South African Sign Language (SASL) is one of the 12 official languages in the country. Picture: UNSPLASH FREE DOWNLOADS
Deaf Awareness Month in September aimed to raise awareness of the experiences of deaf people and their need to be included.
On May 2, 2023, the South African government introduced South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language in the country.
The South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) estimates that there are over four million deaf and hard of hearing people in South Africa.
Fundamental human rights include the right to language, and for deaf people, SASL is essential to their full participation in society. They risk being shut out of opportunities for work, education, and other necessities without it.
Acknowledging SASL as an official language is more than just respecting language rights - it gives the deaf community equity, inclusion, dignity, and self-determination.
In 2023, South Africa made an advancement of deaf rights when a Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed, recognising SASL as the nation’s 12th official language. The purpose of this legislation is to provide complete linguistic inclusion and access to services, education, and employment in order to advance the rights and dignity of South Africans who are deaf.
The crowning of Miss South Africa 2024, Natasha Joubert’s success shows how more and more deaf people are appearing in prominent roles. This highlights the significance of ongoing advocacy for complete inclusion and the implementation of laws that promote equitable opportunities for all.
Nenio Mbazima, a deaf entrepreneur, founded Strong Wind, to address the economic disadvantage of the deaf community. He noticed that deaf people often teach hearing people sign language, leading to economic exclusion for the deaf individuals who have helped spread the language. This insight inspired him to launch a business that offers interpreting services and supports deaf people in starting their own enterprises.
“I urge deaf people to launch and register their own businesses as sign language service providers whenever I get the chance,” Mr Mbazima said. “Even though deaf rights have improved, more work remains to be done. True equality necessitates ongoing efforts to advance inclusivity, accessibility, assist deaf-owned businesses and increase public awareness of the significance of deaf inclusion across all domains.”
He added that as we commemorate Deaf Awareness Month, we are reminded of the need to keep up the fight for complete inclusion, financial empowerment and acknowledgement of deaf-owned companies.
He said we cannot guarantee that the advancements made today will lead to lasting improvements for the deaf community tomorrow, unless we make consistent efforts.