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SASL Star: Peet Jacobs

22 September 2021 | Story Michelle Nöthling | Photo Supplied

Peet Jacobs is no stranger to the Deaf community in and around the UFS and Bloemfontein. He has been working at the University of the Free State (UFS) for the past six years, and he is still amazed at the amount of support our institution provides to Deaf students in particular, and to South African Sign Language (SASL) in general. “They provide excellent interpreting services,” Peet says, “not only in face-to-face classes, but also on different online platforms, as well as interpreting pre-recorded lectures and videos.” And as a SASL interpreter, Peet is an integral part of this service.

But signing is not merely a day job for Peet. He carries his skill into the community in his spare time, where he assists as an interpreter at hospitals, doctors’ rooms, and psychiatrists’ offices – to name but a few. What gives Peet the deepest satisfaction, however, is when he can combine his love of Sign Language with his love of the Bible and his God. It was actually Peet’s devotion to his religion that inspired him to learn Sign Language in order to enable him to carry the Word of God into the Deaf community. Peet now also presents Bible courses in SASL and assists a non-profit organisation to produce SASL Bible-based publications, which are translated and recorded in video format.

Peet aspires to become an authority on SASL subject-specific vocabulary related to subject in higher education. “Sign Language is a language in its own right,” Peet points out. “The uniqueness of Deaf culture and the variety of dialects within SASL give the language diversity and colour.” Peet goes on to emphasise how important it is that SASL is recognised as an official language in our country. “This recognition will give dignity to a group of people who have been marginalised in South Africa. This will also pave the way to providing more inclusivity and service to the Deaf community.”

Until then, Peet will continue to serve the best way he knows how: through signing.

News Archive

Researchers to look at greyhound racing

2008-08-28

The Department of Trade and Industry appointed a combined research team consisting of members of the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) to investigate the possible legalisation of greyhound racing in South Africa.

The decision to ban Greyhound racing in South Africa was made on the assumption that gambling at the time was immoral. The position on gambling in South Africa was since revisited.

As gambling is legal in South Africa, the question has been raised whether this kind of racing is still illegal. Animal welfare and protection groups are in support of the ban on greyhound racing.

The purpose of this research project is to give an objective overview of the greyhound racing industry nationally as well as internationally. This includes aspects such as animal welfare; social, economical and political issues and the legal framework pertaining to greyhound racing.

The study focuses on the current situation in South Africa and internationally regarding the jurisdictions where the sport is currently active and the current legal framework.

The study will include a comparative study of the situation in best practice countries with a focus on the United States of America, Ireland, England, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Vietnam.

The research team will present workshops later this year to gather input from the public. Anyone who wishes to make a written submission can fax it before/on 30 November 2008 to Prof. Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer at 051 401 2698 or e-mail it to snymane.rd@ufs.ac.za .

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
27 August 2008

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