Calls for public servants to learn sign language

THERE is an urgent need for government to ensure that all public service officials learn to communicate in sign language.

This call was made by the IFP in response to the increasing number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases involving hearing-impaired people.

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IFP KZN spokesperson on social development, Les Govender, said his party was concerned that the country’s justice system did not accommodate deaf people.

‘We believe that there might be a number of cases of abuse that go unreported, merely because police stations and social workers are not equipped to effectively communicate with deaf people.

Govender said addressing challenges facing hearing-impaired people must be a permanent project and not only an awareness issue during a specific month.

‘One month is not enough to address the challenges. Permanent and tangible solutions must be found.

‘We believe the introduction of sign language lessons in government departments will dismantle all the barriers,’ Govender said.

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