The process to make Sign Language one of South Africa’s official languages is underway as people from the deaf community contribute to the process.
South Africa (28 May 2021) – Two years ago, South Africans rejoiced when South African Sign Language (SASL) was recognised as a home language and included in the National Senior Certificate curriculum as one of the examinable subjects. Now SASL is one step closer to becoming an official South African language.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa was asked where the process stood to date, and he confirmed that it was already underway.
The minister explained that a constitutional review committee had recommended that a section of the Constitution be amended to include South African Sign Language. This will make it the 12th official South African language.
The Department of Justice and Correctional Services took steps to start the constitutional amendment process.
To date, various stakeholders from the deaf community have been consulted to ensure that South Africans who use South African Sign Language have all their needs met.
“In the meantime, the Pan South African Language Board is workshopping stakeholders on the SASL Charter, which sets out key obligations to improve access to quality services and effective protection of the linguistic rights of deaf people,” – Nathi Mthethwa, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister
This is a step in the right direction for the deaf community.
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