Deaf Allies and Advocates: How Hearing Individuals Can Support the Deaf Community Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay
[WATCH] ‘Fake’ sign language interpreter at another Government event
The deaf community in Limpopo is angered by a viral video of a ‘fake’ sign language interpreter used at a Government event.
Deaf Allies and Advocates: How Hearing Individuals Can Support the Deaf Community Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay
A viral video of a ‘fake’ sign language interpreter translating Minister of Police Bheki Cele’s address has angered the deaf community.
Activists believe the man in the video should not be regarded as an interpreter
On Friday, 4 November, sign language activists Andiswa Gebashe and Ntombi Sikuza shared their distaste for the video and the man.
The activists say that the man in the viral clip should not be called an interpreter.
They spoke about the memorial service of former president Nelson Mandela in which a fake interpreter managed to get on stage with important dignitaries.
“If you remember during the memorial service of former president Nelson Mandela, the same thing happened. The government knew because people complained and no course was taken and that is why it is still happening,” said Sikuza.
Sikuza says there aren’t any screening or recruitment processes for interpreters
While on Newzroom Afrika, Sikuza noted that this was not the first time that the man in the video has been an interpreter its just the first time a video has gone viral.
She explained that there were no screening or recruitment processes in place to avoid situations such as these.
Sikuza also stated that the reason he is able to do these things is that there aren’t deaf people at the events he is working at.
“The reason he gets away with this is because at the events he is working at, there aren’t deaf people. So, he gets paid and we lose information and that is a violation of our rights,”
she said.
South Africa is getting a NEW official language – taking us up to 12!
Previously, it was reported that chalk this up as a major victory for inclusivity: South Africa is set to add a 12th official language to its roster this year, when our domestic version of sign language is added to the list.
This means that the deaf community will officially be recognised by the ANC government, and our Constitution will be amended. A public consultation will also take place, meaning that citizens can share their own submissions before sign language gets the official nod of approval.
Cabinet announced on Thursday that they would be rubber-stamping the move. This comes after years of campaigning from interest groups, who have tried desperately to get South African Sign Language (SASL) this iconic distinction. Read the full story here.
