CPUT appoints its first South African Sign Language Interpreter at Disability Unit

The Disability Unity recently welcomed Kevin Petersen to its ranks– the first South African Sign Language interpreter to be appointed in the unit.

Petersen has one sister who is also a SA Sign Language Interpreter, and the siblings entered the profession because both of their parents are deaf.

“We grew up with South African Sign Language as our first language,” says Petersen.

The Cape Town-born interpreter attended mainstream school and finished matric “the only difference, well I wouldn’t call it a difference, more of a blessing was that my parents were deaf, but they supported me and raised me into the person that I am today”. “If it had not been for them, I wouldn’t be in the profession that I am in today. I slowly became part of the Deaf community through going to Deaf gatherings with my parents, (well, mainly my mom) and meeting all her friends and being immersed within the Deaf culture, which in turn became a part of me,” Petersen reminisces.

It took tremendous hard work, determination and willpower and passion for Petersen to be where he is today. “If you are not passionate about what you do, then what is the point of doing it,” Petersen quips.

Underlying his career choice would be his parents. “It drives me [outrageous] seeing that my parents and the rest of the Deaf community have no access (access to what?), which is why I am doing it, to improve accessibility for persons that are Deaf.”

The modest interpreter says the highlight of his career is just being able to provide this service to the Deaf community so that they may also have a full understanding of what is happening in and around them.

Reflecting on his appointment, the kind-hearted Petersen says: “I am excited and overwhelmed at the opportunity of being the first South African Sign Language Interpreter at CPUT. Previously, I worked at a Deaf organisation called Deaf Federation of South Africa, (DeafSA), offering the same service for four years. This is where I received in-depth training and refined my skills in South African Sign Language interpreting.”

He is determined to fulfil his mandate to offer the best service to students and to also work hard in the unit to show current and prospective students that CPUT is an institution that is all about inclusivity and accessibility and “to ensure that all students with disabilities get the best service from this unit”.

Petersen’s overall plan is to make CPUT proud and to improve the lives of students. When he is not at work, he plays rugby and dances as well but when he is not doing either, he will be spending time at home or exploring fun places and activities with his loved ones.

“I prioritise my work but when I do have time out of my busy schedule, I make time to spend with my family, they mean the world to me and are very supportive and understanding at all times.”

He adds: “Don’t think of South African Sign Language or having parents that are Deaf as a burden, especially if you always have to interpret for them, but look at it as a blessing in disguise because it is shaping you for something much greater for your life.”