing backlash of her parents should she be seen on television.
Prof De Jongh is grateful for UWC/CHS for the wonderful memories, and attributed her successes as a published author, a respected academic and researcher as well as her travels to all the corners of the world with wonderful experiences, insights and gained knowledge and skills, to UWC.
In concluding, she is looking forward to her new journey of retirement and reinvention in her new phase of life.
Over the years De Jongh has played a formidable role in her portfolio of Learning and Teaching, making her an institution of wisdom and knowledge, she was brave and stood boldly on behalf of the faculty at various of UWC institutional roles. She has made a remarkable contribution towards learning and teaching at CHS.
As an entire CHS and UWC, we wish her all the best and good health in her new phase of retirement!
