Nkululeko Ngcobo (31) from Ndwedwe rural area in KwaZulu-Natal was excited as he was being conferred for his master’s degree in Language Practice at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation ceremony. It was held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Tuesday Afternoon (30 May 2023).

The career driven Ngcobo is currently serving at the Durban Central Court as a sign language interpreter. Ngcobo’s research thesis reads:  Language Attitudes towards the South African Sign Language: The case of KwaZulu-Natal Deaf Association in Durban. Currently, he is working on his PhD proposal on the same field of research, which is sociolinguistics, and he would like to publish more papers about the South African sign language after his graduation.

Ngcobo confessed that his intention after matric was to enrol in the Health Science field as he was good and interested in science and mathematics. However, he found himself in the Media, Language and communication field and he fell in love with sign language.

“I had no interest in doing sign language prior and I could not have deep knowledge about sign language, to an extent that it could be someone’s field of research. I did Translation and Interpreting Practice at DUT, and it was not my first choice. I fell in love with sign language as one of the course modules.  I completed my Diploma and B-tech in Translation and Interpreting Practice at DUT, Honours in South African sign language at the University of Witwatersrand, then I did my Master’s in Language Practice at DUT,” he explained.

Furthermore, he shared that he was inspired by other Language Practitioners/sign language interpreters at DUT, thereby he wanted to have more knowledge about sign language as a language and its community. He had more unanswered questions concerning the Deaf people’s right and democracy particularly in South Africa.

“I wanted to find out why Deaf people are being excluded in many platforms whereas they are human beings with their own language like other people. My intention was to find out a gap between hearing and Deaf people and develop strategies as well as solutions through conclusions drawn from research outcomes. The main aim was to make an awareness to mainstream society that the South African sign language is a real language with its own rules,” he added.

The master’s degree Cum Laude graduate shared that one of the obstacles he faced was the shortage of resources such as books and journals for his field of research. The COVID-19 and loadshedding had a negative impact towards his study.

“It was not any easy journey to complete my master’s degree but with the aid of my co-supervisor (Mrs NL Sawula, Lecturer of South African Sign language at DUT), and supervisor (Prof Gift Mheta, Manager of Writing Centre at Steve Biko Campus), I managed to produce a productive thesis. I salute them, DUT made a brilliant decision by keeping them and they know how to shape a productive student.  I had a great experience as an undergraduate and postgraduate student at DUT. I wish everyone could experience the joy of the DUT family,” he shared.

He humbly extends his gratitude to all the Media, Language and Communication staff for their assistance from his undergraduate to postgraduate level. TheKwaZulu-Natal Deaf Association’s manager, staff, and students for welcoming and allowing him to conduct his study there.

Ngcobo shared that he had mixed emotions when he saw that he would graduate Cum Laude. “Honestly, I was not expected this excellence. On the other hand, I would say it was the right time because I worked hard for this outcome. I am over the moon, and I believe that this will place me in better opportunities in advancing my career,” he said proudly.

Pictured: Nkululeko Ngcobo (Supplied)

Lethukuthula Ngubane