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19 November 2018
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Story Valentino Ndaba
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Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
“I’m an embodiment of the dreams of those whose lives have been marked by great struggles,and I want to propel and re-write the African child’s narrative.” - Priscilla Brandt
Priscilla Brandt, first-generation LLB graduate, saw the opportunity to upgrade her career through the Graca Machel Trust, and grabbed the bull by its horns. Brandt pitched her skills and expertise to one of the trust CEO’s who happened to be part of a GLS panel discussion which was held on the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus. Shortly afterwards, the organisation contacted her with an offer for a Legal and Governance research internship.
The Graca Machel Trust is an established Pan-African organisation that focuses on child health and nutrition, education, women’s economic and financial empowerment, leadership, and good governance. The trust functions under the leadership of Graca Machel, who is one of the world’s leading advocates for the rights of women and children and has stood as a social justice and political activist for years.
Brandt said her journey started in the township streets of Galeshewe, Kimberley, and was characterised by infinite difficulties and resolute challenges. However, her circumstances in no way deterred her from standing fervently in her trust and pursuit of a full and purpose-driven life.
According to Brandt, her university career involved working at several odd jobs concurrently in order to help take care of her family and to financially maintain herself throughout her varsity years. Despite her adverse circumstances, she managed to collect a vast array of domestic and international academic achievements.
She was the first female chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter at the UFS, served on the UFS F1 Leadership for Change programme, and represented the university in Japan. In addition to that, she formed part of a work and study-abroad programme in America for three months. She was a delegate to the International Youth Leadership Conference in the Czech Republic and was selected by the office of the Commonwealth Secretary General for the 33Sixty Conference in Singapore. Furthermore, she was nominated by the UK Humanitarian Affairs organisation to be part of the eighth University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations in Thailand.
Her knowledge and belief in her capabilities and work ethic drives Brandt to constantly challenge herself and strive for a life and character that embodies excellence.
UFS contributes to book on multilingualism
2008-11-29
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Prof. Theo du Plessis, Director of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Unit for Language Management, recently attended launch of the book “Multilingualism and Educational Interpreting: Innovation and Delivery”, that will now appear on the shelves, at the North-West University (NWU). He is, together with Prof. Marlene Verhoef, language director of NWU, the co-editor of the book. It is the seventh book in the series, “Studies in Language Policy in South Africa”. “What you have tackled here occurred at a level that is not only unsurpassed in South-Africa, but also in other parts of the world. Also the way in which the NWU approached this type of project is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere,” Prof. Du Plessis said. Amongst others, he referred to the glowing comment received when the manuscript was subjected to international and national peer evaluation. One foreign evaluator was of opinion that he would be surprised if the book is not read widely beyond the borders of South Africa. The others said the content makes a valuable contribution to publications pertaining to interpreting. Prof. Du Plessis is convinced that the NWU undoubtedly is a leader in the field of educational interpreting and expressed the hope that several publications will still follow, since the NWU has an impressive amount of knowledge that can break ground for several other researchers.
Here he is with Prof. Verhoef (left), and Ms Leanne Martini (right), Chief Executive Officer of Van Schaik Uitgewers, at the launch of the book.
Foto: Supplied |