“A DEAF person can do anything. You have hands to sign and eyes to see. With sign language you can communicate.”
These were the words of Thabile Mathumbe who was the guest speaker at the launch of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS) 2020 Talk Sign campaign on Wednesday, 5 February at the V.N Nair School for the Deaf.
A feature of the campaign is Talk Sign Day on 13 March and the community is encouraged to purchase a Talk Sign sticker to wear on the day. Funds raised through the initiative will assist KZNBDS to serve the deaf community as they educate, equip and employ by helping with job placement.
KZNBDS president, Veetha Sewkeran said the campaign aims to take South African Sign Language (SASL) into society.
“We are looking at promoting sign language among schools, corporate companies and communities, as far and wide as we can to ensure deaf people are heard,” she said.
Taskeen Ameer, 2020 ambassador for Talk Sign encouraged the community to get involved with this year’s campaign.
“We are excited for this year’s campaign. Our theme is ‘Let’s Bridge the Gap.’ We hope all will get involved. We want to get to the point where all deaf children will be able to step out into a world where people know some sign language,” she said.
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As of 2019, SASL has been recognised as a Matric subject. The Talk Sign campaign hopes to see SASL recognised as South Africa’s 12th official language, not only for people who are Deaf but for everyone’s benefit.
For guest speaker, Mathumbe SASL has empowered her to communicate with family and excel at school. She matriculated from Kwa Thinkwa School for the Deaf with four distinctions last year. She was also the top student in South Africa obtaining the highest mark in SASL.
She is pursuing tertiary education this year at UKZN. Speaking to Deaf learners at the launch, she said sign language had taken her out of a world of isolation.
“Make sure you are proud of who you are, don’t stay at home alone. Communication is very important,” she added.
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For more information about the Talk Sign campaign, contact Denika Pillay on 031 309 4991 or email denika@talksign.co.za.To arrange a sign language workshop in your community, contact Taskeen Ameer via email: taskeenameer@gmail.com.
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