A title published by UJ Press has received national recognition for its contribution to theological literature and inclusive scholarship.
Proud to be Deaf: Ministry, Saintliness and the history of the Catholic Deaf Community in South Africa, 1874–1994 by Mark James has won the Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Award for Emerging Authors (Debut Work), awarded as part of the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize Fund. The award recognises excellence in Christian and theological writing by emerging authors.
James’s debut work explores the intersection of Deaf identity, faith, history and community within the Catholic Church in South Africa across a 120-year period. Through extensive archival research and historical analysis, the book documents the experiences, challenges and contributions of the Catholic Deaf community between 1874 and 1994.
The award adjudication panel, comprising Professors Juanita Meyer, Eugene Baron and Douglas Lawrie, praised the publication for combining rigorous scholarship with accessibility and pastoral sensitivity.
“The judges appreciate this publication as an exceptional contribution to general Christian and theological literature,” the adjudication statement noted. “The work combines thorough research, theological insight and contextual relevance that is both academically grounded and pastorally sensitive.”
The panel further commended the book’s original perspective on Deaf identity within church and faith communities, highlighting its responsible use of archival material, historical sources and research literature within the South African context.
According to the adjudicators, the publication “represents a current, inclusive theological and pastoral perspective” while maintaining “a balance between academic excellence and accessibility for general interest.”
The book has also received praise from scholars and reviewers for advancing conversations around dignity, inclusion and Deaf culture.
Writing in Acta Theologica (2025), M. Matshobane described the book as an important advocacy text for Deaf rights and identity.
“This book advocates for recognising and respecting the rights and dignity of deaf people in a world that is predominantly for the hearing,” Matshobane wrote. “The book further argues that the deaf community has a culture and a language, with which they are comfortable, and which makes them take pride in their way of life.”
Similarly, Terence Creamer noted that the publication seeks to “awaken a new consciousness about the unique contribution of the Deaf community to society”.
“James does not seek to appropriate blame or scapegoat hearing people for the injustices committed to Deaf people,” Creamer wrote. “Rather he focuses on how the hearing community can be transformed by their proximity to their Deaf neighbours.”
For UJ Press, the award represents continued recognition of its commitment to publishing impactful and socially relevant scholarship.
“I am so thankful that another UJ Press publication has won this prestigious prize. It is truly a testament to the quality of our titles,” said Wikus van Zyl, Manager of UJ Press.
“We remain committed to publishing titles that break boundaries, promote inclusion and create awareness of issues impacting us.”
