South Africa is known for its multiculturalism and multilingualism, and this diversity has been celebrated as part of the country's identity over the years. However, the Deaf community has faced challenges in this multilingual and multicultural space, with many not having equal access to communication and information. This has led to difficulties in participating fully in society and having a sense of belonging. 

However, the recent signing of the South African Sign Language (SASL) act into law offers the promise of a more inclusive and equitable South Africa. This saw the language join the ranks of 11 other official languages, including English, Afrikaans, and isiZulu. This decision took over 20 years to become a reality and has brought hope to an estimated fast-growing 4 million Deaf/Hard Of Hearing and Deaf Blind South Africans who have been overlooked for far too long. This is a significant milestone for the Deaf/Hard Of Hearings and Deaf Blinds community and a step towards bridging the gap between the hard of hearing and the hearing community.

What does this mean for the Deaf/Hard Of Hearing and Deaf Blinds community?

Just like any other language with its own syntax; grammar and vocabulary, Sign language has the power to express and communicate thoughts and ideas. It is a complete language on its own, the fact that it took this long for the South African government to recognise it as such has played a significant role in denying the Deaf community access. For the Deaf community, the passing of this bill does not only mean that they will finally have equal access to basic needs such as education, information, equal opportunities and employment. It also symbolises the recognition of their linguistic and cultural identity and adds to their dignity as South African citizens. The community welcomes the change with open arms and are delighted that their language is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

This will also help to eradicate the systemic discrimination previously faced by the Deaf community, such as in education where children were forced to attend hearing schools with little to no support. Now, the government will have to create institutions and programmes to support SASL, ensuring that it is taught in schools and accessible in public institutions and services.

The benefits are far-reaching. For example, the Deaf community will now have access to sign language interpreters in police stations, courts, hospitals, and other vital services. This translates to improved healthcare, employment opportunities and access to the legal system.

What does this mean for the hearing community?

The hearing community now has a duty to support and uphold the rights of the deaf community as laid out in the SASL(South Africa Sign Language) act. We can't and should not speak for the deaf, deaf people have a voice and it's time to give the hearing community the necessary tools to understand the Deaf's language not the other way around. It's time for the hearing community to take responsibility for their role in upholding human rights and ensuring that everyone's linguistic diversity is celebrated. The hearing community can play an active role in the implementation of SASL(South Africa Sign Language) in South Africa by ensuring that service points offer sign language support to the deaf community.

It is important that the hearing community acknowledges the language barriers faced by the deaf and the impact that this has had on their lives. Therefore, it is vital that hearing people utilise the resources available to learn and understand SASL better to be able to interact with the deaf and make them feel like they belong. 

The legislation compels every service provider to provide services in SASL, meaning that the recognition of SASL presents an opportunity for public services and businesses. One proudly South African ICT company called deaftouch, is at the forefront of providing communication technology solutions for the Deaf and the passing of the bill has come at a crucial time as they progress towards launching the first-ever Deaf inclusive outsourcing call center in South Africa. This initiative is part of the company’s plans to give the Deaf community access to services such as 112. As the hearing community we should empower the Deaf by providing tools and resources that will enable them to get their message across and be a part of the greater community.

Service providers will have to make sure that their employees can communicate with Deaf customers in their native language or alternatively provide sufficient means to do so. Thus, the adoption of SASL would grow as hearing people are exposed to the benefits that come along with it.

The passing of this law is a step towards a more inclusive and equitable society. South Africa has joined the ranks of countries that recognise sign language as an official language. This sets a precedence for other countries still grappling with recognising their deaf communities.

The responsibility for SASL's uplifting and acceptance now falls on the hearing community, and the benefits will be shared by both hearing and deaf communities alike. We look forward to seeing the positive outcome that comes with the recognition of SASL, and we celebrate this as another milestone in the South African journey towards inclusivity.

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About the author
Claybourne Appies, is CEO at deaftouch which is an ICT company focused on providing communication technology solutions for the Deaf in the workplace, striving to overcome exclusion by connecting the world to the Deaf through accessible communication solutions that overcome barriers and create independence through digital inclusion. 

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