MAKE UP MARCH 2007


T H E S O U T H E R N A F R I C A N J O U R N A L O F H I V M E D I C I N E                              M A r C H 2 0 0 7 7

‘Southern African HIV Clinicians
Society, Penny Penhall speaking,
how may I help you?’ Countless
numbers of members who
telephoned the Society would
have been greeted by those
words. Behind them was a person
who dealt with a diverse range of
requests, complaints and en-
quiries, always in a polite, caring
and helpful way. I have received
countless compliments on how
helpful Penny had been in
resolving an issue. It is difficult
even to begin describing what she
has meant to the Society, and the
crucial role she has played in its
development and maturation –
her contribution has been enormous.

Penny comes from a nursing background, where she
excelled, having received a number of academic awards.
Her desire to contribute in the larger health care arena
led her to become interested in the field of HIV/AIDS. It
was fortuitous, therefore, that at the establishment of
the Society in 1998 she was available to become involved
in the crucial early phases. The beginning was humble –
Penny started work in a shared office, and as I was
President of the Society at the time, we would meet two
mornings a week for a couple of hours to carry out the
necessary administration. As the Society grew, a
permanent office was secured and Penny started
working full time for the Society. In the early days Penny
did everything, and I mean everything! Answering the
telephone, office administration, secretarial duties,
writing grant proposals, arranging Society meetings,
dealing with funders, organising conferences – she did
the lot! Her work on the Journal, however, deserves

special mention. This became our
special project and I, as Editor,
benefited enormously from
Penny’s expertise in the editing
and publishing arena. The look
and feel of the Journal as it is
today is largely due to Penny’s
vision and expertise.

Over time the Society grew to its
present size with 11 000
members and 29 active branches.
The Society’s activities expanded,
and it became necessary to
increase our capacity. Samantha
Klusener, Pat and Jean Solan and
more recently Venie Pillay came
on board to assist in the

activities that hitherto had been carried out by Penny
alone. If I were to reflect on Penny’s strengths they
would include patience, meticulous attention to detail,
an enormous work ethic and readiness always to ‘go the
extra mile’. This was particularly evident in dealing with
the editorial deadlines of the Journal.

Penny has decided to take a break (she so richly deserves
a rest) and would like to explore other challenges in the
future. I know that whatever she decides to do she will
give it her all and make it a success.

For me it has been a privilege working with Penny for the
past eight years. She has taught me an enormous
amount, and I know that I am joined by Francois, the
members of the executive committee and all Society
members in wishing her well in the future.

DES MARTIN
Editor

PENNY PENHALL

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