On 25 September 2018 the subject group Language Practice on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom hosted a talk by Dr Henry Liu, a former president of the International Federation of Translators.

In her welcoming speech, Dr Herculene Kotzé, the subject chairperson, introduced Dr Liu as a longtime member of the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters, and someone who is heavily involved in professional training and setting up of professional standards and guidelines.

His talk – “Working as an international translator” – was centred on the need and future of translation practice, and left colleagues and students with high hopes for the future of the profession. In his talk he made it clear that a multilingual country, such as South Africa, can be instrumental in the development of translation practice and become a leader in the field.

Dr Liu has been instrumental in bringing together practitioners of Maori, English, and New Zealand Sign Language. He has also been an advisor to many government departments with relation to interpreting and translation policies, access and quality issues. An opinionated advocate of professional organisations and a strong believer in transnational and multidisciplinary cooperation, Dr Liu has given keynote addresses at major translation and interpreting conferences in Oceania, North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Dr Liu is in the country to deliver a keynote address at the South African Translators’ Institute’s triennial conference taking place on 28 and 29 September 2018 at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg. His visit to the NWU was made possible by the generous contribution of the South African Translators’ Institute’s North-West Chapter, chaired by Christien Terblanche.

From left to right are Laurinda van Tonder, Christien Terblanche, Dr Herculene Kotzé, Kea Motlhodi, Lebohang Mathibela, and Dr Henry Liu.