Rosebank residents weigh in on sign language being the 12th official language in South Africa

Rosebank residents hopes that the language will be introduced to children in school.

Amogelang Mphago

May 29, 2023

Jocasta Durr: I'm happy and excited because maybe this is only the start for new things in the country. Maybe our kids in schools will be introduced to the language.

The National Assembly during its plenary on May 2 afternoon approved South African Sign Language as an official language to promote the rights of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Rosebank Killarney Gazette went to the streets of Rosebank to ask residents how they feel about the news.

Here is what they had to say:

Palesa Moloi: My younger sister is also deaf and I had to learn sign language for us to communicate. I am happy that the government recognises their language.

Snethemba Zondi: I am happy but I feel like there is no change because they are only announcing this and not making any bigger changes.

Zukhanye Qabe: I am happy it’s official now because we have been living with people who use the language and some are our family members and they were not recognised in South Africa.

John Sebati: It’s painful that most of us don’t even try to learn the language and someday you will need help from someone speaking that language, but I’m happy for them.

John Lebepele: I’m happy for them maybe from now on, more people will to learn the language and communicate better with them.

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