Gideon Joubert was born on 4 September 1923 and grew up on his parent's wine farm near Stellenbosch.
He attended school at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch:
"When I went to school, it was called the Stellenbosch Boys' High School. Paul
Roos himself taught me Latin (which certainly dates me). The school was in
Victoria Street, and became the Paul Roos Gymnasium when it moved across the
river to its present site."
He studied Afrikaans - Dutch, English and Psychology at Stellenbosch
University
In his second year he interrupted his studies "to run away"
and work as a deck hand on a sailing ship:
"My proud moment came when I was first promoted to an ordinary seaman, and would you believe it, later on a senior ordinary seaman!"
After a year he resumed his studies and obtained a BA at Stellenbosch University.
Gideon Joubert worked as a reporter at Die Burger.
From 1951 he served as officer at the South African Navy, where he played a major role (with many others) to assist in making it become more bilingual. He was one of the founders of the Naval Gymnasium at Saldanha and became later its commanding officer. He founded the Fleet Language Board of which he was the chairman. As the founder and chairman of South Africa's first diving school he also became South Africa's first 'frogman'
After 16 years of service he retired with the rank of commander to work again
for Die Burger until his retirement.
Gideon wass much involved in cultural and language matters. He was a member of the executive board of
Vriende van Afrikaans , the Helderbergse Kultuurraad and other organisations.
Gideon Joubert was married and had four sons. At the time of his death on 27 October 2010, he lived in Helderberg Village.
Hobbies: Astronomy, literature, classical music
Good wine, good company and jelly!
Information supplied by Gideon Joubert
The Old Reading Room, erected about 1815, was the birthplace of the Stellenbosch Gymnasium (1866)
182 Dorpstreet, corner Drostdy Street
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