OBITUARY

 

Mr Henning Pieters - (15th February 1965 - 6th June 2023)

 

 

 

Mr Henning Pieters, was a true Geographer of note. We got a sense that he ate, drank and slept Geography. His knowledge of Geography was phenomenal, and he was highly respected in his field. He was a lifelong learner and loved to share his knowledge and passion for Geography with all who were interested.

He was a mentor, colleague, friend, and a team player who always expressed his point of view but also listened to and acknowledged others' opinions. He mentored many an 'up and coming Geographer'.

Henning thought out of the box and was instrumental in implementing many of the creative changes that took place in Grade 12 Geography. He was a perfectionist and had an excellent eye for detail. As the National Department of Basic Education Internal Moderator for Geography he was very dedicated and worked tirelessly beyond the required hours to ensure that he produced excellence.

Henning started out as a member of the DBE examining panel for Geography in 2007 when National papers where first written. In later years he became Chief Examiner and then Internal Moderator for Paper I and Paper II. He was also the team leader responsible for quality assuring the provincial trial papers and trained the provincial examiners for many years. His manual developed on exam setting for Geography is still used as a foundation and a teaching tool for all Geographers in South Africa, today.

As a materials designer he assisted in educating learners across the country. Despite ill-health, Henning continued to assist provinces with material for new sections in the curriculum.

Henning was a very humble person who led by example and this made him a great leader. He empowered and assisted many people academically, emotionally and financially. He always put others before himself.

He loved to travel and share his experiences. He was very proud of his country and his heritage as most of his travels were within South Africa.

Henning was a man of many talents. He was selected to represent his local choir in Poland. His dogs were part of his family and enjoyed many hours in the garden with him. Henning had a very dry sense of humour which provided great entertainment for the examining panel. He was pedantic about many things like using the correct apostrophe, justification, and border weightings on sketches. These are referred to as the 'Henningisms' and fondly joked about but still used today.

Henning was a true friend and will be sorely missed by the DBE Geography examining panel.

Farewell Henning - may your dear soul rest in peace.

Tracy Magson, Rajendra Davechand, Mona Singh, Rajendra Packery, Clinton van der Merwe, Kamalan Nair and Jerome Meyer

Prof. Clinton van der Merwe
University of Pretoria
Faculty of Education
Department of Humanities Education
clinton.vandermerwe@up.ac.za