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05 July 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Photo: Supplied
Dr Prince Sarpong
Dr Prince Sarpong is a Senior Lecturer in the University of the Free State School of Financial Planning Law.

Dr Prince Sarpong, Senior Lecturer in the University of the Free State School of Financial Planning Law (SFPL), was recently honoured with the prestigious Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) prize for Financial Management. The ACCA is a globally recognised professional body for accountants.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Sarpong acknowledges the challenges he faced to become one of the top ACCA students in financial management. “I reregistered with ACCA in December last year after a long hiatus of 14 years. From my past experience, I was aware that it would not be a walk in the park, so I had to work hard; but in everything I focus on the accumulation of knowledge that comes with preparation, which I consider an end in itself! This made the journey enjoyable rather than difficult,” he shared.

A journey of academic excellence

In the course of his illustrious career, Dr Sarpong has earned numerous accolades. He holds a PhD, an MCom in Finance, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, and a Bachelor of Education (Psychology). In 2020, he authored a book, titled Portfolio Management for Financial Advisors, and he is currently working as the editor of an upcoming book, titled Theories and Practices in Financial Therapy. Dr Sarpong's research primarily revolves around financial market behaviour, and he has published several papers in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals.

Words of wisdom for fellow academics

In light of his achievements, Dr Sarpong offers valuable advice to ACCA students facing difficulties with their papers. “If you are an ACCA student struggling with your papers, I would suggest that you develop a study plan and create a schedule that allows you to study consistently and in a structured manner. It is also important to break down the material into manageable sections and set deadlines for yourself to complete each section,” he advises.

As a committed academic, Dr Sarpong recognises the immense value of holding an ACCA qualification. He believes that it enhances his credibility and demonstrates to both his students and colleagues his profound understanding of accounting and finance concepts and principles. Furthermore, he emphasises that obtaining an ACCA qualification opens doors to new opportunities in teaching, research, and collaborative endeavours.

News Archive

UFS hosts sign language workshop to educate parents
2017-05-22

Description: Sign language workshop to educate parents Tags: Sign language workshop to educate parents

Back row; from left; John Keitsemore from
Bartimea School for the Deaf; Philip Cook,
the headmaster at De la Bat School for the
Deaf in Worcester; Jeannie Cook, De la Bat School
for the Deaf; front, from left; Marisa Vermeulen, mother
of two deaf children and teacher at Bartimea
School for the Deaf in Thaba Nchu; Marianne Kühn,
audiologist, and Susan Lombaard, acting Head of the
Department of South African Sign Language.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

“Ninety percent of deaf children are born into hearing families. When parents first receive the news, they are shocked, angry and confused,” says Susan Lombaard, Acting head of the Department of South African Sign Language at the University of the Free State (UFS).

The department hosted a workshop, “Early intervention options for the child with a hearing loss”, on Friday 12 May 2017 on the Bloemfontein Campus. “It is the first time a sign language workshop of this kind was hosted by the Department of South African Sign Language at the UFS,” says Lombaard, who facilitated the workshop. They hope to make it an annual event.

Parents of deaf children do not always know how they will communicate with their children or where the child must attend school. The workshop aimed to provide parents with the necessary information on different communication options and also touched on school placement.

Support group for parents established
A support group for parents was also established, the first of its kind in the province. It will provide much-needed support, information and guidance for parents of deaf children.

Some of the speakers at the workshop included Anri Esterhuizen, an audiologist; Marianne Kühn from the Carel du Toit Centre, Marisa Vermeulen, who is a mother of two deaf children, and Phillip Cook, the headmaster at De la Bat School for the Deaf in Worcester, in the Western Cape. Jeannie Cook, also a presenter, provided information on sign language acquisition of the small deaf child, which is done through creative play.

Professionals have responsibility
South African Sign Language is a language in its own right and is not international. “Sign language is a visual language with its own grammar and syntax different from spoken language,” Lombaard said.

There has been much controversy surrounding teaching deaf children to speak and teaching them to sign. “We as professionals have the responsibility to provide information on all options. This is to help the parent make informed decisions about communication and school placement.”

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