Emily Matabane obtained a degree in Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training at the University of Free State.
A year before millions of South Africans went to the polls for the first general elections in 1994, the education of a Deaf pupil at Thiboloha School for the Deaf and Blind in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State was halted.
This stemmed from massive protests in the country that spiralled to Phuthaditjhaba, leading to the two-year closure of Thiboloha School for the Deaf and Blind.
Emily Matabane, a then 17-year-old Standard 6 (Grade 8) pupil, had to drop out of school. This set-back and other education trials led her to only graduate with a degree in Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training, last month when the country celebrated its 30 years of freedom. Amazingly, Matabane’s victory happens when the country heads to the polls for its seventh general elections on 29 May.
The 48-year-old Matabane’s degree was conferred to her during a graduation ceremony at the Callie Human Centre, at the University of the Free State (UFS) on 20 April 2024, seven days before Freedom Day (27 April). Recalling the day of her graduation, elated Matabane said, “I was very nervous and cried, because I have been waiting so long for the graduation I wanted.”
Although she is not the first Deaf person to obtain this degree, Matabane said, “I am the first Deaf person who took this particular route of studying due to the basic education challenges I experienced. By being patient, I can now say I have my degree. I am now a qualified teacher and feel equipped in my current position, teaching within the Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies at the University of Free State. On weekends I seek to assist Deaf learners with their homework to plough back into the Deaf community.”
Taking the Diary Series of Deaf People through the journey to her success, Matabane explained:
The RPL programme is a programme that is designed to support “access to higher education for candidates who have gained degree-related knowledge and skills through informal or experiential means.”
At the age of 20, she obtained a job at the Free State Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD). She said the APD provided many personal development opportunities through community NPO structures such as the Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA).
“During this experience I did numerous courses to obtain different skills. I then passed an evaluation at the University of the Free State to become a South African Sign Language instructor when the language was not recognised in the country. At the same time, I was determined to study and obtain a qualification. But due to unforeseen circumstances, whilst studying and working at the same time, I had to take breaks in between as well,” she said.
Matabane’s success was not an overnight success. In 2010 she registered for the RPL programme. Supported by her working experience at APD, and the RPL, she qualified for Career Preparation Programme at UFS’ South Campus in 2012. Hence in 2016, she was able to commence a degree in Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training.
She said:
“I am grateful for the RPL programme that helped me to gain access to higher education. I had to start this important journey of becoming educated and finish it. I became motivated to study knowing that the RPL programme provided me with the opportunity to further gain access to the Career Preparation Programme at South Campus. I never thought that I would be able to study. So, perseverance was the only option to obtain a degree.”
Qualified Deaf teacher, Emily Matabane shares how the Recognition of Prior Learning programme can help individuals to qualify for a degree in university.
In her degree, she majored in History, Life Orientation and Sign Language.
“I chose History because I love it. I also felt that it was important to teach Deaf learners about the history of the world.”
She included Life Orientation in her degree because she strongly felt that Deaf pupils desperately need it, as it addresses skills, knowledge, values and attitudes that will enable them to make right choices about their personal lifestyles, civic responsibilities, physical well-being, and careers.
Matabane chose Sign Language for her degree because of the scarcity of qualified teachers for this subject.
Matabane added that:
Explaining why she chose a degree in Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training, she said she enjoys teaching.
“In 2001, I was appointed as a South African Sign Language instructor at the University of the Free State (UFS) in the then-newly established Department of South African Sign Language. I enjoy teaching hearing students South African Sign Language to enable them to communicate with Deaf people. Starting my journey at the UFS, I was inspired to teach my language to as many hearing students as possible.”
Her message to the Deaf community, “Firstly, I want to say do not give up on your studies until you have achieved your goals. A lot of times one faces negativity and challenges, which impacts on the will to continue, but one should just continue to avoid regret. Believe in yourself. Secondly, education is worth it, and your age should not stop you.”
