Academics, translators, interpreters, language practitioners, staff and students from UKZN and DUT at the establishment of the KZN Chapter of the SA Translators Institute.SA Translators’ Institute KZN Chapter Established
Dr Lolie Makhubu-Badenhorst of the African Languages and Linguistics Cluster in the School of Arts is the head of the recently established KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Chapter of the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI).
SATI is an association for language practice professionals in South Africa of which Makhubu-Badenhorst is an accredited member both on translation and simultaneous interpreting.
Makhubu-Badenhost was asked by SATI Executive Director Ms Theresa Bender to establish the KZN chapter of the institute.
‘It is important to have this chapter because the African Languages Discipline at UKZN has modules on Translation and Interpreting both at undergraduate and postgraduate level,’ said Makhubu-Badenhorst. ‘Students only read about SATI and think of it as pie in the sky. As a lecturer in the African Languages Discipline at UKZN, I plan to change this.
‘Both staff and students were party to creating history when the KZN SATI Chapter was re-established under the banner of UKZN. The School will offer a BA in Language Practice similar to that of other universities with majors in translation and interpreting modules.’
The chapter’s first meeting was held on the Howard College campus and enabled students to interact with other SATI members as well as encourage other staff members, interpreters, translators and freelancers to join SATI and reap the benefits.
Makhubu-Badenhorst says the KZN SATI Chapter will allow for greater communication and networking with other chapters in the country, including Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Speaking about membership benefits, Makhubu-Badenhorst said: ‘Most companies when advertising posts either on translation, interpreting, language editing, proofreading or copyright stipulate SATI membership as one of the requirements. Freelancers can market themselves both nationally and internationally with the option of having their names published on the SATI website. SATI has different types of membership - ordinary membership, accredited members, sworn translators or sworn interpreters. Membership can either be individually or corporate membership. It also allows for networking with other people in the field.’
To find out more about SATI membership, contact Makhubu-Badenhorst at MakhubuR@ukzn.ac.za
Words and photograph: Melissa Mungroo