Mi amigo Johan

I met Johan Pauw back in the late 1990s at the beginning of the ILTER initiative. We had an immediate connection! Not only because of our long-term research commitment, sharing similar challenges in terms of building a national endeavour under economic limitations, but also because of his easy and friendly personality.

Also, his frank conversation, transparent ideas and pragmatic perspective made him an excellent Chair of the “Public Policy Sub-Committee” at the ILTER Coordination Committee (CC) from when it was formally stablished, a couple of decades ago. In fact, he has been one of the most experienced and assiduous members of the ILTER CC.

He is the perfect national representative! Not only does he clearly understand ILTER’s science, vision and mission, but he also masters the political and administrative challenges to combine and coordinate country-level interests within the regional and international needs.

He had the guts and determination to host ILTER’s first Open Science Meeting. His convention at Skukuza Camp in Kruger National Park was a milestone in ILTER history.

More than a colleague, I consider him a good friend. He has a special sense of humour (in a good way). He is always looking on the bright side of things and ready to deliver a joke or funny expression.

My wife Martha immediately became friends with Johan’s wife Lita, who was great company during the many meetings they attended. We were hosted at their home during a visit to Pretoria. He convinced us to visit Botswana for a true wildlife experience (“no fences,” he said). He assured us that there was no risk, but just before getting into a taxi heading to the airport, he asked me for my family’s phone numbers, “just in case” he whispered!

Now that I learn he is retiring, I express my deepest appreciation for his tremendous contribution to ILTER. Also, I personally thank him for his generous friendship, wishing him a happy and exciting, well-deserved retirement.  

~ Professor Manuel Maass, Mexican LTER Network and former Chair of ILTER

Impressions from the distance of another continent 

When I met Johan for the first time in London in 2001, I immediately had the feeling that I had met a mentor, even though we did not speak a word to each other at this global ILTER meeting.

But he recognised me the following year and asked questions that I had not expected. And this was to happen many times again. He asked questions and made remarks. Often very short ones. With his quiet voice, which carried weight without being raised, even if this weight was sometimes not asked for. Even if it was sometimes not flattering or charming. And yet it moved… individuals, groups, whole processes.

I have often asked myself, why? Perhaps the simplest answer is because his observing has a distance, less entanglement in the situation. Because it is less driven by obvious self-interest. Because it passes through the human filter of a value system grounded by a treasure trove of experience in dealing with people of diverse cultures and of broad expertise.

A second, less analytical reason I learned over the years: a moved heart that was first completely open when we heard Sixto Rodriguez on an excursion bus and, looking at the tears in his eyes, I realised that the generation of Johan and his wife Lita had helped build the country they wanted to live in. And how close to that heart is the struggle for a vision. The vision of a “better world”. What it means to struggle for vision in the real world with tangible results (SAEON…), what it means to lead in it and make decisions that primarily serve the cause and not one’s own vanity – in this I have come to endlessly appreciate Johan’s artistry and foresight over the years of collaboration in scientific networking and research infrastructure development.

All this: impressions of what I was able to experience from the distance of another continent, meeting once or a couple of times per year and yet as a colleague and friend of Johan’s, even if others should know another Johan from close by.

Thank you, Johan!

~ From Dr Michael Mirtl, former Chair of ILTER

The secret ingredient to SAEON’s success 

Wow, where to start Johan? You practically, literally and stealthily built SAEON into a very formidable National Research Facility with international repute.

Over the years we have been bombarding you, and SAEON, with instant to long-term projects, but I cannot remember a day when you said it was not possible. You always said, “If my team say it’s doable then it will be done.” You were always a step ahead in your decisions, as you recognised that this would enable SAEON to grow under challenging economic conditions.

Recognising and acknowledging their expertise, the SAEON Node managers were empowered with independence, and this I have recognised to be the secret ingredient to SAEON’s success. This type of leadership I consider to be an important template that most leaders should adopt, as you are always as strong as the people you are surrounded by.

I hope your retirement does not signify that the National System of Innovation has lost your expertise. Wishing you all the best and hoping to continue working with you in future with a different hat.

~ Dr Gilbert Siko, Director: Marine and Polar Research, Palaeosciences, at the Department of Science and Innovation