For the first six years of his life Gibson Ncube was mute. His alarmed parents took him to doctors, seeking answers.
But in 2023 the child who was unable to utter a word speaks seven languages — four African and three international — and is considered one of the brightest rising scholars in South Africa.
Zimbabwean-born Ncube, a lecturer at Stellenbosch University, is one of a select few academics who will take part in the prestigious Future Professors Programme (FPP). The flagship initiative by the department of higher education aims to enhance the academic excellence and leadership qualities of lecturers at South Africa's 26 universities.
Another Stellenbosch University representative is biochemist Dr Tawanda Zininga.
Every year, public universities in South Africa are invited to nominate five lecturers with PhDs to the two-year fellowship that encourages teaching excellence and innovative intellectual projects.
Over the past decade, the study of literature has become Ncube's vocation and passion.
“I've been fascinated by how languages are interconnected and especially how languages allow us to make sense of the world and our experiences. I've been drawn to the worlds that words and languages make possible through literature.”
After his selection, Ncube, who works in the department of foreign languages and speaks French and Spanish, among other languages, recalled how worried his parents were during his formative years.
“They were relieved to learn their little boy's mutism didn't have a physiological cause. He was just taking his time to use language. My little sister spoke earlier than me and was helpful in getting me to speak.”
Ncube studied French and Spanish at the University of Zimbabwe and completed a master's degree in French in 2011. He later received a scholarship at Stellenbosch University and completed his PhD in French and Francophone literature, with his thesis focusing on non-normative sexualities in North African literature.
Being the first person in his family to go to university has made his latest accolade even more special.
“Though my parents did not go to university, they made sure my siblings and I had the best possible opportunities to thrive academically. Being the first person to attend university in my family pushed me to want to succeed in my studies. And having found myself in academia, I have also strived to be the best version of myself that I can be.”
His research work on comparative literature, queer and gender studies have set him apart.
He is interested in the representations of gender and sexual identities in different parts of Africa, specifically in North and Southern Africa.
“I focus on literary texts and other cultural productions such as novels, autobiographies and films to examine transcontinental, interregional, and translingual dialogues that allow a fuller and all-inclusive imagining of nonconforming sexual and gender experiences in Africa.”
He said the professor programme would help him leverage networks to foster long-term collaborations.
“Already, I have been able to find colleagues in the 2023 cohort who have similar research interests. Through the coaching sessions we receive, I also want to learn how to find a healthy balance between different facets of my work life and my life away from work. I think academics often struggle to strike a healthy balance in this respect.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.