By Phenyo Selinda
South Africans have been urged to embrace South African Sign Language (SASL) as the country joins the global community in observing the International Month for Deaf People this September. This annual event aims to raise awareness about the rights of deaf people worldwide, while highlighting the challenges faced by the deaf community. It also encourages a more inclusive society by promoting the learning of sign language and fostering a deeper understanding of deaf culture.
The International Month for Deaf People, commemorated every September, is a significant time for advocating for the rights of deaf individuals and shining a light on the importance of communication access for the deaf community. This year, the theme for the event is “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights,” which underscores the critical need for learning and promoting sign language as a tool for inclusivity and connection.
A Call for Inclusivity
As part of this year’s celebrations, the South African government has made a strong call for inclusivity, with the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, leading the charge. Chikunga has encouraged all South Africans to learn South African Sign Language, stressing that “it is the most effective way to communicate with and connect with deaf individuals.”
Chikunga emphasized that the country should actively engage in public activities that promote awareness of deaf rights, foster social cohesion, and educate the broader population on disability-inclusive language. She noted that eliminating any form of unfair discrimination against the deaf community is a critical aspect of creating a more inclusive society.
She further pointed out the significance of raising awareness and mainstreaming the rights of the deaf community, stating: “Public activities should be focused on mainstream and advocacy for the rights of the deaf community, to foster social cohesion, and education on disability-inclusive language to eliminate any form of unfair discrimination.”
South Africa’s Deaf Community and Constitutional Progress
South Africa is home to over four million deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, making up a significant portion of the population. The Minister acknowledged that the deaf community is well-established, with advocacy groups working tirelessly to promote awareness and enhance accessibility for deaf individuals across various sectors.
In a historic move towards inclusivity, the South African government has made strides in recognising the linguistic rights of the deaf community. The recent amendment of Section 6 of the Constitution through the Eighteenth Amendment Bill now officially recognises South African Sign Language as the country’s 12th official language. This legislative change represents a major victory for the deaf community and their ongoing fight for linguistic and social rights.
The inclusion of SASL as an official language offers tangible benefits, especially in public services and education. It ensures that deaf individuals can access information and resources in their preferred language, removing significant barriers to participation in everyday life.
Celebrating Deaf Awareness Month
This year’s celebrations come at a particularly momentous time for South Africa. Mia Le Roux made history earlier this year as the first woman with a hearing impairment to be crowned Miss South Africa 2024. Her victory has been hailed as a watershed moment for the deaf community, providing a powerful symbol of the potential of deaf individuals to break boundaries and achieve greatness.
Commenting on this historic achievement, Chikunga stated: “The year 2024 stands out as a significant year in South Africa, as Mia Le Roux made history by becoming the first individual with a hearing impairment to be crowned Miss South Africa. This month-long celebration aims to encourage inclusivity, advance Sign Language education, and cultivate a deeper understanding of deaf culture.”
The theme for this year’s Deaf Awareness Month not only highlights the importance of recognising the rights of deaf individuals, but it also serves as a reminder that the country still has much work to do in fostering an inclusive society. There is an urgent need to ensure that all South Africans, regardless of their ability to hear, have equal access to communication and opportunities.
Departmental Commitment to Empowerment
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is committed to leading socio-economic transformation and implementing empowerment initiatives for people with disabilities. By advocating for mainstreaming and inclusive practices, the department aims to uplift and integrate the deaf community into broader society. The department has called on all sectors of society to actively develop initiatives to commemorate Deaf Awareness Month and ensure that the deaf community is afforded the dignity and respect they deserve.
Chikunga reiterated the government’s commitment to the empowerment and full participation of people with disabilities. “The government is determined to build a society that recognises the contributions of the deaf community and allows them to fully participate in socio-economic activities,” she said.
In line with this, the department has encouraged businesses, educational institutions, and civil society organisations to take steps to become more inclusive. Whether through the introduction of SASL lessons or the provision of resources to assist the deaf community, there are numerous ways that organisations can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment for deaf individuals.
Advocacy and the Role of Education
One of the central pillars of the International Month for Deaf People is advocacy, with a specific focus on the need for greater educational support for deaf individuals. Advocates argue that learning SASL is not only essential for deaf people but for the wider public as well. By making SASL education more widely available, South Africa can bridge the communication gap between deaf individuals and the hearing population, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
Educational institutions have a critical role to play in this regard. By incorporating SASL into their curriculums, schools can help raise a generation that is more empathetic, knowledgeable, and respectful of the deaf community. The Department of Basic Education has already begun taking steps in this direction, with plans to integrate SASL into the national curriculum and make it available as an optional subject for learners.
In addition, universities and colleges across South Africa are being urged to offer courses in sign language to promote the professional development of SASL interpreters, who play an indispensable role in bridging communication barriers in key areas such as healthcare, legal services, and education.
Overcoming Barriers and Building an Inclusive Society
Despite the progress made in promoting the rights of deaf individuals, many challenges remain. Access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for the deaf community is still limited, and there is a pressing need for society to continue working towards a more inclusive future.
For many deaf South Africans, discrimination and marginalisation remain part of their everyday lives. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, involving changes in policy, education, and societal attitudes. By promoting the learning of SASL and recognising the contributions of the deaf community, South Africa can move towards becoming a truly inclusive society.
The Future of Sign Language in South Africa
As South Africa continues to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month, the focus remains on creating a more inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their ability to hear, can fully participate and contribute. The inclusion of SASL as an official language marks a significant milestone in this journey, but it is only the beginning. There is much more work to be done to ensure that the rights of deaf individuals are fully recognised and respected.
Looking forward, advocacy groups and government bodies are expected to push for further reforms that will improve accessibility for deaf individuals, from public services to employment opportunities. By fostering a greater understanding of deaf culture and encouraging more people to learn SASL, South Africa can become a model for inclusivity and diversity on the global stage.
As Chikunga aptly put it: “We must all ‘sign up’ for sign language rights, not just for this month, but as an ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equality.”
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