New Hope for the Deaf as South Africa Recognizes Sign Language

There is new hope for sign language in South Africa since gaining recognition as an official language, marking a significant breakthrough for the rights and inclusivity of the deaf community. According to Zawya, Bongumusa Manana, a 19-year-old deaf student studying in a township in Johannesburg, expressed his excitement about the recent legislation, believing it will pave the way for him to attend university and achieve his dreams.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the legislation into law last month, making sign language the country’s 12th official language, joining English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, and others. The move aims to address the previous challenges faced by the deaf community in accessing public services, such as communicating at police stations or while using public transportation.

Despite this milestone, South Africa still has work to ensure better access to education for the deaf. Currently, there are only around 40 deaf schools and one tertiary institution fully accessible to deaf individuals. Andiswa Gebashe, a Sign Language activist, emphasised the importance of equipping more people to develop further and enrich sign language.

Also read: The Department of Home Affairs: Public Input Requested for Draft Marriage Bill

It is a significant step to gain official language status, but it is just the beginning. Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen, South Africa’s only deaf member of parliament, highlighted that deaf students have been waiting for the removal of barriers to improve their educational opportunities.

Recognising sign language as an official language places South Africa among the few countries globally to do so. According to World Atlas, only 41 countries acknowledge sign language as an official language, with just four of them situated in Africa – Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

For Manana and many others like him, recognising sign language opens doors to pursuing higher education and achieving their aspirations. His dream of attending university is now within reach, as the official language status assures him that he can accomplish anything he wants.

Also read:

South Africa’s Official Languages Increase to 12 as Ramaphosa Passes Bill Recognising Sign Language

Picture: Pexels / RDNE Stock project

Follow us on Google News.