The initiative comes as South Africa celebrates its heritage and continues to develop SASL following its recognition as the country’s 12th official language.
South Africa (02 September 2026) – Heritage is often carried in a surname, a clan name, a family story or a traditional ceremony. But what happens when that heritage is not accessible in the language you use every day?
That is the question behind Sign Your Clan, an initiative bringing traditional African clan names into South African Sign Language (SASL) and making an important part of cultural identity more accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing South Africans.
Launched as South Africa moves into Heritage Month, the initiative by Castle Milk Stout has developed formal SASL signs for a number of traditional African clan names.
The signs were created with SASL and language specialists in collaboration with SASL educator and specialist Mmatlou Moloto, founder of Hands-On Creatives. They were then vetted and approved by the Pan South African Language Board.
In 2023, South African Sign Language became the country’s 12th official language. This is a landmark moment for the Deaf community and recognition that South Africa’s languages extend far beyond those spoken.
Moloto says the development of clan signs is another step towards ensuring that culture and identity can be experienced by everyone.
“Language is far more than communication; it is an expression of who we are, where we come from and where we belong.”
And the initiative has already found its way into a place where heritage is not simply discussed, but celebrated.
“With more than 4 million Deaf and hard-of-hearing South Africans, cultural identity and heritage must be accessible to everyone. SASL becoming our 12th official language was a historic step, but language is living and continues to evolve. Sign Your Clan demonstrates how language, culture and identity can come together to create greater inclusion and participation.”
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No, Leanne Manas Hasn't Resigned! Veteran Anchor Shuts Down False RumoursAnd the initiative has already found its way into a place where heritage is not simply discussed, but celebrated.
At the traditional wedding of a Deaf couple, one of the newly developed Zulu clan signs was incorporated into the ceremony and family gift exchange.
The celebration also featured traditional elements including calabashes, blankets and reed mats, with cultural motifs, hands and clan totems forming part of the visual language of the occasion.
Castle Milk Stout says the initiative builds on its association with African culture, tradition and heritage, while opening up another way for people to engage with those traditions.
“By bringing cultural heritage and linguistic innovation together, we wanted to create something that gives greater visibility to Deaf and hard-of-hearing South Africans while creating an opportunity for more people to learn, share and participate.”
As Heritage Month gets underway, members of the public can learn the existing signs, share them with others and submit additional clan names for consideration. You can find out more via the website here.
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