SASOLBURG – Dr Leon Jacobson, a well-known local philatelist, has received the prestigious Federation Plaque for his outstanding contributions to stamp collecting.

His dedication to the field spans decades, including his service on the FSA Heritage Committee (2022–2025) and as vice president (Free State) of the Philatelic Federation of South Africa from 2014 to 2025.

At 79, the retired archaeologist looks back on a rich and varied life.

History

Born and raised in Cape Town, Jacobson attended SACS before studying at the University of Cape Town, where he graduated with a degree in archaeology and a minor in African languages.

“After graduating, I spent about two years driving taxis and working as an archaeological and geological field assistant, before taking up a position as an archaeologist at the Windhoek Museum. In 1989, I moved to the McGregor Museum in Kimberley as Assistant Director,” Jacobson recalls.

His archaeological career combined extensive fieldwork with a growing interest in using chemistry and geochemistry to analyze pre-colonial and colonial ceramics, gold, glass, and rock art paint.

He later earned a PhD from the University of the Free State, focusing on the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of archaeological ceramics and clays.

He retired at the end of 2011, relocated to Sasolburg, and continues to serve occasionally as an external examiner for various universities.

Central pillar of life

Throughout it all, his passion for philately remained a central pillar of his life. Though he cannot pinpoint the exact spark, his journey began at age 12.

While he paused collecting during his university years, early career, and the start of his family, he returned to it in 1975 and hasn’t stopped since.

“I must acknowledge my wife, Cecily, also a collector, who has supported me throughout all these years,” he says.

Over the years, Jacobson has witnessed a dramatic evolution in the hobby.

“Originally, philately was about collecting every stamp of a particular country in meticulous detail, documenting different printings and errors,” he explains.

“Today, there is a strong emphasis on thematic collecting. You choose a topic, such as the birds of South Africa, and tell a story using stamps to illustrate the narrative. You don’t need expensive stamps to tell a great story.”

For Jacobson, philately has evolved from a simple pastime into a deeply enriching cultural pursuit. Outside of stamp collecting, he describes himself as a voracious reader.

Invitation

He extends an invitation to locals to join the Sasolburg Philatelic Society. While small, the club boasts an enthusiastic membership with a broad range of interests, hosting monthly meetings and an annual regional exhibition that stands out as a highlight on its calendar.

He can be contacted via email: lj.heritage@gmail.com

* Jacobson is not the first local member to be recognised. The Federation Plaque was previously awarded to Johan van Wyk of the Sasolburg Club for his dedicated service.