Ekurhuleni resident raises deaf awareness as sign language becomes official
Mr Deaf SA is inviting the public to an awareness fundraising event taking place at Emperors Palace.
In a historic move, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed into law that Sign is now one of South Africa’s 12th official languages.
This makes South Africa the first country in the world to recognise its national Sign language as an official language in the country’s Constitution.
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Mr Deaf South Africa finalist Jacobus Myburgh (35), who works from Senderwood, said the announcement will allow for greater access to information and services.
Myburgh experienced hearing problems from the age of three.
He said doctors were baffled by his ear infections, which at times included 26 different bacterial infections that were usually only found in severe burn wounds.
As a child, he underwent three major ear operations to try and clear the infections and fluid build-up in his eustachian tube, but despite receiving grommets on many occasions, they were not successful.
He failed Grade One due to being admitted to hospital so many times in that year, but was given a chance and put through to Grade Two.
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Thereafter, he was placed in a special needs class for six months.
He matriculated in 2006.
He has since obtained three tertiary education qualifications, including two journalism qualifications and a Bachelor of Laws degree Cum Laude.
He is currently employed as a candidate attorney and is working on his second law qualification.
His goal as a finalist for the Mr Deaf South Africa 2023 pageant is to create awareness around people like himself, who society may perceive to be intellectually challenged because of their disability.
“My disability does not define who I am. It does not define what I am capable of and what I can achieve.
“I have already proved society wrong and I will continue in doing so.
“My achievements alone are a testament to what I can overcome as a hearing-impaired individual,” he said.
On August 12, he will be hosting a Barnyard Theatre show called The Hollywood Walk of Fame: The Greatest Music from the Greatest Movies at Emperor’s Palace.
The show will serve as a fundraising initiative towards creating deaf awareness it will start at 19:00 and tickets to cost R195 per person.
For enquires, he is reachable on 084 412 6644 or emailing jacobus@jacobusmyburgh.co.za
