The National Assembly of South Africa has recognised and approved South African Sign Language (SASL), making it the 12th official language in the country. This significant change exemplifies South Africa's commitment to language diversity and accessibility for all its citizens and is a victory for the Deaf community.
The Deaf community in South Africa has made great strides thanks to the formal recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL). It gives them hope that their culture and language will be valued and respected and that the world will improve. Individuals who are hard of hearing might have the option to set around the difficulties they face up to utilise standard assets. It is terrific news that Sign Language is included as a legal language and will aid in dismantling obstacles and establishing a society where everyone's rights are respected.
It stated that the National Assembly's approval of the Bill signified the country's recognition of deaf people's rights. People who are hard of hearing are included in this. "The Adoption of the Bill could impact the scope and purpose of the reference to sign language in such legislation. Relevant departments administering those and related legislation should take note of this constitutional amendment recognising SASL as an official language in terms of section 6 of the Constitution and consider whether the adoption of the Bill may require a consequential amendment to associated legislation for purposes of clarifying the status of SASL as expressed in the Constitution,” said parliament.
South African Sign Language is the one that is officially recognised to be used. It has its grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, making it a complete language. Additionally, it can convey infinite ideas, just like any other language. In addition, schools officially recognise South African Sign Language as a home language. It has been taught as a subject from preschool to the final year of high school since 2015. The deaf child's equal and democratic right to literacy and education in their home language is facilitated by this, making it significant.
Sibone Kgethe, SASL Interpreter at North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng, contends that having South African Sign Language as one of the country’s official languages will considerably ease many of the deaf community’s problems of access, education, and equality. "Deaf people are suffering regarding communication and accessing basic services like hospitals/clinics, police stations, and schools. Having sign language as an official language will help the Deaf community access those basic services and information," said Kgethe.
Mr Kgobane Maloka, the owner of Tally Transport Tours and a deaf driver, is happy and grateful that sign language is the official language, despite the difficulties that people with communication difficulties, hard of hearing, and deaf South Africans face, such as daily barriers to participation as a result of the rest of South Africa not being familiar with sign language and incorporating it into everyday communication. "I am so happy that South African Sign Language is now official. It's a step in the right direction for our language because sign language is a fully fleshed language. It means we can communicate with the hearing community using sign language like American Sign Language; they respect their language. As South African Sign Language users, we can fully use our sign language and communicate with hearing people," said Maloka.
The introduction of the national curriculum has allowed pupils to learn to read and write in their first language at school. This has numerous mental and social advantages. These include improved communication skills, reduced social isolation, stigmatisation, loss of independence, and improved literacy and academic outcomes. However, establishing the new curriculum has challenges, resulting in a lack of qualified deaf teachers. "South African Sign Language Interpreter is a good career path, especially now that the language will be the 12th official language. It means that more SASLI's will be needed and job opportunities will be created," said Kgethe.
