Milestone for Inclusion: South African Sign Language Gains Official Status as Deaf Community Advances Representation

The official recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the country’s 12th official language in 2023 by President Cyril Ramaphosa represents a crucial milestone in the fight for inclusivity and the rights of South Africa’s deaf community. While this recognition marks progress, more work remains to be done to ensure full access and representation for the deaf community in public life.

Since the enactment, notable advancements have been made. One key moment was when Mia le Roux, a deaf model, was crowned Miss South Africa in 2024. Her victory, the first of its kind in the competition’s history, brought heightened visibility to the deaf community and underscored the importance of inclusion. Le Roux’s win symbolized more than personal achievement—it represented a step towards greater unity between the deaf and hearing communities, fostering opportunities for more recognition and inclusion at both national and international levels.

According to Nhlanhla Simelane, a language practice student and advocate for the deaf, Le Roux’s win serves as a beacon for future generations. Simelane, whose parents are deaf, points out that while the official recognition of SASL has brought some positive changes, many deaf South Africans still face barriers. Access to services remains a challenge, as there is a scarcity of SASL interpreters in public institutions like hospitals and courts.

Government departments have been urged to ensure better access for deaf citizens, with Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga calling for South Africans to learn sign language as a means to bridge the communication gap. The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) estimates that approximately 600,000 South Africans are deaf, with up to two million users of SASL. Despite these numbers, challenges such as insufficient educational resources and a lack of qualified interpreters persist. Deaf learners often face obstacles due to teachers’ limited proficiency in SASL, which hinders their education.

While the journey towards inclusivity is far from over, efforts to increase awareness, improve access to services, and promote SASL education are essential in building a society where deaf South Africans are fully included. Le Roux’s victory, alongside broader national efforts, signifies the beginning of a more inclusive future where language, rights, and opportunities are shared across all communities.