Mr Jacque Joubert: recipient of the National Disability Young Leader Award 2013
09 December 2013 | People and Companies | News | Sandra Dunn, INSETA
Mr Jacque Joubert is the winner of the National Disability Young Leader Award 2013.
INSETA’s purpose is to grow the pool and quality of scarce and critical skills in the insurance sector, enhancing the sector and supporting the country’s transformation.
The Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), in conjunction with the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, hosted the fifth National Disability Awards, on 2 December 2013, in Port Elizabeth.
The purpose of the National Disability Awards was to commend the various achievements of people living with disabilities. Able-bodied persons, who have dedicated their efforts to improving the lives of people with disabilities, were also recognized at the awards ceremony.
Ms Sandra Dunn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of INSETA said, "We trust that the National Disability Awards, in some small way, contributes towards breaking down barriers, and creating an inclusive society for all.”
"We are pleased to announce, that this year, Mr Jacque Joubert is the winner of the National Disability Young Leader Award for his sporting achievements and is the recipient of a R100 000 bursary sponsored by INSETA. Nominees in this award category are young people living with a disability, between the ages of 18 and 25 years, and who display outstanding potential in their studies and or workplaces; and are poised to achieve great things in business.”
Mr Joubert is a 19 year-old Bachelor of Arts student, at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He lives with Stargardt disease, the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. This disease causes the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina and leads to progressive vision loss in the central part of the eye.
Mr Joubert said that he felt overwhelmed when he heard that he had won the award and even started shaking. "I never dreamt I would win such a great amount of money. I have only ever done my work for fun and enjoyment.” Mr Joubert believes that he won the award because of the balance he has been able to obtain between his academic work and sporting career. He participates in judo and athletics and has won a few medals in both national and international competitions. In addition, Mr Joubert coaches children in athletics.
Mr Joubert thanked INSETA for their generous bursary sponsorship and said, "INSETA gives many opportunities to people with disabilities, many opportunities that they would never have dreamed possible. INSETA is changing people’s lives for the better. People living with disabilities have a difficut time, especially those in rural areas; INSETA investing in them makes a huge difference. We would like to thank INSETA for their work. People do not just appreciate money that is given, but most valuable of all to them, is the empathy and enthusiasm that INSETA extends towards them.”
INSETA’s bursary money will be channelled to the sports manager at UJ where Mr Joubert will be a second-year student in 2014. Mr Joubert, together with his parents and the sports manager will discuss the allocation of the money for Mr Joubert’s studies over the next two years. The university has said it shall continue to support Mr Joubert while he studies at their institution.
Mr Joubert hopes to do an Honours degree in Sports Science or Biokinetics once he has completed his undergraduate degree. His dream is to pursue his sporting career for the next seven to eight years and says that he does not want to choose between judo and athletics just yet. He adds that he would also like to give back by coaching young athletes in different communities.
